Rams dangle rookie deep threat to keep Matthew Stafford content in 2026

Stop if you've heard this before, but the Los Angeles Rams just drafted a wide receiver to come in and be a deep threat. That's gone well in the past. Van Jefferson, Tutu Atwell…

Never mind that. General manager Les Snead did not exactly surround quarterback Matthew Stafford with weapons during the 2026 draft. He finally got one by trading up to take Miami receiver CJ Daniels with the 197th pick. 

It's not Makai Lemon. It's not Chris Brazzell or Ted Hurst. But it's something. And after waiting six rounds for it to happen, fans should allow themselves a bit of tentative excitement, or at least some relief, now that the Rams have finally drafted a receiver. 

Daniels has path to win Stafford's favor right away

Despite his projection as a seventh-rounder or undrafted free agent, Daniels might be something of a steal. At Miami, he was Carson Beck's favorite end-zone target after Malachi Toney, reeling in seven touchdowns on the season. Daniels finished the year with 50 catches for 557 yards, including four receptions for 62 yards in the national title loss to Indiana. 

If Daniels plays his way into a role for the Rams, Stafford will find a use for him. Unlike Atwell, the former Hurricanes pass catcher has good size at 6-foot-2 and 202 pounds. He isn't a traditional rookie, either; Daniels has more football experience than most first-year pros, putting in 66 games over six seasons. 

His mature age might limit his projected upside, but it also means he could be more prepared to make an immediate impact, even a modest one, in the NFL. Before transferring to LSU and then Miami, Daniels dominated at Liberty. He posted a 1,000-yard season in 2023 and averaged 18.5 yards per catch during his Flames career. 

He wasn't as much of a big-play machine at the higher levels of college football, but he remained a productive target. Daniels took another step last season to become a major red-zone threat. He caught scouts' attention for his knack for creating space and winning contested catches. 

In the Rams' top-heavy receiver room, he'll have a wide-open opportunity to climb his way up the depth chart. Konata Mumpfield, Xavier Smith, and Jordan Whittington will be his main competition for available targets.

Whereas Atwell entered the league at 21, Daniels is already 24 years old. He's five inches taller and 47 pounds heavier than Atwell's listed height and weight at the NFL Combine. He should have an easier time cracking the ice as a rookie (Atwell didn't play in Year 1). 

Consider too that Mumpfield was a 242nd overall pick in 2025. Whittington was drafted at No. 213 two years ago. Smith is an undrafted free agent. Puka Nacua is a former 177th overall pick. 

Daniels might not be the instant WR3 fans hoped for, but he could absolutely outdo the 293 receiving yards Whittington posted as a rookie. In a receiver room full of Day 3 picks, he should feel right at home. Don't be surprised if he carves out a share of targets early on.

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