Despite a stacked tight end room, the Los Angeles Rams are reportedly expecting rookie draftee Max Klare to play a big part.
The Los Angeles Rams surprised many when they drafted Ohio State tight end Max Klare. With Klare in the building, the team has a stacked tight end room that features Colby Parkinson, Terrance Ferguson, Tyler Higbee, and Klare.
Despite Parkinson emerging in a solid way in 2025, the belief is that Klare will be expected to contribute in a solid way as a rookie. Per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the beleif is the Buckeyes prospect will become important in 2026 and beyond.
"They have a second-round pick, Max Klare, who's trying to crack the lineup. I'm told he's expected to play this year. Not only this year, but could be one of their top tight ends in 2027. So, they want to build a rapport between Klare and Simpson," Fowler said.
What Fowler has said is interesting for a couple of reasons.
The first is the aforementioned list of tight end players that are already in the building. It is believed that Parkinson will lead the way, with Higbee as TE2, and Ferguson as TE3. Klare would presumably be fourth on the depth chart.
Any NFL team drafting rookie players is for a reason. They are younger talent that will be with the team for multiple seasons, and it is often the case that they are there to replace talent that has dipped or those who are close to retirement.
In the case of the Rams, the only player who was close to retirement in the tight end room was Higbee. Instead of walking away, he chose to sign a two-year deal. Considering Klare would likely work his way into the lineup more in 2027, makes more sense.
The second aspect of Fowler's comment is that he indicates the Rams want Klare and Simpson to start building chemistry for 2027. This may be a bit of an obvious take, but it does seem to point to the Alabama quarterback taking a more substantial role next season.
There is still no word on the new contract for Matthew Stafford, but there is still growing belief that he will play past the 2026 season. Whether or not he continues past 2027 remains to be seen.
That being said, Stafford will remain under center for as long as he sees fit, which is what Sean McVay has indicated several times over since Simpson was drafted. Klare would then first establish chemistry with Stafford before he does so with the rookie passer.
There are still many unknowns for the Rams regarding Stafford, but he is the man under center for the foreseeable future.
Klare could very well impress McVay and emerge as a solid playmaker, but to do so in a way that would push the three veterans down the depth chart would have to be pretty special.