Here are 3 Rams rookies from 2024 who need larger roles in 2025

WR Jordan Whittington

The LA Rams found a diamond-in-the-rough in Round 6 of the 2024 NFL Draft in Texas rookie wide receiver Jordan Whittington. Entering the draft, the Rams wide receiver room seemed to be saturated with veteran contributors who, if they managed to follow suit with past performances, would wow the NFL with outstanding production.

Ah, but that is not what happened. The Rams lost both WRs Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp early in the season, and Jordan Whittington found himself starting three games for the team. While he did not catch a touchdown pass, he did manage to haul in 22 of 28 passes for 293 yards. He also ran twice for a total of 12 yards.

Unlike Corum, whose early selection mandated a much greater role on offense out of the gates, Whittington's late selection on Day 3 allowed his role to grow organically in the offense. He truly came into his own in Week 18, when he caught three of four passes for an incredible 86 yards as well as recording two run for 12 yards. He proved his proficiency and versatility in that game, creating a huge baseline to spring from in 2025.

Plus you can add his superb ability to return kickoffs for the team in the second half of the season.

However the Rams offense evolves this offseason, Whittington is a vital component of almost any scenario. He is tough as nails, a young physical receiver whose light workload will only serve to make him that much stronger this season. He can test the back end of defenses, averaging 21.5 yards per target in Week 18 against the Seattle Seahawks starting secondary. He can carry the football, sustaining the Rams willingness to keep receivers active in the running game. He can block, return kickoffs, and offer a different skillset to a rather homogenous receiver room.

What I love most about Jordan Whittington is his willingness to work in the shadows. He is the man behind the curtain, the huckster pulling the levers and turning the dials while the great Wizard of Oz occupies everyone's attention.

While veteran Demarcus Robinson has pleaded his case to return to the Rams in 2025, Jordan Whittington's emergence may make re-signing Robinson unnecessary. I love what he can do in this offense in 2025. Hopefully, the Rams coaching staff agrees.

As always, thanks for reading.

More Rams News, Rumors, Draft, and Analysis