4 takeaways from Rams trading up for WR CJ Daniels

The Los Angeles Rams made the decision to trade up in the NFL draft on Saturday, after doing so twice last year. They moved up to the 197th selection, adding Miami Hurricanes wide receiver CJ Daniels.

Here are four takeaways from the move and selection of Daniels.

Ability to make an impact early without the pressure to do so

Daniels had one of the best catches of the 2025 collegiate season, snagging a one-handed touchdown against Notre Dame. Daniels has many of the traits that the Rams love in receivers: high-effort player with an ability to make contested catches. He doesn't create a lot of natural separation and doesn't have the breakaway speed of his contemporaries, but the Rams' ability to mirror the run and the pass makes up for those deficiencies.

He's entering a team that doesn't have a pressing need at the position, but if asked to make spot appearances, Daniels has the film to prove he will answer the call.

Long-term option as a WR3

At this point, unless the Rams make an unforeseen move, the succession plan for Davante Adams is Konata Mumpfield. Adams and Mumpfield have a tremendous relationship; Mumpfield has a season of experience under his belt, and within one year, Mumpfield went from a seventh-round rookie to a starter in the Rams' 11 personnel offense.

Jordan Whittington only has two more years on his deal, and Xavier Smith is set to be a free agent after this season. Considering looming extensions for players like , , and others, the team likely won't have the money to keep most of their wide receiver room, setting up Daniels to be the team's long-term option as a WR3.