The Los Angeles Rams quietly made one of the boldest moves in the 2025 NFL Draft when they selected Oregon tight end Terrance Ferguson with the 46th overall pick. While other rookie tight ends landed in less favorable situations or face steep depth chart climbs, Ferguson’s combination of skill set, opportunity, and scheme fit makes him a strong candidate to emerge as the best of his class.
A Clear Path to Playing Time
Daniel Kelley of FTN recently predicted that Ferguson would finish the year as the top rookie tight end in the NFL, given that his situation is as ideal as any rookie tight end’s—possibly even better than that of Tyler Warren. “Ferguson only has to jump Tyler Higbee in an offense that throws a lot but lacks much pass-catching depth,” Kelley wrote, pointing out that Ferguson may have the most direct path to early snaps.
“Terrance Ferguson might not be the best rookie tight end, but he has the best combination of skill and landing spot of any of them except maybe Tyler Warren. Colston Loveland is good but will have to battle a half-dozen competent options in Chicago. Mason Taylor has to overcome the run-happy Justin Fields offense. Elijah Arroyo, Harold Fannin Jr., Gunnar Helm … they’re all too far down the depth chart. So it’s either Warren or Ferguson. Warren has a mess in Indianapolis and will be catching passes from either Anthony Richardson Sr. or Daniel Jones. Ferguson? He only has to jump Tyler Higbee in an offense that throws a lot but lacks much pass-catching depth. So it’s not a hard path.”
Higbee, the Rams’ longtime starter, spent most of last season recovering from a torn ACL and MCL and is entering the final year of his contract. Despite his career accolades, he’s not guaranteed to hold off a young, dynamic prospect like Ferguson for long. ESPN’s Ben Solak has already predicted that Ferguson will supplant Higbee by Week 5 and finish the season second on the team in targets behind Puka Nacua—with a stat line of 63 catches, 821 yards, and six touchdowns.
A Seamless Scheme Fit With Los Angeles Rams
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Ferguson’s appeal goes beyond stats. He’s a cerebral, athletic tight end tailor-made for Sean McVay’s system. Rams OC Mike LaFleur praised Ferguson’s “calm, swaggy demeanor” and his willingness to attack defenders even in non-contact drills. “You just want to see guys who are willing to get better in their fundamentals,” LaFleur said.
McVay, too, is reportedly excited. According to Stu Jackson of the Rams’ official site, the coach already has a clear vision for Ferguson’s role, echoing how the team successfully integrated rookie wideout Puka Nacua in 2023.
“Earning his role. McVay in his minicamp recap interview with Voice of the Rams J.B. Long said they expect Ferguson to contribute this season, but as is the case with the entire rookie class, that role will have to be earned. Based on the impression he’s already made this spring with his demeanor and work ethic, he’s on the right track”, said Jackson.
Draft Investment and Early Impressions
Some questioned the Rams’ decision to spend their top pick—despite trading out of the first round—on a tight end. But FOX Sports’ Rob Rang compared Ferguson to former Ram Ernie Conwell, praising his blend of hands, blocking, and potential. Even GM Les Snead has doubled down, stating that Ferguson “gives more effort than the next guy,” an intangible that often translates to early NFL success.
With traits reminiscent of Higbee and a ceiling the Rams believe could surpass it, Ferguson has everything in place to break out. The Rams haven’t had a Pro Bowl tight end in their history—but Terrance Ferguson just might be their first.
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