When the Los Angeles Rams drafted tight end Max Klare from Ohio State in the second round, they added an underrated gem to their offense. In what could be yet another case of timing meeting preparation, Klare has lucked himself into the best offense in football, during an era of change.
In order for Sean McVay to keep his offense timeless, he needs to evolve. He displayed the direction he’s marching in last season, revolutionizing the NFL’s approach to tight ends. A former tight ends coach himself, McVay’s 13 personnel offense put defenses on their back foot. As he did with receivers years before, his mirroring of the run and pass, paired with the physical advantages tight ends have against modern linebackers and defensive backs, McVay was able to scheme pass catchers open at maximum efficiency.
McVay has finally had some time to think, breathing in new ideas towards his multiple-tight end offense. I believe Terrance Ferguson is a tight end in name and that Klare is the true successor to Colby Parkinson and Tyler Higbee. Why? Because McVay revealed his hand this offseason.
By passing up on both Makai Lemon and Kenyon Sadiq, McVay’s offensive strength shifts from the wide receiver room to the tight end room. It’s my belief that Ferguson will be used as a wide receiver, essentially operating as a larger version of Cooper Kupp. Finding space against zone coverages, dominating on the inside, and being a stout blocker.
As Kupp did years before against defenses built for a different brand of football, Ferguson flips the script and the advantage back towards the Rams. In order to do that, the team needs a more traditional tight end. That’s where Klare comes in.
Matthew Stafford’s overt targeting of Colby Parkinson last year proves that he still has a fondness for giving his bigger targets a chance. With his athleticism, fundamental play, and high ceiling, Klare is the future of the tight end position.
Klare’s selection comes at a time when the position he occupies is being shown a lot of love again. Thus, I believe Klare has a chance to be one of the better tight ends in team history, if not the best.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Why Max Klare has an incredibly bright future with revolutionary Rams
Reporting by Brock Vierra, Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
