The rising star you shouldn’t sleep on in 2025: Jordan Whittington’s time to shine.
The Los Angeles Rams’ offense is set for an overhaul in 2025. With veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford leading the charge, the team faces the challenge of replacing three key wide receivers who are no longer part of the roster. Gone are Cooper Kupp, Demarcus Robinson, and Tyler Johnson, and in their place, the Rams have secured the services of Davante Adams, a former standout with the New York Jets and Las Vegas Raiders.
But with the departure of familiar faces, the Rams need new stars to step up. While much of the talk has centered around the expected starting trio of Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, and Tutu Atwell, one name is often overlooked: Jordan Whittington. Here’s why 2025 might just be his year to shine.
1. Whittington’s Rookie Performance Was No Fluke
When the Rams selected Jordan Whittington in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, not many expected the Texas product to have an immediate impact. Yet, in just 278 offensive snaps, Whittington demonstrated impressive potential. He caught 22 of 28 passes for 293 yards, averaging 10.5 yards per target—a solid return, especially considering the limited opportunities.
What stands out about Whittington’s rookie year isn’t just his numbers, but his consistency. He caught nearly 80% of his targets, a remarkable feat for a rookie, particularly in a team that already had established wideouts. His standout moment came in Week 18, when he caught three of four passes from backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo for 86 yards against the Seattle Seahawks’ starting defense.
If Whittington had been targeted as frequently as his teammate Puka Nacua—who saw 160 targets in 2024—Whittington could have easily surpassed 1,600 receiving yards. His ability to make an impact when given the chance shows that he’s more than capable of contributing in a larger role.
2. A Unique Skill Set That Fits the Rams’ Needs
Jordan Whittington is not just another wide receiver; he’s an all-around offensive weapon. Standing at 6-foot-1 and 202 pounds, Whittington combines size and speed with an ability to contribute in various roles. He arrived at the Rams fully equipped with the often-overlooked skills that many rookie receivers struggle to master, including blocking, route running, and an understanding of the nuances of the game.
The Rams have already demonstrated their trust in him by giving him kick return duties in 2024, where he returned 16 kickoffs for 453 yards. His versatility makes him a valuable asset—whether he’s catching passes, running with the ball, or contributing on special teams. While the Rams haven’t given him a huge workload yet, Whittington has excelled in every role asked of him. The real question now is: will the Rams give him more responsibility in 2025?
3. A Wide Receiver Rotation Ready for Growth
The Rams are undergoing a transition, particularly at wide receiver. With the departure of three key players—Kupp, Robinson, and Johnson—there’s a significant hole in the offense that needs to be filled. Some of those lost targets will go to Davante Adams and Tutu Atwell, but there’s a clear opportunity for Whittington to step up as well.
The Rams have a history of developing strong wide receivers under the guidance of wide receiver coach Eric Yarber, who has coached notable players like Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods. Jordan Whittington could be the next name to add to that list. With a projected target floor of 60 in 2025 (a significant increase from his 2024 total), Whittington’s role is primed for expansion.
4. A Bright Future Ahead
Jordan Whittington’s success in 2024 was no accident. As a rookie, he demonstrated poise and efficiency, catching nearly every pass thrown his way. His rookie season was filled with highlight-worthy moments, but he was rarely a focal point of the offense. The Rams have yet to fully tap into his potential.
In 2025, with more opportunities on the horizon, Whittington could easily evolve into a go-to receiver for Stafford and the Rams’ offense. He’s not just a depth piece—he’s an emerging star ready for a breakout season. Whether he’s in the mix with the starters or in a rotational role, it’s clear that the Rams are investing in his growth. His versatility, proven ability to make plays, and the chance to earn more targets in 2025 position him as one of the breakout players to watch.
Conclusion: The Rams’ Secret Weapon
With a revamped roster and significant opportunity on the horizon, Jordan Whittington is ready to take his game to the next level in 2025. His consistency, skill set, and versatility make him a prime candidate to become one of the breakout wide receivers for the Rams. Don’t sleep on Whittington—he might just be the difference-maker the Rams need in 2025.
