Rookie wide receiver CJ Daniels is garnering attention from media and the coaching staff during offseason organized team activities (OTA’s).
The Los Angeles Rams are crowded at receiver, although they need someone to emerge behind Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. Daniels could grow into that role. It is still very early in the offseason, and OTA’s are not a strong indicator for performance over the rest of the preseason. Padding training camp practices provide more insight. Even then the Rams are hesitant
to put rookies on the field and it could be a long while before we see Daniels or any of the youngsters playing meaningful regular season snaps.
Here’s what Sean McVay said about Daniels this week:
…he’s got a maturity. He had good-looking eyes. You feel his presence even just in the meeting room and his engagement, to be able to answer questions. But again, it’s really early on for any of these rookies. But I liked his body of work, liked the background that we did from people that you really trust and value their opinions. You’re talking about Devante (Adams), Puka (Nacua), Jordan Whittington, (Konata) Mump(field) looked good, Xavier Smith obviously played a bunch of meaningful snaps for us and then some guys on the practice squad look more comfortable going into their second year here in these concepts. Been pleased, but again it’s still so early. I’ll be able to have a little bit better (evaluation) once we put the pads on in camp…
What’s important is that Daniels is showing the right mindset, demeanor, and presence to standout early as the full roster gets together for one of the first times all offseason. His contributions on the field at this point mean very little, though impressing now could mean more opportunities later when reps carry more meaning.
While little should be expected out of Daniels as a rookie sixth-round pick, the third receiver role is up for grabs. It’s anyone’s game at this point. Why can’t Daniels emerge over Whittington, Mumpfield, or others?
