The Los Angeles Rams are viewed as lacking depth at wide receiver behind two stars. Veteran wide receivers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams are shroded with concerns over the former's personal issues and the latter's age. Ultimately, those factors could lead to head coach Sean McVay's group regressing hard in 2026. A Day 3 rookie, of all people, in CJ Daniels may be able to help.
The Rams were considered likely to select a wide receiver early in the 2026 NFL Draft, and their decision not to address that position until the sixth round has created a situation that many analysts around the media landscape
ESPN's Aaron Schatz declared wide receiver depth to be the biggest issue facing the Rams right now. However, if Daniels plays up to his full potential, he can be perhaps the biggest part of the solution for this problem, which would make him an amazing value for a player selected in the sixth round.
Rams rookie CJ Daniels can fix wide receiver depth issue
Daniels has plenty of college production at his back. The former Liberty transfer struggled to get on the field at LSU, but after transferring to Miami, his blend of route-running, hands, and ability to get open without breakneck speed all appealed to McVay and this Rams coaching staff.
Returning veteran Xavier Smith is fast. Returning Jordan Whittington is durable. But neither has carved out a productive role on offense.
The favorite for the No. 3 wide receiver role may come down to McVay's personal preference. Jordan Whittington is tough over the middle and a great blocker, but he doesn't have a very varied route tree. Xavier Smith is a skinny deep threat, and Konata Mumpfield lacks the speed needed to get vertical.
The Rams might be trying to mitigate their lack of receiver depth by going all-in on two-tight end sets, as they added second-rounder Max Klare to a room that already has Terrance Ferguson, Tyler Higbee, and Colby Parkinson. However, McVay has often lived in 11 personnel, and the Rams should run a ton of it in 2026.
All of this gives Daniels a perfect opportunity to come right in and use his blend of crisp route-running and sure-handed style over the middle. The fact that Daniels was even available when he was proven to be a minor surprise, meaning he may have the talent of someone picked multiple rounds.
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