Several Los Angeles Rams rookies made their unofficial NFL debut in the team’s 20-12 win over the Kansas City Chiefs last week, including sixth-round draft pick CJ Daniels.
The University of Miami product impressed by catching two of his five targets for 18 yards. He was also mic’d up during the game, showing the energy that has made him a beloved presence among his teammates.
Daniels was constantly cheering on his fellow Rams players while making sure to communicate before each play, doing all the right things to begin his rookie season.
The 24-year-old will now have two more preseason games to continue making an impact before the Rams begin their regular season schedule.
Daniels also impressed during training camp and could potentially get reps as the Rams’ No. 3 wide receiver behind Puka Nacua and Davante Adams this season.
Daniels’ early success should come as no surprise as he had the lowest drop rate and second-highest contested catch rate over the past two NCAA seasons.
Daniels caught 50 passes for 557 yards and seven touchdowns in 13 games with the Hurricanes last season, making it all the way to the national championship game before falling to the Indiana Hoosiers.
Davante Adams impressed with CJ Daniels
Earlier in the offseason, Daniels asked Adams for advice on how he can improve as a player, and the veteran wide receiver was impressed with the adjustments he made in training camp.
“I’m proud of him,” Adams said after Sunday’s jog-through practice at Rams Training Camp presented by CommunityAmerica Credit Union at LMU. “We had a conversation right before we broke for the five-week break. He came to me and asked what I thought he needed to work on. We talked about a couple of small things. I saw a lot of good stuff from him during the offseason program and he came back and did exactly those things. His play speed, making plays on the football, catching the ball.”
Adams is one of the best wide receivers of his generation, so Daniels definitely approached the right player for advice. Adams always shows a willingness to share knowledge with his fellow players, which is why he is so respected by his Rams teammates.
