Turf Show Times
Two of the Los Angeles Rams’ 2o25 draft picks standout in a negative light in comparison to their rookie peers from a year ago. Konata Mumpfield and Ty Hamilton ranked among the worst at the receiver and defensive tackle positions, respectively, in their first seasons.
This is particularly problematic because the Rams did not make an investment at receiver this offseason. Depending on whether LA continues its embrace of heavier personnel utilization, Mumpfield could be one of the options to emerge as the team’s third receiver. He’ll battle with Jordan Whittington and 2026 rookie CJ Daniels for playing time.
Los Angeles doesn’t exactly need Hamilton from a depth chart standpoint. The starters are set between Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske, and Poona Ford. Tyler Davis and Larrell Murchison are also important depth pieces. Although, Hamilton’s playing time did increase towards the end of the regular season and into the playoffs and he rewarded the team for the increased opportunity. Perhaps his best has yet to come.
And that is a sentiment that we should use to approach this conversation. Just because players are bad as rookies does not mean their NFL stories are completely written. It’s also worth noting that both players were late-round draft choices and it’s not like they will become massive disappointments.
Still, it’s never good company to rank among the worst of your peers. If Mumpfield and Hamilton are going to stick on the roster longer term, they must show improvement in 2026.
Here is what I wrote about each yesterday:
Of the 39 rookie interior defensive lineman that stepped on the field last season, Hamilton ranked 37th according to PFF defensive grade. It is notable that his playing time increased into the playoffs and his best game of the year came in the wildcard round against the Carolina Panthers.
You don’t want to write off young players prematurely. The Rams felt Hamilton was worth playing late into the year when the outcomes mattered the most, and he rewarded them with improved play.
The season ended in the NFC Championship game at Mumpfield’s fingertips, as this marked the second postseason in a row where the Rams could not finish a potential game-winning drive.
In comparison to the other 38 rookie receivers from a year ago, Mumpfield finished:
- 21st in yards (114)
- 17th in catches (13)
- 31st in catch rate (48.1%)
- 33rd in PFF receiving grade (54.8)
- 4th in PFF drop grade (80.0)
One advantage Mumpfield has over the other reserve receivers is that he plays primarily outside. Jordan Whittington cannot claim that. Rookie CJ Daniels will bring competition. Neither are likely to adequately replace Davante Adams should he go down.
Mumpfield’s lackluster catch rate also brings me to a broader point on the Rams’ receiver corps at large. Outside of Puka Nacua, nearly every receiver at the roster was far...
