Rams receivers survive the cuts 

Woodland Hills, CA (News4usonline) – The Los Angeles Rams have determined their 53-player roster for the upcoming season. Leading the depth chart for the Rams is the offensive line. 

With protecting quarterback Matthew Stafford being of the highest order, the Rams decided to keep 10 offensive linemen. 

When it comes to the playmakers that Stafford will be throwing the ball to, the Rams have three running backs, six wide receivers, and four tight ends as primary offensive weapons.

 The first four of the wide receiver crew-Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, Tutu Atwell, and Jordan Whittington were already solidified choices. 

Xavier Smith and Konata Mumpfield are the other two wideouts the Rams decided to keep. 

After practice, Rams head coach Sean McVay talked about how Smith and Mumpfield were able to separate themselves from the other pass-catchers who found themselves in the web of the NFL’s league-wide cutdown. 

It wasn’t just one thing that earned them a spot on the team, he said. 

“I think just their body of work. That really was a continuation of the spring,” McVay said.  “I think when you look at ‘X’ [Xavier Smith] first and foremost, his story is really cool. He’s a guy that’s continued to work, and the work has paid off. He earned his right as a punt returner and as a gunner. 

“He continued to earn confidence as a receiver where he can play a bunch of different spots. I think he’s gotten stronger. Physically, he just looks like he is in a better place. I think mentally, he has a really good understanding of what’s going on. He’s earned that confidence.”

Smith is a second-year player from Florida A&M whose role has expanded from punt returner and kick returner. Mumpfield is an interesting choice. He almost went undrafted until the Rams selected him with the 242nd overall pick in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft.  

Mumpfield has a different makeup about him. That is what makes him exceptional, McVay added.  

“Konata came in as a rookie and is mature beyond his years,” McVay said. ”He reminded me of some of our defensive rookies last year. He has great demeanor, great disposition and great understanding of the game from a big picture perspective. I think he’s wired to be able to win from the slot or on the outside. He’s done a great job.” 

This season’s wide receiver crew, from top to bottom, is deep and extremely talented. The Rams have had great wideouts in the past, but this year’s unit presents a deeper challenge to opponents. Nacua and Adams are bonafide heavy hitters at the wide receiver spot. 

McVay now has other playmakers that he can plug in at any time during the course of a game without so much of a hiccup. 

“I think top to bottom this is as good of a six as we’ve had,” McVay said.