WOODLAND HILLS — As the Rams’ OTA practice ramped up on Tuesday, Davante Adams was holding court on the sideline.
The three-time first-team All-Pro was surrounded by fellow receivers Puka Nacua and Tutu Atwell, running back Kyren Williams and receivers coach Eric Yarber, all staring down at Adams’ feet as he explained a break, modeling the movement needed. As the rest of the group moved on to the next drill, Nacua stayed with Adams, mirroring the example that Adams repeated for him.
“I think the positive impact has already been felt from Davante,” Nacua said last week. “From the moment he walked in he’s been willing to offer information, to have new drills, to have a complete different mindset of somebody who’s played in various offenses, very different schemes and stuff like that. So it’s been exciting to hear from him.”
The environment in Woodland Hills has lived up to Adams’ expectations, too.
“It feels like I’ve been on this team for a couple years now based on how open and receptive the guys have been to me,” Adams said. “It’s been exactly what I’ve needed. I’m feeling rejuvenated.”
Since he left Green Bay following the 2021 season, Adams hasn’t found the team success he’s sought. His two-plus years in Las Vegas were marked by Raiders turmoil, including a midseason coaching change, before he was traded to the New York Jets in the middle of last season. His arrival in New York was a Hail Mary to salvage a losing season, but he only experienced more losing.
[When he signed with the Rams as a free agent in March](https://www.ocregister.com/2025/03/09/rams-wr-davante-adams-agree-to-two-year-contract/), Adams wanted to play for a contender, and to find calmer seas to navigate the final act of his career.
“It’s just about ball, it’s no other B.S.,” Adams said. “It feels like a college-type camaraderie. I don’t think I’ve seen a linebacker and a punter talk as much as what I’ve been here, or a kicker and quarterbacks. It’s just so much crossover. … Everybody’s in a good mood, it’s not like a dark cloud over the building and I’ve experienced that quite a bit over the last few years.”
Adams has spent the past couple of months building a chemistry with his new quarterback, Matthew Stafford. The receiver likes that Stafford doesn’t shy away from throwing routes when the coverage dictates he look another direction, instead forcing the defense to cover the right way instead of allowing the pre-snap look to force a check down.
And Adams appreciates Stafford’s approach, taking responsibility for a pass that’s away from the receiver instead of coaching guys on how to run their routes. Adams said he would be fine with the other approach, being the new guy and all, but he likes the collaborative tone that his new quarterback establishes.
“After every single set, it feels like we’re over there talking about, ‘Hey, this is kind of how I’m thinking that I’m going to come out of this or feel that.’ and it’s just constant dialogue,” Stafford said. “Honestly, those are the best relationships I’ve had with the receivers and the most success that I’ve had is guys that want to talk to you on what they felt, what they were doing.”
#### RAMS TO HONOR DONALD
The Rams announced on Tuesday that they will hold a halftime ceremony honoring three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald during the team’s Nov. 23 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The first 60,000 fans in attendance will receive a bobblehead of Donald, who retired last year after spending his entire career with the Rams, earning eight first-team All-Pro selections and 10 Pro Bowl nods.
#### DURANT HONORED BY NFLPA
Rams cornerback Cobie Durant was named the 2025 Black College Football Pro Player of the Year by the NFL Players Association over the weekend.
“I want to thank the NFLPA for allowing me to showcase this award and be a part of this award,” Durant said in a statement. “I’m proud to continue this tradition for the HBCUs.”
Durant, who attended South Carolina State, finished the 2024 season with 40 tackles, an interception and a sack. He also recorded a sack and an interception on consecutive possessions during the Rams’ playoff win against the Minnesota Vikings.
“He’s continuously gotten better. He works at it,” head coach Sean McVay said. “Really been really pleased with him.”