Rams' 198-catch rookie named one of 2026 NFL Draft's biggest steals

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Rams' 198-catch rookie named one of 2026 NFL Draft's biggest steals originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Los Angeles Rams have big expectations in 2026. The team is projected to be among the best in the NFC, and it's not hard to see why.

On paper, the Rams have one of the most talented rosters in the league. As a result, they didn't have to do much in free agency, but they did reshape their secondary with a trade for Trent McDuffie and signing Jaylen Watson.

The Rams didn't have the most draft capital to utilize, but they did make one pick late that's interesting. In fact, the Rams' sixth-round pick was named one of the biggest potential steals of the draft.

CJ Daniels identified as one of best late-round picks​

Wide receiver isn't exactly a huge need for the Rams. The team has one of the best duos in the league with Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, with Jordan Whittington in the slot. However, behind that trio, there's not all that much to get excited about.

As a result, the team drafted Miami receiver CJ Daniels in the sixth round. Daniels, despite being a late-round pick, seems to be in a great position to contribute as a rookie. In fact, NFL Draft On SI's Justin Melo recently identified Daniels as one of the biggest late-round steals.

Regarding Daniels, Melo offered the following:

The Los Angeles Rams entered the draft possibly needing a successor for Davante Adams, who is entering the final year of his contract. Nobody expected them to wait until the sixth round and their second-last selection to pick one. That'll matter little if CJ Daniels develops into the steal Sean McVay and Les Snead think he's capable of becoming.

Daniels has some underrated route-running abilities and he also thrived as a contested-catch winner at both LSU and Miami. The Rams obviously know a little something about late-round receivers after landing Puka Nacua, one of the steals of the decade. Daniels has a favorable outlook in L.A.

As Melo mentioned, Sean McVay and Les Snead fully believe Daniels can develop into a star. The receiver is a great route-runner and also made plenty of contested catches and got yards after the catch with ease.

Daniels played for Liberty, LSU, and Miami, and made plays at each of those stops. In 2025, Daniels played in 13 games and caught 50 passes for 557 yards and seven touchdowns. Daniels was a key part of the offense that made it all the way to the National Championship Game.

In total, Daniels caught 198 passes for 2,996 yards in college. The receiver has two stars to learn behind, and the Rams have had plenty of success with late-round receivers in the past. It will be interesting to see how much Daniels can contribute as a rookie, and if he'll be able to take over for Adams eventually.

More NFL news:​

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• 49ers once again took a major risk during the draft
• Blockbuster trade proposal gives Lions elite defender
• Packers urged to trade for disgruntled star ahead of 2026 season
• Former Tennessee star could be 49ers' best UDFA
• Bengals urged to sign future Hall of Famer for offense

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