Still Playing at a High Level, Davante Adams Embraces Mentor Role With Rams

When Los Angeles Rams receivers coach Eric Yarber closely evaluated Davante Adams' 2024 season before the 32-year-old became a free agent in March, he came to a clear conclusion: He's still as explosive as he was in his best seasons with the Green Bay Packers. 

Shortly after Yarber's film study, the Rams inked Adams to a two-year deal. The early returns have been promising, with Adams putting his considerable skills on display during training camp practices as he appears primed for a big year ahead of Sunday's regular-season opening matchup against the Houston Texans.

"I didn’t think he was going to be the same guy he was five or six years ago, but he is," Yarber, who is entering his ninth season as the Rams' wide receivers coach, told me. "And he’s a better person than he is a player. He’s the consummate pro. He wants to be coached. You would think a guy 12 years in the league with his type of experience and knowledge wouldn’t take to coaching like he does. But every play he wants to be coached."

Adams' presence was felt in team reps and individual drills during training camp. He was uncoverable in a scrimmage against the Dallas Cowboys during a joint practice, repeatedly getting behind the opposing secondary for big plays. 

In individual drills, Adams has been the first person in line to set the tone for the Rams, doing so at the request of fellow teammate and Pro Bowler Puka Nacua. Just as he previously learned from another talented route runner in Cooper Kupp, Nacua said he wants to make sure he sees how Adams runs the route before his turn in line. 

[Read more: Expect A Shiftier Puka Nacua As He Takes On Larger Role For Rams In Year 3 ]

Adams is more than OK with taking that role for Nacua. 

"I kind of fell