NFL insider makes bold comparison for former Texas star, Rams rookie Jordan Whittington

Training camps are getting underway across the entire NFL, signaling the return of football. A lot of rookies have been working ever since being drafted but are now with the entire squad. Media members are getting their own looks and providing early analysis.

Yahoo’s Charles Robinson was recently watching the Los Angeles Rams practice and in his notes, made a bold comparison for Jordan Whittington. A sixth-round pick out of Texas, Robinson believes with some development by the staff, Whittington could be comparable to an NFC West rival megastar.

“The top guys taken in the first three rounds of the draft are oblivious but this has been a staff that has hit on surprised and rebuilt parts of the roster in the latter rounds,” Robinson said. “Sixth-round wideout Jordan Whittington could fall into that category, with sie and versatility that could carve out a Deebo Samuel-type role if he can stick around and develop. No, he’s not going to have a Puka Nacua impact off the jump, but he has interesting long-term possibility.”

At one point, Whittington was not even a wide receiver while in college. Tom Herman placed the former four-star recruit at running back for his freshman season in 2019 but wound up only getting one game at the position. Two catches out of the backfield against Louisiana Tech was all Whittington could get before reinjuring his groin, something that originated in high school.

Once back to full health, Texas moved Whittington to wide receiver, and he remained there for the rest of his time in Austin. A place he shined under Steve Sarkisian, even if the numbers do not back that up.

The number of carries Samuel has gotten with San Francisco has continually dropped since his breakout season in 2021 but the impact has remained the same. Samuel averaged 6.1 yards per carry this past year, going for 225 yards and five touchdowns.

Adding 60 receptions for 892 yards and seven touchdowns continues to place the 49ers star as the league’s most versatile offensive weapon.

Based on what he’s saying, Robinson does not expect Whittington to turn into Samuel. The traits to develop into that kind of role are certainly there, in his eyes, though. You never know what Sean McVay is going to dial up either.

Whittington will have an opportunity to showcase his skills in just a few days. The Rams will begin the preseason on Aug. 11, going up against the Dallas Cowboys.