Rams will patiently wait to be vindicated for bold CJ Daniels draft swing

Training camp is about to get underway. And while Los Angeles Rams fans have plenty to command their full attention, there are reasons to stay aware of other teams as well. One reason is to understand exactly what was behind door number two.

You see, on Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft, Los Angeles packaged three picks to move up from the 201st overall pick to the 197th. General manager Les Snead did so to ensure the selection of Miami wide receiver CJ Daniels. But at what cost?

The Rams did not add a receiver until Round 6. Daniels, though, was worth the wait. He may lack top-end speed, but he has a deep bag of tricks as a route runner and the strong hands to ensure he comes down with the catch. LA has never been the team to shy away from receivers who aren't exactly Olympic sprinters.

Was shedding three picks worth landing Daniels?

Daniels spent four seasons at Liberty before transferring to play one season at LSU and one at Miami. After an outstanding career for the Flames, he struggled to produce in the SEC with the Tigers. Fortunately, he found his niche in Miami's offense and proved he could, by Snead's analogy, play Frogger at a faster pace.

So late in the draft, Daniels may have been the last viable option for the Rams receiver room. But did LA pay too much trading three picks for one guy? You decide. Let's consider the prospects the Rams might have added.

Pick 201 | Green Bay Packers select cornerback Domani Jackson

Philadelphia ultimately traded away pick No. 201, which Green Bay used to draft Alabama cornerback Domani Jackson. Jackson is a 6-foot-1, 194-pound outside corner who looked better on paper than on the football field. Although blessed with great size and solid speed, he struggled to produce. If coached up, he could be a steal.

Pick 251 | Philadelphia Eagles select defensive tackle Uar Bernard

Uar Bernard hails from Nigeria and arrived in Philadelphia via the International Pathway Program. At 6-foot-4 and 306 pounds, the powerful Bernard is simply ultra raw, as he has yet to play a single game snap of organized football. For now, he is projected to feature on the defensive side of the football.

Almost certainly destined for the practice squad this year, Bernard is a prospect with little risk and high reward potential. He needs a heavy dose of coaching and patience to convert his promise into production.

Pick 252 | Philadelphia Eagles select edge rusher Keyshawn James-Newby

Keyshawn James-Newby is an edge rusher who made stops at Montana Tech, Idaho, and New Mexico,. He stands 6-foot-1 and weighs 240 pounds, which is a bit undersized for a guy trying to round the corner. But he has plenty of passion and a fearful initial burst.

He could find a path to Philly's roster via special teams. He'll need to hit the weight room to unlock his full NFL potential.

While Los Angeles could have addressed multiple positions with its three original picks, Daniels easily has the best chance of being a regular contributor this season versus the above trio of prospects.

Ultimately, fans must decide for themselves whether the cost to acquire Daniels was truly worth it. Unless the other rookies astound, however, Snead appears to have chosen wisely.

As always, thanks for reading.

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