The Los Angeles Rams have one of the deepest wide receiver rooms in the NFL, with Puka Nacua and Davante Adams as the superstar duo and Jordan Whittington, Tutu Atwell, Konata Mumpfield and Xavier Smith rotating in as third and fourth options as needed.
Smith joined the Rams as an undrafted free agent in 2023 following a collegiate career at Florida A&M. He spent his entire rookie season on the practice squad, before appearing in 15 games in 2024 mainly as the team’s kick returner.
This year, Smith caught one pass for 36 yards in the season opener but wasn’t targeted in the following five games. He’s made more of an impact recently, catching nine passes for 134 yards over the last five games
Speaking to the media on Thursday, Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur explained how he’s instilled confidence in Smith throughout his tenure with Los Angeles.
“I think it’s the same thing as Blake [Corum]. The more he’s played, the better he gets,” LaFleur said. “I think my comment to Xavier every single Sunday before he takes a field is, ‘You belong,’ because he does and he’s earned it. He’s earned the trust of not just the coaches, but his teammates. When he’s out there, we feel like something good is going to happen. That’s not just because he had 82 yards last game. You think about the first game, Matthew [Stafford] hitting him on that corner route, what we call a pylon route vs. Houston. That got us into scoring position. He just gets better and better with time. I know Xavier’s best days are ahead of him too.”
Smith had the best game of his career in the loss to the Carolina Panthers last week, hauling in three receptions for a career-high 82 yards, including one for 51.
Down the stretch, the Rams will need other weapons to step up for Stafford to target, and Smith could be just the guy.
More Rams: Davante Adams is seeing the most end zone targets by a WR since 2016
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Mike LaFleur details belief he has in young Rams WR: ‘You belong’
Reporting by Mike Masala, Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
