Wide receiver Robert Woods returned to his hometown in 2017 and delivered in a big way — becoming one of the Rams standout leaders on and off the field.

In his inaugural season back in Southern California, the former USC standout caught 56 passes for 781 yards receiving and five touchdowns. Not only was he a significant contributor on the field, but he also developed into a leader in the team's receiving room.

"He's been great," head coach Sean McVay said of Woods. "He's been everything and more than what we had hoped when we got him in free agency. Just the way that he's goes about his daily work, his daily business, I think he's influencing his teammates in the right way."

The Rams acquired the wideout in early March, when Woods signed a five-year contract as a free agent after spending four seasons in Buffalo. And though Woods' postseason ended a bit earlier than he thought it would, the receiver said he still "had a lot of fun with this team and enjoyed going to work everyday."

"Exciting, just a very fun season," Woods said recently. "Had a lot of fun with these guys on the field, off the

field, in the locker room and just even in meeting rooms. We had big goals and big aspirations for this team, [but] it doesn't stop, we just pick it up next year."

Woods spent the year as a steady offensive contributor, starting with the season opener against the Colts. He quickly developed into one of the club's most productive wide receivers — an integral piece to a team that finished the season No. 1 in scoring. The receiver also recorded several of the team's standout plays of the season — including a 52-yard touchdown on 3rd-and-33 against the Giants, and a 94-yard touchdown in the victory over the Texans. 

"He's been huge, he's been as big as anybody on this team," quarterback Jared Goff said. "I think even if you take away everything that he does on Sunday's, it's been truly impressive seeing him day in and day out — the way we he works and brings guys along. I'm happy to have him, and I know he's happy to be here."

Woods' season took a hit when he suffered a shoulder injury in Week 11's loss to the Vikings, but he still came up big for the club down the stretch — especially during Wild Card Weekend when he recorded a team-high 142 yards receiving.  

Overall, the receiver averaged 13.9 yards per catch through 12 games this year and recorded the most productive season of his five-year career.  

"I just go out there and play," Woods said of his production. "If the ball finds me, it finds me. But every time I go out there, I'm working. Always trying to be that No. 1 that makes plays for the team, for the quarterback. I work to be the No. 1 every time."

And as the Rams offseason kicks off, Woods said he was eager to continue building next year.  

"It's our first year and I think it's a good start — a great start — but just keep building," he said. "Went to the playoffs, got knocked out first round, but everybody has this feeling of wanting to work and get better. And it's just a start. McVay changed the culture around here, players bought in, and it's just the start of something great."