Questions loom in evaluating the Rams Day 3 selections

Indiana Hoosiers defensive back Jamari Sharpe (22) tackles Miami Hurricanes wide receiver CJ Daniels (7) in the third quarter during the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. INGLEWOOD, Calif. ––The Rams entered Day 3 of the draft with a meager class and no capital in the fourth or fifth rounds.

Los Angeles held four total picks on Saturday, three of them in the seventh, and used three of those selections to trade up for a wide receiver who carries a surprising amount of risk. When a team already thin on draft ammo chooses to consolidate it into two prospects, the logic behind the fits has to be airtight. In examining the two, only one appears to have a path towards landing on the roster based on scheme fit.

Round 6, Pick 197: CJ Daniels, WR, Miami Trading three picks to move up ten spots in the late sixth round is a steep price for any prospect, let alone a 24-year-old receiver who doesn’t address clear roster priorities. Miami wideout CJ Daniels (WO18) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Miami wideout CJ Daniels (WO18) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.

The Rams already have Puka Nacua as the top target, and Davante Adams is signed through 2025, with another year of control beyond that. Behind them, the room gets thin quickly—Tutu Atwell departed in free agency, and Jordan Whittington, Konata Mumpfield, Xavier Smith and Tru Edwards have yet to carve out reliable roles. There is room on the roster for a physical, possession-style receiver who can win in the red zone, and that’s the one genuine area where Daniels’ scouting report and tape align with a need.