The Los Angeles Rams have spent much of the 2025 season living in familiar territory offensively. As expected, 11 personnel remains their foundation, accounting for 76% of their snaps and driving a pass-heavy approach. But beneath that surface tendency sits a meaningful shift — one that has quietly elevated a seventh-round rookie into a defined, high-leverage role.
When the Rams move into 13 personnel — one running back, three tight ends, and just one wide receiver — that lone receiver is most often Konata Mumpfield.
Despite Davante Adams and Puka Nacua anchoring the passing game, Mumpfield has logged 99 snaps in 13 personnel, nearly 60% of all such plays this season. No other receiver is close. Adams has 43 snaps. Nacua, Jordan Whittington, and Xavier Smith trail even further behind.
That usage alone tells a story. But the context makes it even more compelling.
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Why 13 Personnel Matters
While 13 personnel represents just 24% of the Rams’ offensive plays, it has been their most efficient grouping. The formation skews heavily toward the run — nearly 68% — yet it produces a higher EPA per play (0.202) than the team’s preferred 11 personnel (0.146). Touchdowns come at more than double the rate.
In other words, when the Rams go heavy, they aren’t chasing yards — they’re hunting outcomes.
Mumpfield’s involvement has been limited as a receiving target, but it has been precise. Both of his targets in 13 personnel have been caught. One went for a touchdown. His catch rate in those situations is perfect. But this also highlights an underrated function of the one WR on the field. Mumpfield has played as a run blocker 7th among all rookie wide receivers, helping turn this package into the rushing behemoth that it is.
That efficiency mirrors how head coach Sean McVay describes the rookie.
“I think he’s just so conscientious,” McVay said. “They’re grown men, even though they’re young guys. They have a professional approach.”
McVay emphasized Mumpfield’s preparation, routine, and willingness to ask questions — habits that have earned him trust in situations where trust matters most.
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Learning From the Best
That trust isn’t built in isolation. Mumpfield has often been seen trailing Adams, absorbing details and nuance.
“You can see he’s always in Davante’s back pocket,” McVay said. “He’s mature. He’s obviously really talented too. He can work edges and separate. He’ll compete without the ball.”
Puka Nacua sees it as well, drawing a direct line between Adams’ movement and Mumpfield’s progression.
“100%,” Nacua said. “The foundation of how ‘Mump’ likes to move is definitely rooted in how we see Davante move… just to see the nuance of his route running from training camp to now, it’s been a fast progression.”
The Rams didn’t draft Mumpfield to replace stars. They drafted him to solve problems. And in heavy personnel, he does exactly that — separating enough to be respected, blocking with intent, and understanding space without needing volume.
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The Moment That Made It Real
Mumpfield’s first NFL touchdown, scored in London, came out of that very environment. Speaking with JB Long, the rookie described the moment not as luck, but familiarity.
“We ran that same play in the red zone and the ball found me from Matthew,” Mumpfield said. “I told myself, if it comes down to me needing to get open and win, I’ll be ready.”
That readiness has resonated throughout the building. Offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur wasn’t surprised.
“They just go and put in the work,” LaFleur said. “Matthew has so much trust in whoever’s out there… it’s not shocking at all.”
A Role Earned, Not Handed
Mumpfield’s path — limited offers, a late draft selection, and minimal early usage — mirrors his current role. He doesn’t need constant opportunities. He maximizes the ones that matter.
In a Rams offense increasingly comfortable toggling between finesse and force, Mumpfield has become the connective tissue — the receiver who makes heavy formations viable without tipping intention.
For a rookie selected at No. 242, carving out that kind of responsibility this quickly says everything.
And according to those closest to him, it’s only the beginning.