For Rams WR Chris Givens to take the next step in 2013, he must diversify his game by becoming stronger and smoother on intermediate routes. He had just nine catches between 11 and 20 yards as a rookie.
During the offseason program, Givens pointed out that adding those routes to his game was his primary focus. As part of the plan, Givens added a few pounds to push his weight just north of 200 pounds.
Already in this training camp, Givens has made progress with his improved route running. Former Rams receivers Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt have come away impressed with Givens’ work.
Bruce said Givens is not as “herky jerky” with his routes and appears to be smoother transitioning from running the route to catching the ball. Holt echoed those sentiments.
“He’s done a really good job with his routes, cleaning up his routes,” Holt said. “Speed, big play ability, nice size, there’s still some things that he can work on from a technique standpoint. I think he’s working on it. He’s asking a lot of questions. He’s wanting to improve his game.”
The Rams clearly trust Givens to do more than just run 9-routes deep down the field as he’s actually lining up at all three receiver positions in this camp.
Givens' stock is rising after a big preseason game and these glowing reports, but the Rams' receiving corps is a tough nut to crack. Givens, Tavon Austin and Jared Cook are all being drafted as fantasy contributors. We like Givens in the 10th round of 12-team drafts.
