It’s become very apparent in the last eight years that Les Snead and Sean McVay have a great eye for wide receiver talent. Whether in the draft or free agency, the Los Angeles Rams always seem to find playmakers at the position.
Cooper Kupp won Offensive Player of the Year in 2021, Puka Nacua had the best rookie season ever by a wide receiver in 2023 and now Jordan Whittington is trying to become the next gem uncovered by the Rams.
Whittington, who played five years at Texas, was drafted by Los Angeles in the sixth round this year. He’s still getting a grasp of the offense, only being in his first week of training camp, but he’s made a great impression already.
On Thursday, the second practice of camp, Whittington was getting reps with the first-team offense – quite the surprise considering he’s a sixth-round rookie with four proven players ahead of him on the depth chart.
He’s caught Kupp’s eye already, with the veteran receiver calling him “pretty special” after the team’s second practice.
“What he’s done, he’s been so impressive,” Kupp said on “Inside Rams Camp.” “The learning curve is so fast for him. He’s really come out, you see him getting reps with the ones out here, too. Pretty special dude. He’s got some gas, also.”
At one point in practice, Whittington beat former All-Pro cornerback Tre’Davious White for a reception down the left sideline. He was wide open, easily getting behind the corner and shallow enough that the safety couldn’t make a play.
It was during team drills where the first-team offense was going against the starting defense, too.
coach said to post so we did. pic.twitter.com/bsaI2KhuQG
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) July 26, 2024
McVay likes what he’s seen from the rookie wideout, as well. On Wednesday, he mentioned Whittington’s versatility after saying his role is still to be determined on offense.
“I think it’s to be determined. I think he’s a versatile skillset for us,” McVay said. “We obviously have some guys in that receiver room that are great examples for him to be able to learn from. (WRs coach) Eric Yarber, (offensive assistant) Nate Scheelhaase and (offensive assistant) Rob Calabrese have really done a great job coaching that room up. It’s just the first day of training camp. I like the way that he’s approached the offseason and did some good things today, but we have a long way to go. I like what I’ve seen from him so far.”
Between Kupp, Nacua and Demarcus Robinson, the Rams’ top three receivers are just about set. Tutu Atwell is battling Robinson for the third spot, but he’ll most likely end up as WR4 – as long as Whittington doesn’t unseat him.
As training camp rolls on, it’ll be worth monitoring who between Whittington and Atwell is getting more first-team reps because that’ll be an indication of how the rotation might shake out in the regular season.
