3 reasons why you shouldn't sleep on WR Jordan Whittington in 2025

(1) - He overachieved in 2024 (in a good way)

The Los Angeles Rams selected Texas rookie WR Jordan Whittington in Round 6 of the 2024 NFL Draft with the 213th overall pick. That's easy to overlook, because Whittington has always shown up well whenever he steps foot onto a football field. But solid performers are uncommon from Round 6 or 7 in and NFL draft.

I was very surprised to learn that Jordan Whittington's 293 receiving yards was the most recorded by a Rams rookie from Round 6 or later since Bucky Pope did so in 1964. That was sixty years ago:

And yet, I'm conflicted over the belief that had Whittington had a larger role in the offense, he could have been that much more productive for the team.

Whittington was not a Pro Bowler in 2024. But catching nearly 80 percent of his targets for nearly 300 yards as a rookie is nothing to sneeze at. Whittington average 10.5 yards per target, and 13.3 yards per catch. In 22 catches, he moved the chains 14 times. He rushed twice for 12 yards, and moved the chains for a first down with each rushing attempt.

The only thing Whittington was not asked to do in 2024 was drop back and pass the football.

Whittington never had a bad game. Whenever thrown to three times or less in a game, he caught every pass. When thrown to four times, he caught three passes. When thrown to eight times, he caught six passes. When thrown to 10 times, he caught seven passes. But the Rams failed to target him at all in 11 games in 2024.

Staying mentally prepared for each game in a 17-game schedule takes a great deal of mental discipline. Rookies are often unable to flip the switch from no work to suddenly being involved in the game. Somehow, Whittington mastered that ability in his first NFL season.

While the Rams are still constructing their roster, the team is set with the wide receiver rotation already for 2025. If the team starts Davante Adams, Puka Nacua, and Tutu Atwell, then Jordan Whittington and Xavier Smith become the team's primary rotational receivers. That affords this team an opportunity to let the chips fall where they may in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft.

Perhaps the Rams will add offensive weapons. But they are not forced to. After all, Jordan Whittington's stock is rising for good reason. It may simply be a matter of sitting back and watching Whittington do his stuff in 2025.

As always, thanks for reading.

Here are some other Rams wide receiver articles you may enjoy