{"id":618448,"date":"2026-04-20T04:17:18","date_gmt":"2026-04-20T04:17:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/618448\/"},"modified":"2026-04-20T04:17:18","modified_gmt":"2026-04-20T04:17:18","slug":"top-wide-receiver-fits-for-rams-in-2026-nfl-draft","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/618448\/","title":{"rendered":"Top Wide Receiver Fits for Rams in 2026 NFL Draft"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Los Angeles Rams may have one of the best wide receiver duos in the NFL, but they are still expected to take another player at the position<\/a> in the 2026 NFL Draft. Adams is getting older and there is some uncertainty surrounding Nacua. <\/p>\n

Since the 2020 NFL Draft, I’ve done a series called Snead’s Snacks. In other words, we’re going to look for common traits of previous Les Snead draft picks and find the best fits in the upcoming NFL Draft. The focus of today will be on offense at wide receiver. Last year, I correctly identified Konata Mumpfield as a fit. <\/p>\n

Notable Past Rams Drafted Players2023 – Puka Nacua, 5th Round\"Puka<\/p>\n

Puka Nacua Spider Chart | Mockdraftable<\/p>\n

<\/a>Puka Nacua’s Athletic Measurements<\/p>\n

Category<\/p>\n

Measurement<\/p>\n

Percentile<\/p>\n

Height<\/p>\n

6’1<\/p>\n

60th percentile<\/p>\n

Weight<\/p>\n

210 lbs<\/p>\n

49th percentile<\/p>\n

Arm Length<\/p>\n

32 inches<\/p>\n

36th percentile<\/p>\n

Hand Size<\/p>\n

9.625 inches<\/p>\n

59th percentile<\/p>\n

Bench Press<\/p>\n

15 reps<\/p>\n

7.01 RAS<\/p>\n

40-Yard Dash<\/p>\n

4.56 seconds<\/p>\n

5.68 RAS<\/p>\n

10-Yard Split<\/p>\n

1.62 seconds<\/p>\n

3.89 RAS<\/p>\n

20-Yard Split<\/p>\n

2.64 seconds<\/p>\n

5.93 RAS<\/p>\n

Vertical Jump<\/p>\n

33 inches<\/p>\n

3.72 RAS<\/p>\n

Shuttle<\/p>\n

4.36 seconds<\/p>\n

3.63 RAS<\/p>\n

3-Cone<\/p>\n

7.32 seconds<\/p>\n

1.67 RAS<\/p>\n

Puka Nacua’s Athletic Trait Grades\"Puka<\/p>\n

Puka Nacua RAS | Kent Lee Platte<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Grades<\/p>\n

Rating<\/p>\n

Size Grade<\/p>\n

Good<\/p>\n

Speed Grade<\/p>\n

Okay<\/p>\n

Agility Grade<\/p>\n

Poor<\/p>\n

Explosion Grade<\/p>\n

Okay<\/p>\n

RAS<\/p>\n

5.17 – Okay<\/p>\n

Puka Nacua’s Film Traits<\/p>\n

Top 3 Film Traits<\/p>\n

Play Trait<\/p>\n

Trait 1<\/p>\n

Good Routes<\/p>\n

Trait 2<\/p>\n

Elite YAC ability\/Ball tracking<\/p>\n

Trait 3<\/p>\n

Great run-blocking<\/p>\n

Overview of Pick<\/p>\n

Puka Nacua was drafted on Day 3 of the 2023 NFL Draft with the fourth of the Rams’ four fifth-round picks. Nacua broke the rookie receiving yards and receptions record and was an anonymous First-Team All-Pro selection last season. He has developed into one of the best wide receivers in the NFL. <\/p>\n

2021 – TuTu Atwell, 2nd RoundTutu Atwell’s Athletic Measurements\"Tutu<\/p>\n

Tutu Atwell Spider Chart | Mockdraftable<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Category<\/p>\n

Measurement<\/p>\n

Percentile<\/p>\n

Height<\/p>\n

5’8<\/p>\n

4th percentile<\/p>\n

Weight<\/p>\n

155 lbs<\/p>\n

0th percentile<\/p>\n

Arm Length<\/p>\n

29.25 inches<\/p>\n

2nd percentile<\/p>\n

Hand Size<\/p>\n

8.88 inches<\/p>\n

13th percentile<\/p>\n

40-Yard Dash<\/p>\n

4.39 seconds<\/p>\n

86th percentile<\/p>\n

10-Yard Split<\/p>\n

1.49 seconds<\/p>\n

94th percentile<\/p>\n

20-Yard Split<\/p>\n

2.6 seconds<\/p>\n

49th percentile<\/p>\n

Vertical Jump<\/p>\n

33 inches<\/p>\n

19th percentile<\/p>\n

Shuttle<\/p>\n

4.09 seconds<\/p>\n

66th percentile<\/p>\n

3-Cone<\/p>\n

6.87<\/p>\n

84th percentile<\/p>\n

Tutu Atwell’s Athletic Trait Grades\"Tutu<\/p>\n

Tutu Atwell RAS | Kent Lee Platte<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Grades<\/p>\n

Rating<\/p>\n

Size Grade<\/p>\n

Very Poor<\/p>\n

Speed Grade<\/p>\n

Elite<\/p>\n

Agility Grade<\/p>\n

Great<\/p>\n

Explosion Grade<\/p>\n

Poor<\/p>\n

RAS<\/p>\n

6.26 – Good<\/p>\n

Tutu Atwell’s Film Traits<\/p>\n

Top 3 Film Traits<\/p>\n

Play Trait<\/p>\n

Trait 1<\/p>\n

Good athlete\/Fast<\/p>\n

Trait 2<\/p>\n

Good route runner<\/p>\n

Trait 3<\/p>\n

Competitive run blocker\/physical<\/p>\n

Overview of Pick<\/p>\n

It can be argued that Tutu Atwell wasn’t used properly in the Rams offense. Atwell fit many of the traits that the Rams look for, but was a limited, role specific player. He primarility lined up in the slot at Louisville and would be asked to be alignment versatile in the Rams offense. Unfortunately, outside of flashes, it never worked. <\/p>\n

2020 – Van Jefferson, 2nd Round<\/p>\n

*Note: Van Jefferson did not work out prior to 2020 NFL Draft due to Jones fracture in his right foot.<\/p>\n

Van Jefferson’s Athletic Measurements\"Van<\/p>\n

Van Jefferson Spider Chart | Mockdraftable<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Category<\/p>\n

Measurement<\/p>\n

Percentile<\/p>\n

Height<\/p>\n

6’1<\/p>\n

48th percentile<\/p>\n

Weight<\/p>\n

200 lbs<\/p>\n

46th percentile<\/p>\n

Arm Length<\/p>\n

32.75 inches<\/p>\n

75th percentile<\/p>\n

Hand Size<\/p>\n

9.13 inches<\/p>\n

31st percentile<\/p>\n

Van Jefferson’s Athletic Trait Grades\"Van<\/p>\n

Van Jefferson RAS | Kent Lee Platte<\/p>\n

<\/a>Van Jefferson’s Film Traits<\/p>\n

Top 3 Film Traits<\/p>\n

Play Trait<\/p>\n

Trait 1<\/p>\n

Good speed and YAC ability<\/p>\n

Trait 2<\/p>\n

Well-developed routes<\/p>\n

Trait 3<\/p>\n

Competitive attitude<\/p>\n

Overview of Pick<\/p>\n

The Rams traded Van Jefferson before the end of his rookie contract. However, his 2021 season was a success. He showcased his speed with the ability to run past defenders and win vertically. Overall, his route running was good. Jefferson became the odd-man out with the emergence of Nacua and started to have more focus drops. <\/p>\n

2017 – Cooper Kupp, 3rd RoundCooper Kupp’s Athletic Measurements\"Cooper<\/p>\n

Cooper Kupp Spider Chart | Mockdraftable<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Category<\/p>\n

Measurement<\/p>\n

Percentile<\/p>\n

Height<\/p>\n

6’2<\/p>\n

67th percentile<\/p>\n

Weight<\/p>\n

204 lbs<\/p>\n

55th percentile<\/p>\n

Arm Length<\/p>\n

31.5 inches<\/p>\n

36th percentile<\/p>\n

Hand Size<\/p>\n

9.5 inches<\/p>\n

60th percentile<\/p>\n

40-Yard Dash<\/p>\n

4.62 seconds<\/p>\n

13th percentile<\/p>\n

Vertical Jump<\/p>\n

31 inches<\/p>\n

7th percentile<\/p>\n

Shuttle<\/p>\n

4.08 seconds<\/p>\n

84th percentile<\/p>\n

3-Cone<\/p>\n

6.75 seconds<\/p>\n

83rd percentile<\/p>\n

Cooper Kupp’s Athletic Trait Grades\"Cooper<\/p>\n

Cooper Kupp RAS | Kent Lee Platte<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Grades<\/p>\n

Rating<\/p>\n

Size Grade<\/p>\n

Good<\/p>\n

Speed Grade<\/p>\n

Poor<\/p>\n

Agility Grade<\/p>\n

Great<\/p>\n

Explosion Grade<\/p>\n

Poor<\/p>\n

RAS<\/p>\n

5 – Okay<\/p>\n

Cooper Kupp’s Film Traits<\/p>\n

Top 3 Film Traits<\/p>\n

Play Trait<\/p>\n

Trait 1<\/p>\n

Good ball tracker<\/p>\n

Trait 2<\/p>\n

Positive route runner<\/p>\n

Trait 3<\/p>\n

Confident and competitive<\/p>\n

Overview of Pick<\/p>\n

While Cooper Kupp didn’t run fast at the NFL Combine, his play speed was much faster. Kupp played at FCS Eastern Washington, but played well against stronger competition. He brought his same competitiveness and route running to the Rams and would go on to win the triple crown and Super Bowl MVP in 2021. <\/p>\n

2017 – Josh Reynolds, 4th RoundJosh Reynolds’ Athletic Measurements\"Josh<\/p>\n

Josh Reynolds Spider Chart | Mockdraftable<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Category<\/p>\n

Measurement<\/p>\n

Percentile<\/p>\n

Height<\/p>\n

6’3<\/p>\n

81st percentile<\/p>\n

Weight<\/p>\n

194 lbs<\/p>\n

32nd percentile<\/p>\n

Arm Length<\/p>\n

31.5 inches<\/p>\n

36th percentile<\/p>\n

Hand Size<\/p>\n

9.38 inches<\/p>\n

50th percentile<\/p>\n

40-Yard Dash<\/p>\n

4.52 seconds<\/p>\n

42nd percentile<\/p>\n

Vertical Jump<\/p>\n

37 inches<\/p>\n

68th percentile<\/p>\n

Shuttle<\/p>\n

4.13 seconds<\/p>\n

75th percentile<\/p>\n

3-Cone<\/p>\n

6.83 seconds<\/p>\n

71st percentile<\/p>\n

Josh Reynolds’ Athletic Trait Grades\"Josh<\/p>\n

Josh Reynolds RAS | Kent Lee Platte<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Grades<\/p>\n

Rating<\/p>\n

Size Grade<\/p>\n

Good<\/p>\n

Speed Grade<\/p>\n

Good<\/p>\n

Agility Grade<\/p>\n

Good<\/p>\n

Explosion Grade<\/p>\n

Great<\/p>\n

RAS<\/p>\n

9.1 – Great<\/p>\n

Josh Reynolds’ Film Traits<\/p>\n

Top 3 Film Traits<\/p>\n

Play Trait<\/p>\n

Trait 1<\/p>\n

Vertical threat\/Good ball-tracking<\/p>\n

Trait 2<\/p>\n

Excels in contested catches\/Ultra competitive<\/p>\n

Trait 3<\/p>\n

No wasted motion in routes<\/p>\n

Overview of Pick<\/p>\n

Throughout his career with the Rams, Josh Reynolds was a very good wide receiver to have as depth. He may have consistently been the WR3 or WR4, but he produced. Reynolds was a good route runner for his size and had underrated speed and ball tracking to win deep. <\/p>\n

Notable Past Rams Undrafted Players\/Free Agents<\/p>\n

2017 – Robert Woods, Free Agent<\/p>\n

Robert Woods’ Athletic Measurements\"Robert<\/p>\n

Robert Woods Spider Chart | Mockdraftable<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Category<\/p>\n

Measurement<\/p>\n

Percentile<\/p>\n

Height<\/p>\n

6’0<\/p>\n

32nd percentile<\/p>\n

Weight<\/p>\n

201 lbs<\/p>\n

48th percentile<\/p>\n

Arm Length<\/p>\n

31 inches<\/p>\n

23rd percentile<\/p>\n

Hand Size<\/p>\n

9.25 inches<\/p>\n

41st percentile<\/p>\n

Bench Press<\/p>\n

14 <\/p>\n

44th percentile<\/p>\n

40-Yard Dash<\/p>\n

4.51 seconds<\/p>\n

52nd percentile<\/p>\n

10-Yard Split<\/p>\n

1.62 seconds<\/p>\n

14th percentile<\/p>\n

Vertical Jump<\/p>\n

33.5 inches<\/p>\n

27th percentile<\/p>\n

Broad Jump<\/p>\n

117 inches<\/p>\n

23rd percentile<\/p>\n

Shuttle<\/p>\n

4.47 seconds<\/p>\n

7th percentile<\/p>\n

3-Cone<\/p>\n

7.15<\/p>\n

19th percentile<\/p>\n

Robert Woods’ Athletic Trait Grades\"Robert<\/p>\n

Robert Woods RAS | Kent Lee Platte<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Grades<\/p>\n

Rating<\/p>\n

Size Grade<\/p>\n

Okay<\/p>\n

Speed Grade<\/p>\n

Okay<\/p>\n

Agility Grade<\/p>\n

Very Poor<\/p>\n

Explosion Grade<\/p>\n

Poor<\/p>\n

RAS<\/p>\n

3.55 – Poor<\/p>\n

Robert Woods’ Film Traits<\/p>\n

Top 3 Film Traits<\/p>\n

Play Trait<\/p>\n

Trait 1<\/p>\n

Good ball tracking\/Body control\/YAC<\/p>\n

Trait 2<\/p>\n

Can excel on any route<\/p>\n

Trait 3<\/p>\n

Does job downfield as blocker<\/p>\n

Common Traits The Rams Look For in Wide ReceiversThey Prioritize Competitiveness, Not Athletic Traits<\/p>\n

It shouldn’t come as a surprise, but the Rams are more trait-focused when it comes to wide receiver rather than focusing on pure athleticism. They prioritize play strength, play speed, and competitiveness over pure athleticism. Tutu Atwell didn\u2019t have great size, but displayed toughness and competed in the run game despite his small frame. All of the players that the Rams have drafted have been competitive blockers. This is a non-negotiable. <\/p>\n

They also don\u2019t seem to value testing speed as Kupp ran a 4.62 and scored in the 13th percentile. Athletic testing isn’t completely ignored, but the Rams look for a specific archetype. <\/p>\n

Route Running and YAC Creation is a Must<\/p>\n

In order to be successful in the Sean McVay offense, a wide receiver is expected to run precise routes to get open. Jordan Whittington was a detailed route runner and Puka Nacua also ran good routes at BYU. This was also the case for Atwell and Van Jefferson. The McVay offense is timing-based and therefore a wide receiver is expected to be at a certain spot at a specific time in the quarterback’s progression. That requires detailed route-running, and the Rams emphasize that in their scouting process. This aligns with the one athletic test that the Rams may value. Players that the Rams have drafted tend to test well in the 3-cone. Atwell\u2019s time was in the 66th percentile, the lowest among them, and several have scored in the 75th percentile or higher. <\/p>\n

Another common trait for Rams receivers is their ability to create after the catch. Last year’s seventh-round pick Konata Mumpfield was slippery after the catch at Pitt. Nacua had elite YAC at BYU and Van Jefferson had good YAC ability. While McVay’s scheme creates space, the Rams ask their wide receivers to maximize it. <\/p>\n

Versatility and Role Flexibility<\/p>\n

The Rams value wide receivers who can play across the offensive formation and in multiple alignments. A player has to be able to play the X, Z, and slot interchangeably. McVay likes to move his wide receivers around from the slot to outside in order to give the offense more variance. A player only being able to play one spot limits that. Having a wide receiver who can win from multiple spots allows for flexibility. <\/p>\n

2026 Players Who Fit The RamsCarnell Tate, Ohio State<\/p>\n

To get Tate, it would very likely require them to trade up<\/a>. However, Tate fits the Rams perfectly and is someone who has to be included on this list. Tate worked as the X and flanker at Ohio State, showcasing his versatility and should be able to play both roles in the NFL. He didn’t run fast at the NFL Combine, running a 4.53 40-yard dash. However, his play speed is much faster which is what the Rams will prioritize. Tate is seen as a crafty route runner and one of the best ball trackers in the class. He may not be the strongest blocker in the run game, but he’s competitive in that area and willing to do it. <\/p>\n

Draft Projection: Top-10<\/p>\n

\"Carnell<\/p>\n

Carnell Tate RAS | Kent Lee Platte<\/p>\n

<\/a>Denzel Boston, Washington<\/p>\n

Denzel Boston is an underrated fit for the Rams at wide receiver and hasn’t been talked about a lot. However, he runs fluid routes and displays alignment versatility<\/a> as an X or Z receiver. Boston has top-notch ball-tracking ability and he plays faster than his timed speed. Pro Football Focus graded Boston as a top three blocking wide receiver last season. If the Rams are unable to get either Tate or Tyson, Boston is a player that the Rams could have serious interest in at some point in the first round. <\/p>\n

Draft Projection: 1st Round<\/p>\n

\"Denzel<\/p>\n

Denzel Boston RAS | Kent Lee Platte<\/p>\n

<\/a>Germie Bernard, Alabama<\/p>\n

Bernard checks a lot of the boxes that the Rams have typically looked for in a wide receiver. He’s a competitive blocker, displays good body control, and can create after the catch. His 3-cone at the NFL Combine landed in the 87th percentile which shows up in his route running. Bernard’s routes are precise and he runs them with good tempo. Additionally, Bernard can line up inside in the slot or play outside as the movement Z. <\/p>\n

\"Germie<\/p>\n

Germie Bernard RAS | Kent Lee Platte<\/p>\n

<\/a>Elijah Sarratt, Indiana<\/p>\n

An argument can be made for both Omar Cooper Jr. and Elijah Sarratt as fits for the Rams. Cooper will fall in the honorable mentions, but Sarratt is a mid-round option who fits well. He’s a disciplined route-runner and a high-energy player. This shows up in his run-blocking where he is ultra competitive. Sarratt lacks some versatility and YAC ability, but there\u2019s too much to like for that to be an issue. <\/p>\n

\"Elijah<\/p>\n

Elijah Sarratt RAS | Kent Lee Platt<\/p>\n

<\/a>CJ Daniels, Miami<\/p>\n

As a late-round gem, Daniels makes a lot of sense on Day 3 of the draft. He has crafty instincts and is sudden as a route runner at all three wide receiver spots. Daniels also displays dependable ball skills and is feisty as a blocker. While he doesn’t display a lot of YAC ability, the rest of his game aligns with the Rams’ archetype. <\/p>\n

Draft Projection: 7th Round-PFA<\/p>\n

\"CJ<\/p>\n

CJ Daniels RAS | Kent Lee Platte<\/p>\n

<\/a>Honorable MentionsKC Concepcion, Texas A&MAlignment versatileNatural separatorShows competitiveness<\/p>\n

Draft Projection: Late-1st Round<\/p>\n

Omar Cooper Jr., IndianaShows inside-out versatilityUltra competitiveGood ball skills<\/p>\n

Draft Projection: 1st Round<\/p>\n

De’Zhaun Stribling, Ole MissCompetitive as a run-blockerGood ball-tracking abilityStrong YAC abilityLimited route-tree<\/p>\n

Draft Projection: 3rd Round<\/p>\n

Reggie Virgil, Texas TechShows inside-out versatilityCompetitive BlockerGood ball-trackingLacks YAC<\/p>\n

Draft Projection: 6th-7th Round<\/p>\n

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