Jordan Whittington is perfect for the role of being Matthew Stafford’s third option in the Rams’ offensive scheme, and there is definitely a need for one who also knows how to lay a clean block. Even if Sean McVay goes as advertised, with 50% of his offensive snaps in 13 personnel, that still leaves 30-40% in 11 personnel and the balance in 12 personnel. There will be approximately 25 plays per game with 3 traditional receivers on the field, or 75 snaps.
It’s not enough to bring in a high-priced player, but the Rams need to take care of it, so Whittington is more than enough receiver to fill the need.
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Why Whittington fits
As JB Scott said in a recent article “Whittington is at his best with the ball in his hands,” and the film from his rookie season backs that up. In fact, over a two-game stretch in the ‘24 season, when both Nacua and Kupp were out, Whittington caught 72% of his targets, 13 of 18, for 151 yards. In his two years as a Ram, his catch rate is just over 75%. Puka Nacua’s three-year average is just over 72%. Konata Mumpfield last year? 43.5%
As the saying goes in the Rams’ organization, “No block. No rock” and Whittington doesn’t just block, he’s a thumper.
Mike LaFleur had this to say on a block Whittington threw to spring Blake Corum for a nice run:
“I couldn’t hear it because I was up in the box but when you watch the TV copy and from what I’ve heard from the sideline is you could hear the pop on that too,” stated LaFleur. “That’s just Jordan being Jordan. That’s why he’s out there because he does things.”
And Puka on the same block:
“There’s nothing like scoring a deep bomb and catching one and hearing that moment when the crowd goes silent and then they erupt when you catch the ball, but there’s also no better feeling than watching ‘J-Whitt’ [Wide Receiver Jordan Whittington] when he has a crack block,” stated Nacua. “He gets the opportunity to flag somebody and is transitioning up the field to continue to block somebody and you see that pure excitement”
That’s how a receiver earns snaps in McVay’s offense.
High Football IQ
As with many of the Rams’ draft choices, Whittington has a high football IQ. In high school, he was a two-way player and earned numerous all-state honors for his exceptional performance on both offense and defense. In college, he seamlessly transitioned between receiver and running back roles. He has excellent field vision against zone defenses, capitalizing on open spaces to maximize yards after the catch, as McVay has said himself:
Whittington already came into his first NFL training camp last year as a rookie who was “mature beyond his years,” according to McVay, and his growth throughout his second camp is evident.
McVay said Whittington has the ability to play all three receiver spots in the offense, can compete in the run game, and “I think he’s really continuing to increase his route volume.” McVay also praised Whittington’s strength and conscientiousness.
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Will Whittington win a starting role?
With what he’s shown when given the chance, I’m not sure why we haven’t seen more production from Whittington in the passing game. Perhaps in McVay’s eyes, he’s more valuable blocking and opening space for Nacua and Adams. I do know that with his versatility and McVay’s unique brain, there could be some really fun plays drawn up for him this year.
If not him, then who?
