CJ Daniels may deny Jordan Whittington first chance to show up big in offense

The Los Angeles Rams have a clear-cut one-two punch atop the wide receiver depth chart. It's hard to do better than elite wide receivers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. After that, however, the No. 3 receiver slot remains wide open. Look for that competition to come down to a head-to-head between rookie sixth-rounder rookie CJ Daniels and third-year wideout Jordan Whittington.

A former sixth-rounder himself, Whittington took a step back last year after contributing modestly as a rookie. Still, he should consider himself the leading incumbent candidate to win the WR3 role. Konata Mumpfield, a 2025 seventh-rounder, has promise, but he just wasn't on the field much last season. Xavier Smith profiles as more of a deep-shot weapon than a regular target. 

Hopes are quietly high for Daniels. Whittington can't afford to sleep on the rookie. Daniels just might snatch the opportunity out from under his nose in the Los Angeles receiver room. 

Whittington vs Daniels shaping up as Rams training camp competition to watch

Daniels established himself as a reliable red-zone threat at Miami. His seven receiving touchdowns were second-most on the team. When the lights got bright, Daniels took his game to the next level. He caught at least seven passes in each of the Hurricanes' playoff games, including four for 62 yards in the National Championship against Indiana. 

In the regular season, four of his touchdowns came against ranked opponents. His best game of the year came against then-18th-ranked Florida State. In a 28-22 win, Daniels notched five catches for 78 yards and two scores. 

Although he is a rookie, his six years of college experience, including a 1,000-yard 2023 season at Liberty, give him a leg up in the NFL. Daniels already has the sure hands and body of a pro receiver at 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds.

Whittington will have to get back on track to fend off Daniels and take advantage of the most wide-open opportunity in his Rams career. The veterans blocking his way in 2024 are gone. No Cooper Kupp. No Demarcus Robinson. No Tutu Atwell. 

That year, Whittington managed to amass 293 receiving yards while drawing 28 targets. Compare that to his 2025 numbers: 171 receiving yards on 25 targets. He's still seeking his first career touchdown. 

Even more concerningly, he faded away down the stretch. In his final 10 games, Whittington tallied just six receptions for 50 yards. He was targeted twice all postseason.

Unless the Rams make an unexpected signing or trade, Daniels will have a real shot to beat out Whittington, Mumpfield, and Smith for the No. 3 spot in the rotation. Training camp should tell us a lot. 

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