The Facts: The Rams didn't get their vertical threat until August of last year. An entire offseason program and training camp had come and gone, preseason games were about to begin, and Jared Goff had spent too much time working with other receivers to build any real, significant accord with Sammy Watkins. That won't be the case with Cooks this year. "It’s all rhythm. It’s all timing," Goff said Monday, which marked the start of the Rams' offseason program. "I think any time you can get this extra time with guys like that, especially the deep stuff, getting open -- I look forward to working with him, and I know he’s excited."

Diehards Line: The clunky chemistry between Goff and Watkins manifested itself mainly on deep balls, the ones the duo were expected to connect on. They hit on only three of 15 passes that traveled at least 20 yards through the air, placing Watkins 55th among 65 receivers with at least 10 of those targets. That brings us to Cooks, the new Watkins in many ways except for one notable difference: Cooks is here now, early enough to build chemistry with Goff before the throws start to count. "I think that rapport that exists between a quarterback, receivers, tight ends and backs is really important," HC Sean McVay said. "The more time they get to be comfortable and familiar with each other, I think the better that we'll be served as an offense. I think the learning curve won't be quite as steep." Cooks isn't as physically imposing as Watkins, whose size helped him make seven touchdown catches in the red zone. But he is faster, which will require an adjustment from Goff. But this year, the QB and wideout will benefit from the additional time.