1 Rams player in danger of losing starting job after OTAs

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1 Rams player in danger of losing starting job after OTAs

Douglas Fritz, ClutchPoints · ClutchPoints

Tue, May 26, 2026 ·

4 min read

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The Los Angeles Rams hope Matthew Stafford keeps going for multiple years, and they've locked him for 2026 . However, his receiver room isn't a finished product. And here is one Rams player in danger of losing his starting job after OTAs.

For sure, the Rams are stacked with Puka Nacua firmly in the WR1 spot. Likewise, Davante Adams is the clear-cut WR2. However, the WR3 isn't locked down with Jordan Whittington currently slotted there.

And that leaves the door open for a rookie.

Rams WR Jordan Whittington is on the hot seat

Whittington enters his third NFL season after getting drafted in the sixth round in 2024. He caught 22 passes as a rookie for 293 yards. Last year, he grabbed 18 for 171 yards. He's still looking for his first NFL touchdown.

Those aren't impressive numbers. And a fresher sixth-round pick will have a chance to unseat him. CJ Daniels remained on the board in Round 6, and the Rams saw the potential fit.

He may not be a big-time NFL talent, but he could fit seamlessly behind Nacua and Adams. He has a diverse package of skills, according to The Athletic.

"Daniels doesn't have a true difference-making trait, but his package of skills is easy to appreciate," Dane Brugler wrote. "He has quality size and foot quickness with gliding movements to attack coverage. Whether wide open or double covered, he frames the ball with the same focus and prides himself on doing whatever is asked of him within the offense."

So, the lack of elite speed won't necessarily prevent the 6-foot-2, 202-pounder from making plays.

"Daniels might lack explosive speed, but he creates separation with crafty instincts and finishes with dependable ball skills," Brugler wrote. "He projects best inside as a 'big slot' in the NFL, who can rely on his awareness and toughness to be productive."

Since he's a little bigger than Whittington, that gives him an edge. And it could help erase the advantages Whittington has from already playing two NFL seasons.

Rams made a calculated draft gamble that Daniels could help pay off

Sean McVay and the Rams were criticized for selecting quarterback Ty Simpson in the first round. They passed on receiver Makai Lemon. If Daniels can earn a starting role, he would occupy the spot that Lemon would have earned.

McVay said the Rams certainly considered drafting Lemon, according to theramswire.com.

"If we thought we could really guarantee that, 'Hey, you go draft a (Kenyon) Sadiq or a Makai Lemon and that ensures that you get to the Super Bowl,' you're damn right we would've done that, but that's not how it works," McVay said. "I mean, there was a lot of deliberate discussions and conversations. The hard part is, is sometimes that means doing what's best for the possibility of the long term, and there's a little delayed gratification in that.

"There was absolutely a lot of dialogue and discussion, but the reality is our pass game goes through Davante and Puka. I think as great as Davante was last year, I think he's gonna be even better this year. I love everything he's about. Obviously, I think Puka is gonna continue to build on what's been an amazing career through three years."

There's little doubt the Rams' offense will be good in 2026. It is expected to be in the top five of the NFL. But there is a catch.

That WR3 is extremely important. That's because Nacua and Adams are exactly snap-count eaters. There will be times when the WR3 will be the top target for a play or two or even a drive.

That's why Daniels must emerge. Or Whittington must hold him off in a way that clearly establishes his spot.

Daniels said he brings more than just physical ability to the Rams, according to Sports Illustrated.

The Rams should also like some of Daniels' intangibles. "I think scouts have been able to see my character throughout this process," said Daniels in an interview with Sports Illustrated's Justin Melo. "I've endured some ups and downs throughout my career. I went to the NFL Combine and showed scouts that I'm an impact player."

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