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With the 61st pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Rams selected Ohio State tight end Max Klare. Klare, a two-time All-Big Ten selection, looks to be the next great tight end as the position group enters a new era for the franchise.
Here are four observations from the selection.
Klare is a very athletic tight end who can play in a variety of roles, taking pressure off Terrance Ferguson to develop as a blocker. With Colby Parkinson coming off a career year and Tyler Higbee returning, Sean McVay has the depth he needs to run an increased amount of plays with three tight ends on the field.
McVay will now be able to mix and match players to attack the varying weaknesses of NFL defenses.
Higbee signed a two-year extension and didn't need long to decide on returning. Higbee believes in the vision the Rams have and will continue to be a reliable producer. Higbee is also likely on his last deal as a pro and could wind up playing just one more season. Now, the Rams have a player who can be the safety valve Higbee was for years, while eventually succeeding Parkinson as the starter.
Higbee drives the standards for the room. The Rams have a new leader and playmaker.
The Rams have to start deciding on the futures of Puka Nacua, Kobie Turner, Byron Young, and the other remaining members of the team's 2023 draft class. With Davis Allen being a part of that class and with him being in the final year of his rookie deal, he appears to be the odd man out as Higbee is under contract for the next two years, and Ferguson is signed for the next three.
Parkinson will be a free agent in 2027, so maybe the Rams could keep Allen over him. But either way, someone is likely going to have to go.
It's likely that Klare is meant to become the team's long-term starter in a few years, while Ferguson will be used as a unique weapon in the McVay offense. Considering the Rams have not drafted a receiver, Nacua will likely sign a multi-year contract, and the team will have the money to extend most of their defense.
This is another move for the future as the team still has pressing needs that have yet to be addressed.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: NFL draft takeaways: Rams select TE Max Klare in Round 2
Continue reading...
Here are four observations from the selection.
The Rams plan to expand their 13 personnel package
Klare is a very athletic tight end who can play in a variety of roles, taking pressure off Terrance Ferguson to develop as a blocker. With Colby Parkinson coming off a career year and Tyler Higbee returning, Sean McVay has the depth he needs to run an increased amount of plays with three tight ends on the field.
McVay will now be able to mix and match players to attack the varying weaknesses of NFL defenses.
A succession plan for Tyler Higbee
Higbee signed a two-year extension and didn't need long to decide on returning. Higbee believes in the vision the Rams have and will continue to be a reliable producer. Higbee is also likely on his last deal as a pro and could wind up playing just one more season. Now, the Rams have a player who can be the safety valve Higbee was for years, while eventually succeeding Parkinson as the starter.
Higbee drives the standards for the room. The Rams have a new leader and playmaker.
Davis Allen looks to be the first Class of 2023 casualty
The Rams have to start deciding on the futures of Puka Nacua, Kobie Turner, Byron Young, and the other remaining members of the team's 2023 draft class. With Davis Allen being a part of that class and with him being in the final year of his rookie deal, he appears to be the odd man out as Higbee is under contract for the next two years, and Ferguson is signed for the next three.
Parkinson will be a free agent in 2027, so maybe the Rams could keep Allen over him. But either way, someone is likely going to have to go.
The Rams are preparing for Simpson to take over in 2028
It's likely that Klare is meant to become the team's long-term starter in a few years, while Ferguson will be used as a unique weapon in the McVay offense. Considering the Rams have not drafted a receiver, Nacua will likely sign a multi-year contract, and the team will have the money to extend most of their defense.
This is another move for the future as the team still has pressing needs that have yet to be addressed.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: NFL draft takeaways: Rams select TE Max Klare in Round 2
Continue reading...
