The Los Angeles Rams surrounded veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford with a new wave of offensive skill players, as well as reuniting him with the starting center from Super Bowl LVI, Coleman Shelton. The team even added veteran wide receiver Davante Adams to the mix, giving Stafford a reason to come to practice with a bit of a skip in his step.
But even as the Rams turn the page to a new chapter for the offense, not every offensive play will steer the football to new faces. Yes, this is an offense that no longer boasts the go-to qualities of veteran Cooper Kupp. But the Rams loved what they added in the 2024 NFL Draft in rookie wide receiver Jordan Whittington. And as much as I'd love to see the team's offense focus on a trio of Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, and Tutu Atwell, even I cannot deny that something, or someone, is missing.
That missing link is second-year receiver Jordan Whittington, and I would be shocked if he does not get a much larger role in the offense this year.
WR Jordan Whittington is ideally positioned to breakout for Rams in 2025
Standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 202 pounds, second-year WR Jordan Whittington is what remains of the Cooper Kupp clones on the Rams roster. Gone are Demarcus Robinson, Tyler Johnson, and Cooper Kupp himself, leaving just Whittington to handle the workload for a crisp route-runner who can block like a tight end but who can put up plenty of yards after the catch.
So, why should we expect second-year wide receiver Jordan Whittington to flourish in the Rams offense? Well, it all starts from the fact that he impressed HC Sean McVay in his rookie season. At the time, he was buried on the team's depth chart. But he has every opportunity to see playing time and earn his share of targets this year.
He was targeted just 28 times in 2024, but emerged with 22 receptions for 292 receiving yards and 14 first downs. He even rushed twice for 12 yards. Above and beyond all of this, he is a sound blocker, runs crisp routes, and is not afraid to catch the football in traffic.
The Rams have plenty of new tools in their offensive toolbox for 2025. But sometimes, even the most proficient artisan finds himself using a familiar tool to get the job done. Whittington is the type of receiver who will find himself becoming more and more popular as the season wears on, if for no other reason than the simple fact that the offense relies on receivers like himself to make plays.
Not much is being said about Jordan Whittington right now. But do not allow the lack of accolades and trail markers to throw you off the trail. Whittington is the variable, the wild card. At the first sign of injury or struggle, he is the first receiver whose number will be called. And once he proves his ability to step up, this team will not ask him to sit back down.
The Rams' offense is thick at the tight end and running back positions. But the runway is clear for Jordan Whittington to take off in 2025. Place your trays in the locked position, and buckle your seatbelts, Rams Fans. Air Jordan is taxiing on the runway and is about to take off this year.
As always, thanks for reading.
