Forgotten Rams receiver just re-introduced himself with a bang

2025 ended for undrafted Los Angeles Rams receiver Mario Williams with an injury during the preseason. Team and player reached an injury settlement, Williams was waived, and that was the last Rams fans heard of him until he signed a futures contract in January. 

Fans heard barely anything else about Williams until he burst onto the scene on Day 6 of 2026 training camp, held at Loyola Marymount University.

Observed Rams beat writers Stu Jackson and Zach Edwards: "After a quiet camp so far, Williams made a statement on Day 6. He had multiple receptions over the field, including a diving catch on a scramble drill from Bennett that brought applause from the crowd at LMU."

It doesn't seem like much, but that is fantastic news. Coming off a senior year at Tulane in which Williams led the American Conference in receiving yards, it was frustrating to have his rookie hopes dashed so soon. Now, he is making a bid to throw his hat in the ring to put some pressure on the backend of the Rams' receiver rotation.

Williams shines in Rams training camp after missing all last season

No, it does not feel likely that Williams cracks the 53-man roster. He still has Jordan Whittington, Konata Mumpfield, Xavier Smith, and CJ Daniels ahead of him on the depth chart. With a battalion of tight ends likely to feature prominently in the Rams offense once again, carrying more than six receivers - the aforementioned quartet plus Puka Nacua and Davante Adams - would seem superfluous.

For Williams, though, it's all about putting one foot in front of the other to reinvigorate his career.  Building on his Day 6 breakout could put him in position to contend for a roster spot in case of injury, or at least solidify his status as a practice squad member who could draw interest from other teams.

Despite going undrafted, Williams enjoyed a productive college career at Oklahoma, USC, and Tulane that crescendoed in his final season. In 14 games, he amassed 1,031 receiving yards and six touchdowns on 17.2 yards per catch, establishing himself as a downfield threat despite his lack of top-end speed. 

Peaking at the right time, in five of his last six games for the Green Wave Williams recorded at least four catches and 90 receiving yards, adding a touchdown in each of his last three. Before being injured in the Rams' preseason, he had two catches for 46 yards and a score. Even as an undersized target at 5-foot-9 and 178 pounds, Williams has plenty of potential. 

In Los Angeles, it's hard to envision him making the team unless as a replacement for the similarly undersized Smith, and Williams does not have Smith's skill set as a returner. Still, it's an unmistakable positive to see his name in training-camp headlines, reintroducing himself to Rams fans after a year-long hiatus. 

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