Ferguson could be an impact player right away for the Rams, especially in 12 personnel
The start of Los Angeles Rams training camp is just 23 days away, which brings us to the third player in our 25 most important players countdown. Having already added Omar Speights and Joshua Karty to the list, No. 23 is a rookie tight end who could have a big impact right away on offense.
Terrance Ferguson, the Rams’ top pick in the 2025 draft, enters a perfect situation in Los Angeles where he can simultaneously learn from Tyler Higbee while also playing meaningful snaps. As the most athletic tight end in this year’s draft class, Ferguson will have a chance to make big plays for the Rams with Matthew Stafford at quarterback.
How he got here
The Rams had the 26th overall pick in the draft but they traded down and wound up selecting Ferguson at No. 46 in the second round. He was a tight end they liked a lot in the draft and reportedly even would’ve been comfortable taking him at No. 26, but they picked up an extra first-rounder by moving back and still landed the Oregon standout.
2024 stats
12 games (Oregon): 43 receptions, 591 yards, 3 TDs
Projected role
Ferguson will start the year as the No. 2 or 3 tight end behind Higbee and possibly Colby Parkinson. There’s a steep learning curve from college to the pros at the tight end position, so it’s hard to expect him to be a starter right away. However, by the end of the year, he should be playing almost as much as Higbee and clearly ahead of Parkinson.
He offers much more speed and agility at tight end than Higbee and Parkinson do, which should make him a fun target for Stafford in the middle of the field. With the Rams expected to use more 12 personnel after drafting Ferguson, the rookie should play meaningful snaps early on.
Why he’s important
Sean McVay and Les Snead have both hinted at using 12 personnel more often this season. In order to do that, they’ll need two starting-caliber tight ends. They didn’t have that last year but with Ferguson joining Higbee this season, they’re more than capable of using two-TE sets. That will allow the Rams to diversify the offense away from being so reliant on 11 personnel, which opposing defenses always know they have to prepare for.
Ferguson can be more of a downfield threat with his speed and leaping ability, while also being a weapon in the red zone against slower linebackers. He’s someone who can really open up the offense in the middle of the field and fans should expect McVay to use him as such.
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