Getty Jonathan Mingo performs during a receiving drill on March 4, 2023 in Indianapolis for the NFL Scouting Combine.
Time to start thinking about who’ll replace Allen Robinson on the Los Angeles Rams.
With “A-Rob” heading towards a trade per the NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero on Monday, March 6, and with the NFL Scouting Combine wrapped up, wide receiver could now become a high need for the Rams once April 28 rolls around for the NFL draft. And with the crop of talent representing the 2023 class, the Rams and the offense Sean McVay has in place have some options to prevent themselves from breaking the bank via free agency.
Sure, given the Rams’ past free agency nature, they could still turn to the free agent market to fill the spot Robinson will leave (former Rams Odell Beckham and Robert Woods are out there and can sign anywhere effective March 15). But five wideouts — based off film study, combine performance and overall potential fit in this offense — could now be worth the look on the Rams’ end.
Here’s what you need to know:
Jonathan Mingo, Ole Miss
Say the Rams want to give using a big receiver one more try, but go younger. The 6-foot-2, 220-pound Jonathan Mingo has to be the best option here.
He’s got the chiseled frame that makes him look like a younger version of past Rebels legend DK Metcalf. But he’s a crisp route runner at that size and fundamentally sound, according to Arrowhead Pride writer Nate Christensen. He’s also a willing blocker — perfect for this offense.
Mingo turned in a 4.46 time in the 40-yard dash and leaped to a 39-feet-5-inches vertical in Indianapolis. He’s been compared to three-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl 47 winner Anquan Boldin by nfl.com draft expert Lance Zierlein.
Jalen Moreno-Cropper, Fresno State
If the Rams pivot back to a smaller but faster option, plus resort to whoever played for a past producer of NFL talent, then Jalen Moreno-Cropper is the guy.
The Fresno State star boosted his stock by blazing his 40 in 4.40, tying him for fifth among wideouts. His releases and run-after-catch ability, however, add to the intrigue in the Rams offense. While he made several highlight plays in the Bulldog uniform, this explosive YAC play proves he’s NFL worthy when he beats not one but five different Connecticut defenders in front of him to the end zone.
It should also help the Rams knowing Moreno-Cropper came from Jeff Tedford — the same head coach who turned Keenan Allen, Marvin Jones and DeSean Jackson into NFL WRs and recently helped get KeeSean Johnson to shatter Fresno State records.
Marvin Mims, Oklahoma
It’s hard to call an Oklahoma receiver underrated. But Marvin Mims is widely considered that compared to past OU great CeeDee Lamb — and hasn’t been listed as a top five WR for this class.
Mims is perfect for the Rams to capitalize if he’s around the third round or lower. Mims is a long strider whose speed appears to build up the more steps he takes. He’s smooth with his releases and knows how to adjust on long balls.
Even more impressive outside of his 4.38 time in the 40, the 5-foot-11, 183-pounder jumped to 39-feet-5-inches in the vertical.
Nathaniel ‘Tank’ Dell, Houston
Nathaniel Dell is a “touchdown-making machine,” according to NFL analyst Zierlein, known for scoring 14 touchdowns in his final nine games in a Houston uniform.
Part of it is because Dell knows how to separate himself from defenders using his speed, especially coming out of his breaks. He’s also got a dangerous return man background.
Dell, however, appears to be more of a replacement for unrestricted free agent Brandon Powell, especially given his diminutive 5-foot-8, 165-pound frame, though he executed his version of a Cooper Kupp “flat China” route in February, according to NFL Rookie Watch. Still, his history of torching defenses and scoring multiple touchdowns (six games scoring two touchdowns each last season) makes him a potential receiver addition.
Michael Wilson, Stanford
Michael Wilson may be worth a later round find in Day 3 if the Rams opt to use the draft to fill other needed areas such as offensive line and edge rusher.
The Cardinal wideout isn’t a blazer (ran a 4.58 in Indy). He’s capable of creating an early gap between him and his corner with his strides, but after the catch is where he excels — as his 6-foot-2, 213-pound frame proved to be a handful for defenders to bring down. He’s also got an attitude teams should love — “I’m obsessed with trying to perfect my craft,” he said at the Senior Bowl, according to sportswriter Faraz Siddiqi — and has been a captain, proving his leadership qualities.
There’s also this: Wilson grew up in nearby Simi Valley, so he would be a local get for Los Angeles.