The Rams’ wide receiving corps brings both a veteran mindset and a youthful presence to the 2024 season. Led by All-Pros Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, the dynamic duo features some of the best route runners in the NFL. They are joined by speedsters Demarcus Robinson and Tutu Atwell, rounding out the attack with Super Bowl champion Tyler Johnson and rookie Jordan Whittington.
Cooper Kupp doesn’t need an introduction. The 2021 NFL Offensive Player of the Year has been one of the NFL’s best for a long time. For Kupp, he enters 2024 with a healthy body and a healthy bank account. After missing time over the last two seasons, Kupp enters this year as healthy as he’s ever been and despite his high price tag, his production has paid the Rams back ten fold.
Puka Nacua did suffer a slight knee injury this summer but he was cleared for full contact on September 3rd to the relief of Rams fans. The second-year man out of BYU had a record-setting rookie campaign, rewriting the rookie record books for receptions and receiving yards. As the team’s WR1 or WR1A, Nacua is expected to be even more involved within the offense.
Demarcus Robinson emerged late in the season last year as the Rams WR3, putting in a six-catch, 92-yard performance against the Giants to send the team to the playoffs. While Robinson may get the start to begin the season, he will face heavy competition for reps. However it’s not about how you start, it’s about how you finish and Robinson is a finisher. Expect him to have another strong end to the 2024 campaign.
Tutu Atwell was a cut candidate entering the last week of preseason and quite frankly, it’s unclear where he fits into the Rams’ lineup. He had a strong start to the 2023 season with a six-reception, 119-yard performance in the season opener against Seattle but ended the year with only three receptions in the Rams’ last five games. Atwell has yet to play a full season and he’s no longer a returner for the Rams. Concerning considering this is the last year of his rookie deal.
Tyler Johnson is a massive question mark. Buried on the Tampa Bay depth chart during the beginning of his career, Johnson never really took off and now he’s entering Year 5 in the NFL with only two receptions in his last three seasons. Johnson did enough in the preseason and if you look at some of his film, he has shown flashes of potential with good QB play. Perhaps another late bloomer?
Jordan Whittington may be a rookie but he has the experience of an elder statesman. A five-year collegiate career saw Whittington help revive what was a below-average Texas football program into being a Big 12 champion during his last season. Whittington shined in the preseason, using his sure hands and massive frame to make tough catches. I’m predicting a rookie of the year campaign from the former Longhorn.
The Rams’ WR room is stacked but managing the rotation of such versatile weapons will be interesting to see. Either way, this coming election, I’m voting Kupp/Nacua 2024.