CJ Daniels has every opportunity to become Rams' next diamond in the rough

The Los Angeles Rams pivoted last season to make tight ends a focal point of the offense. How much of that was an innovative revelation, and how much was simply an invention born of necessity, namely injuries and depth concerns in the receiver room, is up for debate. Whatever the case, the Rams have always loved their wideouts, and that's still the case.

In the ebb and flow of playcalling strategy, it would make sense to re-emphasize receivers. One way the team did that was by trading up to draft receiver CJ Daniels in the sixth round this year. The investment makes even more sense given the Rams' track record in unearthing Day 3 diamonds in the rough (hello, Puka Nacua).

General manager Les Snead traded three late picks to the Eagles - the 207th, 251st, and 252nd overall in the 2026 draft - to move up to grab Daniels at No. 197. What did Snead know about him that made him worth three other selections? We will soon find out. Let's trust him on this one.

CJ Daniels is quietly waiting to become latest Rams success

In recent history, rookie Rams receivers have seen limited opportunities. In 2024, Jordan Whittington fought for scraps behind Nacua, Cooper Kupp, and Tutu Atwell. In 2025, Konata Mumpfield was buried behind Nacua and Davante Adams. It didn't help that the rookie seventh-rounder missed out on a chance to get training-camp reps with quarterback Matthew Stafford, due to the latter's injury.

Stafford appears to be healthy this time around, which will benefit the development of the entire receiver room. Meanwhile, the depth chart is wide open. Daniels has as much a chance as anyone to earn a share of snaps and targets. And with opportunity comes production.

While Daniels is unlikely to burst onto the scene like Nacua - who went for nearly 1,500 receiving yards in Year 1 - the offense doesn't need him to. Simply putting up modest numbers - say 300 to 400 yards and a few touchdowns - would be a great start to his career. And Rams fans should be optimistic in his ability to deliver exactly that.

As always, thanks for reading.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow