Full Breakdown
Rams Trade Up to Grab Miami Receiver CJ Daniels in 2026 Draft
4/26/2026, 4:40:40 AM
Background: Daniels’ Six-Year Collegiate Journey
C.J. Daniels entered the NFL after a six-year college career that spanned three programs. He began at Liberty (2020-23), where he posted a career-high 55 receptions for 1,067 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2023, earning second-team All-C-USA honors. He transferred to LSU for the 2024 season, finishing fourth on the team with 42 catches for 480 yards. In 2025 he played his final year at Miami, recording 50 receptions for 557 yards and seven touchdowns across 13 games and serving as a favorite target of quarterback Carson Beck. Over his entire college tenure Daniels amassed 198 catches for 2,996 yards and 28 touchdowns, averaging 15.1 yards per catch. He is listed at 6-foot-2, 200 pounds.
Draft Details and Trade Mechanics
On April 25, 2026 the Los Angeles Rams selected Daniels with the 197th overall pick in the sixth round, moving up ten spots from No. 207. To secure the selection, the Rams dealt three later picks (207, 251, 252) to the Philadelphia Eagles, a transaction reported by multiple outlets. The move made Daniels the Rams’ first wide receiver drafted in 2026 and the fourth consecutive offensive player added by the franchise.
Statistical Profile and College Production
- 2025 (Miami): 50 receptions, 557 yards, 7 TDs (11.1 yards/catch)
- 2023 (Liberty): 55 receptions, 1,067 yards, 10 TDs (19.4 yards/catch)
- Career: 198 receptions, 2,996 yards, 28 TDs (15.1 yards/catch)
Daniels converted 11 of 17 contested targets in his final season and posted a 33.8 % dominator rating (9th among 49 WRs at the Combine), though his 1.73 yards per route ranked 37th.
Official Team Outlook
General Manager Les Snead orchestrated the trade with Eagles GM Howie Roseman to obtain Daniels, emphasizing the need for depth behind established starters Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. Team analysts noted that while the Rams did not address wide receiver until the sixth round, Daniels offers a “well-rounded physical package and strong instincts” that fit the organization’s preference for possession receivers over pure athleticism. He will compete for the third-receiver slot against Jordan Whittington, Konata Mumpfield, and Xavier Smith during training camp.
Analyst Critique and Concerns
Scouts highlighted several limitations: Daniels lacks a singular elite trait, may struggle against a quality press, and is unlikely to contribute on special teams, making his roster spot “challenging.” His post-catch ability was described as “average,” and his speed was noted as insufficient to be a “dynamic tackle-breaker.” These assessments suggest that Daniels must excel in contested-catch situations to secure playing time.
Conflicting Projections and Interest from Other Teams
Pre-draft analyses varied on Daniels’ expected draft position, with some projecting a seventh-round selection or preferred free-agent status. The New Orleans Saints were also mentioned as a potential destination due to depth concerns behind Chris Olave, though the Rams ultimately secured his rights.
Upcoming Competition and Roster Outlook
Daniels enters the 2026 preseason vying for the WR3 role behind Nacua and Adams. Success will depend on his ability to win contested catches, adapt to the Rams’ offensive scheme, and contribute on special teams, areas identified as critical by both the organization and analysts.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Daniels has a tremendous feel for creating catch opportunities with varied route tempo, body control and late separation tactics,” — Lance Zierlein, NFL.com Analyst
- “He will struggle against a quality press and might need to be schemed into releases against certain corners.” — Lance Zierlein, NFL.com Analyst
- “Daniels excels in putting himself between the throw and the defender, winning contested catches at a high rate during his time at LSU (2024) and Miami (2025). He’s confident, crafty and focused, but he’s average after the catch and unlikely to help on special teams, so his road to a roster spot will be challenging.” — Lance Zierlein, NFL.com Analyst
- “He’s not a burner, nor a top-tier athlete, but he makes difficult catches look easy and isn’t afraid to battle defenders for the ball in traffic.” — The RamsWire, April 25 2026
- “He brings a 6-foot-2, 200-pound frame with good instincts and an all-around package that can help him compete at the NFL level, even if there isn't a specific category or trait that he excels in.” — CBS Sports, Draft Profile
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