The Los Angeles Rams release beloved team captain Ben Skowronek, a former seventh-round pick from 2021.
The 26-year-old receiver was on the team that won the Super Bowl in his rookie year and was used as a multifaceted weapon for head coach Sean McVay’s offense.
For the Rams in 2023, the former receiver from Notre Dame was essentially phased out due to a lack of playing time and the starters they already had playing over him.
Although he didn’t get too many chances to showcase his potential as a playmaker as a Ram, they added veteran receivers the past two seasons, and Skowronek was demoted on the depth chart.
While the writing was on the wall for him in Los Angeles, I would imagine another team adds him as a special team ace before training camp begins this summer.
Los Angeles Rams: Release WR Ben Skowronek
https://gty.im/1908165984
At 6’3″ and 224 pounds, Ben Skowronek was essentially a blocker and played fullback for the Los Angeles Rams.
McVay added a new wrinkle to their run game and used him as more than just a pass catcher, making him an interesting free agent for a team if they decide not to use him as a traditional wide receiver.
I wouldn’t be surprised if a team uses him in the slot just to block in the run or even convert him to tight end. The big slot role is becoming a niche for offenses that can prove valuable when utilized correctly.
After a slow rookie year in 2021, Skowronek was used more in the offense, catching 39 passes for 376 yards. In 2022, he had a rushing touchdown, and in 2023, he got his first receiving touchdown in the NFL.
In 2022 was derailed by a season-ending calf injury but the former Northwestern transfer could still find a new team this upcoming season. His injury history and limited playing time have prevented him from getting a bigger role within the offense.
This past year, Skowronek was dealing with ankle, Achilles, hip, and back issues that lingered throughout the season despite not missing too much time. Even in 2021 as a rookie, he had multiple thigh and forearm injuries.
Los Angeles Rams: Former 7th Round Utility Weapon
https://gty.im/1925917133
With Ben Skowronek out, who will replace his role in the offense for the Los Angeles Rams?
It was clear with the signings in free agency and the NFL Draft that they might go more run-heavy than before with their acquisitions.
The former rookie guard Steve Avila is moving over to center in his second year at over 330 pounds, while free agent Jonah Jackson and Kevin Dotson, who they re-signed will be their starting guards.
The Rams also brought in more tight end insurance with Colby Parkinson, coming in from the division rival Seattle Seahawks. He could be a solid backup or potential starter, with veteran Tyler Higbee suffering a season-ending injury late last year. Davis Allen showed some flashes as a rookie in 2023 and can get in the mix with their tight-end group.
Another running back was drafted in the third round to be the backup to breakout star Kyren Williams, who offers a similar skill set. Michigan’s Blake Corum will ensure that Los Angeles won’t have to hyper-feed Williams and overuse him in the regular season. The Rams also brought in veteran Boston Scott while having Ronnie Rivers and Zach Evans on the roster, as they didn’t get it done last season when their starter was out.
I expect more dual back sets in 2024, as Williams proved to be the engine that made their offense go, along with their star receivers and veteran quarterback as key cogs of McVay’s system.
Los Angeles Rams: Potential WR Depth Options
https://gty.im/1940262209
Without Ben Skowronek, the Los Angeles Rams will have to resort to their current backups or sign a veteran receiver off free agency.
Everyone knows about the All-Pro veteran Cooper Kupp and explosive former rookie Puka Nacua but they re-signed veteran Demarcus Robinson to be their third option.
As a role player, he was productive late in the season and had 26 catches, 371 yards, and four touchdowns in the back half of the year. The only other proven depth they have in Los Angeles is Tutu Atwell, but even he hasn’t been reliable health-wise.
The former second-round pick from Skowronek’s draft class from Louisville, Atwell missed his entire rookie year and wasn’t productive in a limited role in 2022. Last season, he did what he could as a gadget-type player, catching 39 passes for 483 yards and scoring three times.
For the rest of the depth chart, with Skowronek gone, players like Tyler Johnson, Xavier Smith, Jordan Whittington, Drake Stoops, JJ Laap, and/or Sam Wiglusz could make their case on this team.
I wouldn’t rule out a free-agent receiver signing before training camp either like a Zay Jones, as with Matthew Stafford, this offense has to be all systems go for 2024.
For More Great Sports Content
Follow Andrew on Twitter at @kookykim1357, and follow us at @TotalApexSports for the updated news in ALL sports. Check out all the great content Total Apex Sports has to offer. Check us out on X @TotalApexEandG and our other sites: Total Apex Sports Bets and Total Apex Fantasy Sports.
