When the Los Angeles Rams hit the draft floor this year, the biggest buzz wasn't about who they picked—it was about who they didn't. While the team did snag a wide receiver in the sixth round, that's well past the point where the NFL typically unearths reliable starters. So the big question remains: if the Rams need to dig deep into their receiver depth chart next season, who's ready to step up?

With Davante Adams now 33 and already dealing with bumps and bruises in 2025, and Puka Nacua playing with the kind of fearless, all-out style that leaves him vulnerable to injuries, the odds are high that Los Angeles will need reinforcements at some point. And let's not forget, they'll be helping Matthew Stafford navigate his age-38 season. That's a lot of pressure on a receiving corps that might be tested for a game, a month, or even longer.

Right now, the depth chart points to Jordan Whittington as the next man up. But his numbers so far don't exactly inspire confidence. In 2025, Whittington actually saw less production than he did as a rookie in 2024. He does add value as a kickoff returner, and he had two catches for 35 yards in L.A.'s playoff win over the Bears—but through 36 career games, he's yet to score a touchdown and averaged just 9.5 yards per catch last season.

History isn't exactly on his side either. The list of late-round picks (sixth round, in his case) who didn't break out in their first two seasons but went on to become reliable starters is incredibly short—maybe one player per decade. For context, even Josh Reynolds, a former Rams receiver who improved in his second season and became a starter with nine career touchdowns by Whittington's age, represents a high bar that Whittington hasn't yet approached.

Rams GM Les Snead recently hinted that "receiver is always in the mix here," while head coach Sean McVay expressed confidence in Whittington, along with Konata Mumpfield and Xavier Smith, to keep developing. For now, Whittington seems perfectly suited as a WR4—a solid depth piece, but not someone you'd want to rely on as a starter for an extended stretch.

Whether the Rams look to free agency, a trade, or internal growth to shore up their receiver room, one thing is clear: this is a storyline worth watching as the season approaches.