The Los Angeles Rams made just five picks in the 2026 NFL draft, ranging from potential Day 1 contributors to long-term developmental prospects for the future of the franchise. While general manager Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay had had a lot of success in the past, there’s no guarantee any of these players will pan out in the way the team expects and hopes.
Every year, ESPN NFL expert Louis Riddick makes a list of his favorite picks for each team not picked in the first round. These players, according to Riddick, “could be significant contributor/starter within the next 2-3 years.” For the Rams, he picked sixth-round receiver CJ Daniels.
Riddick didn’t explain why Daniels was his favorite Rams pick outside of the first round, but it’s important to remember he also wanted the Rams to take Pittsburgh receiver Konata Mumpfield in the 2025 draft — which they did in the seventh round. Mumpfield isn’t a starter yet, but he was already contributing during his rookie season.
Daniels is an interesting prospect because he wasn’t wildly productive in college (50 catches for 557 yards and seven touchdowns in 2025), but has the opportunity to take the Rams’ No. 3 receiver role in Year 1 behind Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. The only competition ahead of him is Mumpfield, Xavier Smith and Jordan Whittington.
If Daniels can prove himself early in training camp, Riddick’s prediction might come to fruition even earlier.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: NFL expert says this Rams’ pick has best chance to start in 2-3 years
Reporting by Oliver G., Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
