Can Jordan Whittington Carve Out Rookie Role With Rams?

Los Angeles Rams rookie wide receiver Jordan Whittington has been a standout performer during the preseason. In a Week 1 victory over the Dallas Cowboys, Whittington posted team highs in receptions (6) and receiving yards (74). The former Texas standout is going to carve out a role for himself this season.

Whittington carried over that momentum to Week 2. He repeated as the Rams' receiving leader by recording five receptions for 52 yards. Whittington saw a game-high eight targets and consistently made eye-opening plays when afforded the opportunity.

Through two weeks of the preseason, Whittington ranks first in receptions (11) and fourth in receiving yards (126). He continues to endear himself to head coach Sean McVay, who has routinely praised his efforts. Whittington is playing himself into the No. 3 receiver role behind Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp.

The Rams' third-most targeted receiver last season was Tutu Atwell (70). Atwell, a 2021 second-rounder who hasn't quite met expectations, is now entering the final year of his rookie contract. The Rams are preparing to eventually move on with Whittington projecting as more of an every-down receiver than the specialized speedster does.

The other receiver on the roster that poses a slight threat to Whittington's workload is DeMarcus Robinson. Robinson converted 39 targets in 16 contests last season into 26 catches for 371 yards and four touchdowns. His four scores ranked third on the team behind just Nacua and Kupp. He ultimately couldn't surpass Atwell on the depth chart though, making it easier to project Whittington outplaying them both.

The back end of the Rams' depth chart features less experience at receiver than it did going into the season a year ago now that Van Jefferson and Ben Skowronek play elsewhere. Whittington possesses a fairly clear pathway to the No. 3 receiver spot for quarterback Matthew Stafford.

Forget Atwell and Robinson, the more pressing question is how McVay's tight ends will impact Whittington's usage. 

Starting tight end Tyler Higbee returns for another campaign after being the Rams' third-most targeted pass-catcher (70) last season. Higbee also finished third in receptions (47) and receiving yards (495). However, he’s slated to miss significant time recovering from an ACL injury. General manager Les Snead signed former Seattle Seahawks tight end Colby Parkinson to a lucrative three-year contract in free agency worth $22.5 million. Parkinson projects as a massive upgrade over Davis Allen, who was last year's TE2. Allen only played 192 snaps for the Rams, who had *six* receivers out-snap him. 

When Higbee returns, Parkinson's addition indicates a shift to more 12 personnel (two tight end sets) for McVay's offense this season. That would limit the available snap-count for three receivers to be on the field, which would have a negative impact on Whittington's usage.

Whittington has been among the most productive rookies throughout two preseason contests. McVay is making an effort to involve more tight ends on offense this season, but Whittington should still serve as the preferred third wideout in 11 personnel. He should surpass Atwell and Robinson on the depth chart.