Could The Rams Have Harvin?
Nov 4, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Percy Harvin (12) prior to the game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated Minnesota 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
Might Percy Harvin be the missing piece to the Rams’ receiver puzzle? The guy is an outstanding receiver; you know, if you like receivers who are crazy fast, have hands that could catch Houdini and can make entire defenses miss tackles. Oh yeah, did I mention that he’s deadly while returning kicks too?
The Rams, who turned out a less than stellar passing game last season, could dramatically improve themselves with the addition of a speedy threat like Harvin. Package Harvin with the newly acquired Titus Young and that is a recipe for being outright dangerous in open space because the two are scarily similar in nearly all aspects.
Harvin ran a 4.41 second 40 yard dash at the combine while Young posted a 4.43 second time. Both receivers had been previously recorded in the 4.3 range. Harvin, who just finished his 4th year, has racked up 3,302 total yards, on 280 receptions, with 20 total touchdowns. The 2012 season brought just 9 healthy games for Harvin, yet he still put up 677 yards on 62 receptions and 3 touchdowns.
Young, entering his 3rd year in the league, racked up 990 yards and 10 touchdowns from 81 receptions. Both receivers check in at 5’11” and very close to 180lbs each. The two both have great hands, are strong on their routes, but they differ in their after the catch abilities. Harvin is a truly gifted receiver and he’s proven himself as one dancing his way through all the NFL defenses he met. Young, who played behind the likes of Calvin ‘Megatron’ Johnson and Nate Burleson, hasn’t had his potential fully realized yet but did impress given his limited looks.
The struggles all NFL teams are going to have to weigh with Harvin go deeper than the money he’s undoubtedly going to demand. Harvin struggled with migraine issues in 2011 and then added ankle problems to his injury resume during the 2012 season. Since the news broke about Harvin possibly being put on the trade block, information about his blow ups with the Vikings staff has become more and more public.
Sep 23, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Percy Harvin (12) catches a pass over San Francisco 49ers cornerback Carlos Rogers (22) in the first quarter at the Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Les Sneed, Ram’s General Manager, joined NFL AM this morning where he discussed Titus Young being picked up off waivers by his organization. Sneed talked about being pleased with the acquisition. He cited a private workout he attended several years earlier with Young where Sneed was very impressed with his talent and passion for the game. Sneed was asked about Steven Jackson’s contract; however he declined to comment on it. He also spoke about becoming competitive in the now fierce, NFC West. He commented that the 49ers and Seahawks are tough and acknowledged that the Rams need to improve to be able to compete regularly on their level.
Sneed also joined the St. Louis branch of ESPN Radio on 101.1 FM’s The Fast Lane this afternoon and candidly discussed what is considered when looking at a player like Percy Harvin with his off the field and injury issues. He told the Fast Lane that in his mind, each player and their issues are unique to that player and every potential Rams player must be treated as such. While he wouldn’t say the Rams were interested in Harvin, there was nothing to indicate that the Rams weren’t interested, which for fans of Harvin transplanting to St. Louis, is a small bit of light at the end of a long and improbable tunnel. For the Rams, Harvin could be that missing link they’ve needed to make the leap to serious contender offensively. For now, if nothing else, he makes for some interesting discussion.