Rams TE Depth Shows Quantity Over Top‑Tier Talent

Depth That Still Misses the Elite

The Rams entered the 2026 season with five tight ends after selecting Max Klare in the second round. While the roster boasts quantity, none of those five are considered premier players by the broader football community. Even a poll of NFL coaches, executives, and scouts run by ESPN placed no Rams tight end among the top‑23 ranked players. The survey featured ten players at the top, five honorable mentions, and eight others receiving votes, yet each of the Rams’ tight ends received zero selections.

Why the Rams Are Off the Radar

The lack of recognition stems from recent performance trends across the room. Colby Parkinson produced one solid season but has not sustained that level, Terrance Ferguson shows elite athleticism—averaging 20.8 yards per catch as a rookie—but has yet to fulfill his potential, and Tyler Higbee’s play has declined over the last two years. Davis Allen provides solid athletic ability, while Max Klare is viewed as a promising receiving threat for the future. Together, they form a group that is solid in depth but missing the elite upside that top‑ranked tight ends bring.

How McVay’s Offense Uses the Depth

Sean McVay’s system leans heavily on 13‑personnel sets, requiring at least three or four tight ends who can see meaningful snaps. The Rams need players who can block, catch passes, and line up in‑line, out wide, in the slot, or in the backfield. Parkinson’s eight touchdown catches last season made him a reliable red‑zone option despite not being among the league’s best. Ferguson’s receive yards per reception ranked third in the NFL, and Higbee remains the veteran anchor and on‑field leader. Together, they meet the quarterback’s personnel needs even if they lack top‑tier star power.

Who’s Still in the Running?

• Colby Parkinson – eight TDs last year, key red‑zone threat.
• Terrance Ferguson – third‑best yards per catch in the NFL as a rookie.
• Tyler Higbee – veteran all‑around player and room leader.
• Davis Allen – solid athlete with receiving upside.
• Max Klare – second‑round pick with bright receiving future.

The Rams have expressed interest in talent like Tyler Warren, Colston Loveland, and Brock Bowers, all of whom sit in ESPN’s top‑10 tight‑end rankings. Ferguson or Klare still have room to develop into a premier tight end in the coming years, giving the club hope that depth can eventually match the elite level.

What It Means Going Forward

Right now the Rams possess the depth required to run McVay’s high‑octane offense at a high level. The mix of experience, athleticism, and youth gives the staff flexibility in constructing personnel packages. If one of the younger players—especially Ferguson or Klare—breaks out, the Rams could swiftly add a true top‑tier tight end to a room that already fields three quality options. Until then, the emphasis remains on quantity rather than elite talent at the position.