Perhaps one of the most underrated selections in the draft, the Los Angeles Rams have set themselves up with a true playmaker by selecting Miami’s CJ Daniels in the sixth round.
Following a successful collegiate career where he helped Liberty University complete its first-ever undefeated FBS regular season and win a conference title – and assisting the University of Miami in its return to national championship relevance during the Hurricanes’ run to the title game – Daniels hopes to be the next Day 3 pick to become a breakout star for the Rams.
With players like Puka Nacua, Quentin Lake, Kyren Williams, and others currently being a flag bearer to a tradition that has existed during Les Snead’s tenure as general manager, Daniels has a lot to live up to. The good news is that Pro Football Focus’ Bradley Locker named Daniels as one of his Day 3 picks who could make an impact as a rookie.
The majority of pundits expected the Rams to find a more clear-cut third receiver with the 13th overall pick. Instead, Los Angeles took quarterback Ty Simpson — and didn’t bolster its receiving corps until the sixth round with Daniels.
Having played six years of college football at three programs, Daniels is a well-traveled prospect who’s repeatedly turned heads. With the Hurricanes in 2025, he was efficient with 1.73 yards per route run and a 3.8% drop rate. On top of that, Daniels plays bigger than his 6-foot-2 frame, holding a career 62.3% contested catch rate.
Los Angeles has repeatedly given late-round wideouts a chance, from Puka Nacua to Jordan Whittington to Konata Mumpfield. Daniels has every opportunity to stake his claim as the team’s WR3 next to Nacua and Davante Adams.
Considering the departure of Tutu Atwell, and the lack of targets Mumpfield received to end the 2025 season, the WR3 job is up for grabs. With OTAs around the corner, Daniels could be the next to impress early. After Mumpfield broke out in OTAs, Daniels’ big moment is right around the corner.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: PFF highlights Rams rookie as Day 3 pick who could have early impact
Reporting by Brock Vierra, Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
