The Los Angeles Rams made a surprising run to the playoffs in the 2023 season despite low expectations.
Cooper Kupp’s return to the field helped, as he finished the season with 59 receptions for 737 yards and five touchdowns in 12 games.
Breakout rookie star Puka Nacua was a big reason why the Rams were successful. Nacua, a fifth-round pick in 2023, set the rookie record for receiving yards and receptions. The 23-year-old was a Pro Bowler and was named to second-team All-Pro.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford reaped the benefits of having two star receivers, putting together a solid season. The Rams went 10-7, making it to the playoffs. However, they lost in the Wild Card Round, falling to the Detroit Lions 24-23.
Heading into the 2024 season, Los Angeles may have another rookie who could make the offense more explosive.
Let’s break down the Rams’ surprising rookie playmaker who earns a massive ranking after Week 2 of the preseason.
Will Jordan Whittington be the next WR star?
The Rams have developed mid to late-round receivers into stars with Kupp and Nacua. Rookie sixth-round pick Jordan Whittington has been shining in training camp and preseason action thus far.
Between the two preseason contests, Whittington has hauled in 11 receptions for 126 yards. The 23-year-old has received high praise from teammates for his play.
During an in-game interview of the Rams-Chargers game, Kupp stated, “Yeah, man, he competes… You saw him come out to OTAs and heard so many good things as soon as we drafted him… The number of people that reached out and were just like, ‘Man, Jordan Whittington, I know him from so and so, he’s an awesome guy you’re going to love him.’ Seeing him just grow and show up to training camp ready to go. His growth in a very short amount of time has been extremely impressive.”
The high praise of Whittington from a fellow receiver gives the rookie wideout a real shot to be a key contributor for the Rams offense.
Whittington is also receiving high praise from football experts and analysts.
A recent Bleacher Report article had Whittington ranked third in rookie power rankings, only trailing Caleb Williams and Bo Nix.
Los Angeles has a clear-cut top two receivers, Kupp and Nacua. However, the third wide receiver spot could be up for grabs. Demarcus Robinson is the likely third wideout, with Tutu Atwell as a slot receiver and running on end-arounds.
The Rams have a lot of weapons for Stafford, and if Whittington continues to impress in the preseason, Sean McVay should find a role for him in the offense.
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