The Los Angeles Rams have once again shown their keen understanding of prospect evaluation and scheme fit in their recent draft strategy. Having identified Terrance Ferguson as a target, reportedly as early as the first round, the Rams strategically traded down, ultimately securing him in the second round.
The Rams’ pursuit of a dynamic tight end has been evident, as highlighted by their previous attempt to trade up for Brock Bowers. With the addition of Ferguson, head coach Sean McVay aims to add another dimension to an offense already boasting the explosive potential of receivers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.
In his new article for The Athletic, Ted Nguyen identified Ferguson as one of the 2025 NFL Draft’s best fits. He identified two spots that the rookie will fill a major role for the offense — as a big slot and for doing dirty work. These are two areas left open by the departed Cooper Kupp.
Los Angeles Rams’ TE Will Fill Void By Cooper Kupp
Nguyen points out that McVay has drawn comparisons between Ferguson’s playing style and that of Chris Cooley and Travis Kelce, noting that these tight ends operate more like “big slots” than traditional in-line players.
“Those are big, lofty comparisons,” McVay added, “so I’m certainly not saying that he’s those guys yet. But there’s a lot of instincts. He plays with a change of pace when the ball gets in his hands. I think he can play in the C area, he’s moved around the formation. When things go off-schedule, he shows what a feel he has to find soft spots. … I’m really excited to get him in that tight end room.”
“Though Adams gives the Rams more juice downfield in the passing game, Kupp did a lot of the dirty work for the Rams in the run game and created yards after the catch,” Nguyen writes. “Ferguson will help replace some of what Kupp did as a blocker. McVay won’t ask Ferguson to block defensive ends one-on-one frequently as a rookie — they still have Tyler Higbee for that — but he’ll be able to crack block and insert on linebackers. Also, with Nacua and Adams lifting the coverage, Ferguson can work choice routes against linebackers and run after the catch.”
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