As the Los Angeles Rams prepare for the 2025 NFL season, one position group that continues to draw scrutiny is the tight end room. With veteran Tyler Higbee fully recovered from a significant knee injury and Colby Parkinson stepping into a larger role in 2024, the Rams’ tight end production has been underwhelming compared to the league’s elite offenses. In a passing era dominated by dynamic tight ends like Travis Kelce, George Kittle, and Sam LaPorta, the Rams have yet to find a game-changer at the position under head coach Sean McVay. However, with a strong tight end class projected for the 2025 NFL Draft and general manager Les Snead’s history of aggressiveness, the Rams are well-positioned to address this need. This article explores the current state of the Rams’ tight end position, their historical approach to the role, and the top prospects they might target in the upcoming draft.
The Current State of the Rams’ Tight End Room
The Rams entered the 2024 season with uncertainty at tight end following Tyler Higbee’s torn ACL and MCL suffered in the playoff loss to the Detroit Lions in January 2024. Higbee, a reliable veteran who has been with the team since 2016, missed most of the 2024 campaign, leaving a void in both leadership and production. His absence forced the Rams to rely on Colby Parkinson, a free-agent signing from the Seattle Seahawks, and younger options like Davis Allen and Hunter Long.
Parkinson, a 6-foot-7, 265-pound target, led the Rams’ tight ends in 2024 with 294 receiving yards, ranking fifth on the team in that category. While he showed flashes of potential as an underrated pass-catcher and capable blocker, his production didn’t elevate the position to the level of an offensive centerpiece. Davis Allen, a 2023 fifth-round pick from Clemson, contributed modestly in his rookie season with 10 receptions for 95 yards and a touchdown, but he remains a work in progress as a blocker and overall playmaker. Hunter Long, acquired via trade from the Miami Dolphins in 2021, has been plagued by injuries and inconsistency, limiting his impact.
The Rams’ tight end group in 2024 lacked the explosiveness and versatility that McVay’s offense has historically thrived on with its wide receivers, such as Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua. With Higbee’s return timeline uncertain and his contract nearing its end, the Rams face a critical decision: bolster the position through the draft or continue patchwork solutions in free agency.
Historical Context: McVay’s Tight End Usage
Sean McVay’s tenure as Rams head coach has been defined by innovative offensive schemes, but the tight end position has rarely been a focal point. During his time as the Washington Commanders’ offensive coordinator, McVay utilized “12 personnel” (one running back, two tight ends) at a respectable 28% rate in 2016. However, since taking over in Los Angeles in 2017, his usage of two-tight-end sets has fluctuated dramatically, dropping as low as 6% in 2023 and peaking at 47% in 2020 with Jared Goff at quarterback.
This inconsistency reflects McVay’s preference for spreading the field with three-wide-receiver sets, leveraging motion and mismatches to exploit defenses. The Rams have not rostered a true blocking tight end under McVay, instead favoring pass-catching options like Higbee, Gerald Everett, and now Parkinson. Yet, the team’s repeated attempts to trade up for elite tight end prospects—Dalton Kincaid in 2023 and Brock Bowers in 2024—signal a desire to integrate a high-impact player into the offense. With Matthew Stafford still at the helm and a potentially restructured roster in 2025 (e.g., Cooper Kupp’s uncertain future as a cap casualty), the time may be ripe for McVay to finally commit to a transformative tight end.
Why Tight End Matters for the Rams in 2025
In today’s NFL, elite offenses often feature a tight end capable of stretching the field and contributing in both the pass and run games. The Kansas City Chiefs (Travis Kelce), San Francisco 49ers (George Kittle), and Detroit Lions (Sam LaPorta) have demonstrated how a dominant tight end can elevate an attack. For the Rams, adding such a weapon could diversify an offense that relies heavily on Stafford’s arm and the wide receiver corps.
The 2025 draft class offers a wealth of tight end talent, providing the Rams an opportunity to secure a long-term solution. With the No. 26 overall pick (as of early projections), Snead could target a first-round talent or wait for value in later rounds, depending on how the board falls. Below, we examine three top prospects who could fit the Rams’ needs, followed by additional names to watch.
Top Tight End Prospects for the Rams in 2025
1. Colston Loveland (Michigan) – Potential First-Round Target
- Profile: 6’5”, 245 lbs | Junior | Michigan
- Stats: Loveland entered 2024 as the consensus TE1, though Michigan’s struggling passing attack tempered his numbers. He’s still expected to finish with solid production, likely around 50 receptions, 600+ yards, and 5+ touchdowns.
- Strengths: Loveland is a dual-threat tight end with the versatility McVay covets. He can flex out wide, run precise routes, and attack all levels of the field. His athleticism and reliable hands make him a matchup nightmare for linebackers and safeties.
- Weaknesses: Michigan’s offense didn’t showcase his full potential in 2024, leaving some evaluators wanting more explosive plays. His blocking is adequate but not exceptional.
- Fit with Rams: Loveland’s skill set aligns with McVay’s history of targeting pass-catching tight ends. If he slips past the top 15 picks due to Michigan’s offensive woes, the Rams could pounce at No. 26 or consider trading up—a move consistent with their pursuit of Bowers in 2024.
2. Tyler Warren (Penn State) – Elite Athlete, Early-Round Buzz
- Profile: 6’6”, 260 lbs | Senior | Penn State
- Stats: Warren has been a breakout star in 2024, potentially finishing with 60+ receptions and 800+ yards, setting career highs. His positional flexibility (lining up at tight end, fullback, and even in the backfield) has boosted his stock.
- Strengths: Warren’s athleticism and sure hands make him a red-zone threat and a reliable target over the middle. His willingness to block, while not elite, adds versatility.
- Weaknesses: His blocking technique needs refinement, which could limit his inline usage in the NFL early on. He may go too high for the Rams to snag at No. 26.
- Fit with Rams: Warren’s ability to line up in multiple spots could intrigue McVay, who has experimented with fullback-like roles. However, his rising draft stock might push him into the top 20, requiring a trade-up.
3. Harold Fannin Jr. (Bowling Green) – Record-Setter with Upside
- Profile: 6’4”, 230 lbs | Senior | Bowling Green
- Stats: Fannin Jr. has shattered FBS tight end records in 2024 with 117 receptions, 1,555 yards, and double-digit touchdowns—unheard-of numbers for the position.
- Strengths: A pure pass-catching workhorse, Fannin Jr. boasts exceptional production and route-running ability. His smaller frame allows him to play like an oversized receiver, creating mismatches.
- Weaknesses: At 230 pounds, he’s undersized for a traditional tight end and offers little as a blocker. He’ll need to bulk up to handle NFL physicality.
- Fit with Rams: Fannin Jr.’s profile resembles Gerald Everett’s during his Rams tenure—a smaller, receiving-first tight end. While No. 26 might be a reach, his production could justify it if the Rams prioritize offense over defense in Round 1.
Additional Prospects to Watch
- Mason Taylor (LSU) – 6’5”, 255 lbs: The son of Hall of Famer Jason Taylor, he’s a well-rounded tight end with a high football IQ. Taylor’s familiarity with pro-style offenses at LSU makes him a Day 2 option if the Rams pass on Round 1.
- Oronde Gadsden II (Syracuse) – 6’5”, 225 lbs: An athletic freak with NFL lineage (his father played wide receiver for the Dolphins), Gadsden II profiles as a slender, pass-catching specialist. He could be a late-Day 2 steal.
- Gunnar Helm (Texas) – 6’5”, 250 lbs: A rising star with good hands and blocking potential, Helm could be a mid-round target if the Rams seek balance over flash.
Strategic Considerations for the Rams
The Rams’ draft strategy will hinge on several factors: Higbee’s full recovery, Parkinson’s development, and competing needs (e.g., linebacker, cornerback). Snead’s willingness to trade up for Kincaid and Bowers suggests he’ll be aggressive again if Loveland or Warren is within reach. Alternatively, waiting for Day 2 or 3 could yield value in a deep class, allowing the Rams to address other roster holes first.
Financially, cutting or trading Higbee post-2025 could free up cap space, (an unlikely scenario) making a rookie tight end an economical starter. Pairing a young prospect with Stafford’s veteran savvy could accelerate their development, especially in McVay’s scheme, which thrives on timing and precision.
Final Thoughts
The Los Angeles Rams stand at a crossroads with their tight end position as they approach the 2025 NFL Draft. While Colby Parkinson and Davis Allen offer short-term stability, the team’s pursuit of an elite tight end signals a desire for more. Prospects like Colston Loveland, Tyler Warren, and Harold Fannin Jr. headline a talented class, each bringing unique skills that could reshape the Rams’ offense. Whether Snead strikes in Round 1 or mines later rounds for value, the Rams have a golden opportunity to finally secure the game-changing tight end McVay has long sought—one who could propel them back to Super Bowl contention. As the draft nears, all eyes will be on Los Angeles to see if they cash in on this positional goldmine
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