Rams undrafted rookie already outplaying Lions’ self-proclaimed best in the world

The Los Angeles Rams have a sharp eye for wide receiver talent. While some positions remain a struggle, whether due to low valuation or missed scouting, the front office has a proven knack for finding gems at wideout. Over the past three drafts, they landed Puka Nacua in Round 5, Jordan Whittington in Round 6, and Konata Mumpfield in Round 7. All three are expected to contribute to the offense in 2025.

But they’re not the only newcomers making noise. Even undrafted rookies have shown command of the offense this preseason, giving Los Angeles an even deeper pool of options at the position. Not everyone will make the 53-man roster, but the talent showing up in camp has been hard to miss.

That’s what makes the situation with Detroit’s Jackson Meeks interesting. The undrafted wideout has been vocal about his strong preseason, even going so far as to call himself one of the best players in the world. Yet Meeks has played in three preseason games while most teams have only played two. And when stacked against Brennan Presley, who’s quietly put together an even better case in fewer opportunities, the comparison starts to tilt heavily toward Presley.

Brennan Presley quietly outshines Jackson Meeks in preseason

Meeks has been loud, but it’s worth noting he’s played in three preseason games while most receivers around the league have only had two. That extra opportunity, 50 percent more snaps than others, certainly helps, but it also undercuts his claim of being one of the best players in football.

Rams wideout Brennan Presley isn’t shouting from the mountaintops about his preseason play. He faced the same Chargers defense that lined up against the Lions in the Hall of Fame Game. In that outing, he caught the lone pass thrown his way for five yards against Los Angeles’ depth players.

When the Rams faced that same Chargers defense, this time with starters on the field, Presley delivered, hauling in six of eight targets for 102 yards. While it’s impossible to say definitively which performance was more dominant, it’s clear that against a common opponent, 102 yards stands out far more than five.

Both Meeks and Presley face uphill battles to secure spots on their respective rosters. It’s possible Meeks has been advised by his agent to talk himself up in hopes another team takes notice if he’s released. But drawing attention with bold claims isn’t always the smartest approach.

NFL players love shutting down braggarts. General managers hate bringing outspoken players into the locker room. It’s not bias, it’s the uncertainty that comes with that personality. And Jackson Meeks, frustrated by the lack of recognition for his play, has chosen to become a lightning rod. Good luck with that.

Presley is the better player. In two games, Meeks has caught four of five passes for 84 yards and a touchdown. Presley, in the same span, has hauled in eight of ten for 113 yards and a score. When you compare apples to apples, Presley comes out on top. Don’t tell NFL teams that, though. If he’s released, the hope is that he lands on the Rams’ practice squad. As always, thanks for reading.

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