The Los Angeles Rams have had a lot of success with undrafted free agents in recent years. Alaric Jackson became the team’s starting left tackle, Omar Speights is starting at middle linebacker, and even 2025 UDFA Shaun Dolac became a staple on the team’s special teams unit.
In a loaded roster, it might be hard for an UDFA to break through for the Rams in 2026, but The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner believes Syracuse tight end Dan Villari is one to watch this year.
A former backup quarterback at Michigan, Villari transitioned to tight end after landing at Syracuse in 2022 and has been a truly ascending talent since. The 6-foot-3, 243-pounder is a capable blocker with powerful hands at the catch point. And the Rams, of course, love tight ends. Villari is still a project, but he’s definitely an interesting one.
Villari has a lot of game experience but not a ton of production. He caught 39 passes for 412 yards but no touchdowns. As Baumgardner mentioned, he’s a great blocker and can contribute that way on the Rams. His experience at quarterback makes him an intriguing trick play contributor, if head coach Sean McVay wants to try those out.
However, the team also drafted Max Klare, so the group is pretty loaded between Villari, Klare, 2025 second-rounder Terrence Ferguson, Tyler Higbee, Colby Packinson and Davis Allen. But for how much the Rams use 13 personnel, they’ll see what they have in all of their available tight ends.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Analyst says this to watch out for this UDFA on Rams
Reporting by Oliver G., Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
