Los Angeles Rams May Have Made $10 Million Mistake With Meteoric Rise Of Young Playmaker

Get your Puka-Flex T-Shirt Here

Atwell is fast—no one disputes that. But at 5-foot-9 and 165 pounds, he’s one of the lightest players in the NFL. While he’s made strides in recent seasons, he’s yet to break 600 yards or three touchdowns in a single season. McVay praised Atwell’s improvement in “route detail” and effort, and the team values his chemistry with Matthew Stafford.

Still, the Rams appear to be turning the page offensively. With Davante Adams now opposite Puka Nacua, and an increased reliance on 12 personnel and condensed formations, there’s less room for a smaller, finesse receiver like Atwell—especially one who doesn’t offer much in the blocking game.

Whittington, on the other hand, is 6-foot-1, 202 pounds, can play all three receiver spots, and earns high marks from the coaching staff for his toughness and football IQ.

]“He can really compete in the run game,” McVay said. “And I think he’s really continuing to increase his route volume. He’s played really well.” Offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur went even further: “What sticks out most with this dude is just flat out tough—mentally and physically. You’ll ride with guys like Jordan Whittington.”

Jordan Whittington Isn’t Just Flashing—He’s Producing For The Los Angeles Rams

After a quiet rookie season in terms of volume, Whittington quietly made the most of his opportunities. He caught 22 of 28 targets, averaged 13.3 yards per reception, and picked up 14 first downs on just 293 receiving yards. When Nacua and Kupp were sidelined, Whittington responded with six catches for 62 yards against Chicago and seven grabs for 89 yards against Green Bay.

He also contributed as the team’s primary kickoff returner, logging 453 return yards and 208 special teams snaps—something Atwell has never done.

And this summer? He’s picked up right where he left off. One day after catching a deep ball from Jimmy Garoppolo that drew cheers from fans at Rams training camp at Loyola-Marymount University, McVay again offered effusive praise: “We love J-Whitt.”

Atwell’s Re-Run? Or a Changing of the Guard?

There are a lot of reasons to like Atwell: speed, growth, and effort. But the Rams’ offense is evolving—and that evolution might be leaving Atwell behind.

This is a team moving toward heavier personnel groupings and a less rotational approach at wide receiver. McVay has traditionally preferred to leave his top wideouts on the field for the full game. If that holds true again in 2025, the third receiver must be able to block, line up anywhere, and contribute beyond just splash plays.

For now, Whittington appears to be the one checking those boxes.

The Rams don’t just hand out reps based on potential. They value versatility, physicality, and players who make the most of limited chances. And as Rodrigue summed it up: “He just doesn’t belong with the second team.”

Jordan Whittington may not just be pushing Tutu Atwell. He might already be ahead.