Will Brian Quick and the Rams break out in 2015?
Brian Quick has been hyped for a breakout since draft day. Unfortunately for the St. Louis Rams, his breakout was put on hold last year after suffering a devastating shoulder injury. But it seems that recency bias is overshadowing the production he had early in the season. After all, his ADP is still currently sitting past the 10th round. As one of the primary offensive weapons for his offense, Quick could be that gem to help both your fantasy team and the Rams into the playoffs.
Mock in minutes with our free draft simulator 
The NFC West has made some significant strides in the last four years. The Rams last contended for the division in 2011. That of course was the year that both they and the Seattle Seahawks finished the season with a 7-9 record. Not much has changed since for the Rams. But should the Rams organization give head coach Jeff Fisher the time, he could have this Rams team contending soon.
Fisher began his first four seasons with the Titans with a record of 31 wins and 33 loses. Over the next five seasons, Fisher would have a regular season winning percentage of .700, coach in nine playoff games, and come close (understatement?) to a Super Bowl victory. Are the Rams that talented? Not necessarily, but they’re making rapid strides on offense.
Securing Nick Foles at quarterback is part of the reform of the Rams offense. Adding Todd Gurley in the draft makes the Rams backfield loaded with young talent. And by not adding wide receivers in the offseason other than re-signing Kenny Britt, the Rams clearly believe that Quick is capable of building on his 2014 season. It also enables the Rams to stretch the field vertically. Last season one quarter of the passes caught by Britt and Quick were for 20 or more yards. Early during the season, NFL.com’s Matt Harmon focused his “Reception Perception” on Quick. Needless to say, the production early on in 2014 shouldn’t be dismissed nor forgotten.
Despite not playing in the first two preseason games, the Rams have officially cleared Quick for contact by removing his yellow beanie. It’s also been reported that he’s been one of the better playmakers in training camp for the Rams. For Quick, his potential breakout comes at a critical point in his career. The fourth-year wide receiver is also in a contract year, which is always heavily debated for fantasy relevance. The fact that Quick is in a contract year could however impact his value in keeper and dynasty leagues. Should he be relocated next year (no Rams jokes please), his value could spike in a more potent offense.
Last season, Quick averaged 1.92 yards per route run according to Pro Football Focus. For comparison’s sake, Jordan Matthews and Jarvis Landry averaged 1.87 and 1.86 respectively. The Rams quarterbacks also averaged an incredible 116.4 passer rating when targeting Quick. With Foles at the helm, Quick has a legitimate shot to not only improve those gaudy numbers, but be a household name by the end of the season. Should Quick suit up in the Rams’ third preseason game, dress rehearsal for Week 1, it might be the final time he’s under the radar in 2015. Make sure to target him accordingly.
Draft Wizard: Mock in minutes vs. the most accurate experts
Matt Giraldi is a correspondent at FantasyPros. To read more from Matt, check out his archive or follow him on Twitter @Mgiraldi.
