The Los Angeles Rams have a knack for finding elite receivers outside of the first round of the draft. First, they got Cooper Kupp in the 3rd round. Six years later they drafted Puka Nacua in the 5th round. Is Jordan Whittington the next iteration of this skill?
It’s far too early to say, but the former six-rounder is off to a good start. His six catches and 74 yards were one of the best rookie performances in the first week of the 2024 preseason.
Los Angeles Rams Rookie, Jordan Whittington Leads 2024 Rookies in Several Stats
Whittington’s six catches topped all rookie receivers. His yardage was second to Jermaine Burton of the Cincinnati Bengals, but only by eight yards.
Burton was drafted in the third round and was one of 29 wide receivers taken before Whittington.
The highlight of his day was a 30-yard catch and run on an inbreaking route early in the first quarter. This was the 5th biggest gain among his draft class.
His four first downs doubled the next-best receivers from 2024’s draft.
Whittington caught the first pass of the day, which he took for 13 yards. Later in that drive, he caught his current career-long pass of 30 yards. He was able to keep a drive alive when he caught a pass for 13 yards on a 3rd and 8. Then again on that same drive, he caught a pass for 4 yards on a 4th and 3.
His day was over after the first drive of the second half was over. When he came off the field Bennett struggled to find the same connection with the other receivers on the field.
In a post-game interview, Whittington shared that today was the first time inside SoFi Stadium. His thoughts? “I love it here.”
