Reviewing first round receiver busts and the good news for Rams

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JANUARY 25: Puka Nacua #12 of the Los Angeles Rams runs with the ball during the NFC Championship NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on January 25, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images) | Getty Images The media mock draft machines are in hyper drive connecting the Los Angeles Rams to pass catchers early in next month’s NFL Draft. From Jordyn Tyson, Makai Lemon, and Carnell Tate to Kenyon Sadiq, the Rams are in store to have no shortage of options when the clock starts ticking on the thirteenth overall selection.

What is the recent history of first round receivers? There are certainly busts each year; however, Los Angeles may be well-placed to avoid such a folly. Let’s take a look at every first round receiver since 2020 and draw some high level conclusions.

2020 Henry Ruggs (Raiders); 12th Jerry Jeudy (Broncos); 15th CeeDee Lamb (Cowboys); 17th Jalen Reagor (Eagles); 21st Justin Jefferson (Vikings); 22nd Brandon Aiyuk (49ers); 25th Ruggs was a unique case and his legal troubles ran him out of the NFL. Jalen Reagor fizzled out quickly in Philly. Brandon Aiyuk will be released by the 49ers at some point this offseason; however, prior to his injury he was a great player for San Francisco.

This class was more good than bad, though Reagor was really the only straightforward bust. 2021 Ja’Marr Chase (Bengals); 5th Jaylen Waddle (Dolphins); 6th DeVonta Smith (Eagles); 10th Kadarius Toney (Giants); 20th Rashod Bateman (Ravens); 27th Toney and Bateman should be considered the misses relative to the rest of the group. Bateman is someone who gets hyped up every offseason and we are still awaiting his big breakout.