The Los Angeles Rams have selected Ohio State tight end Max Klare with the 61st pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Los Angeles Rams have selected Ohio State tight end Max Klare with the 61st pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
After making one of the most shocking picks at 13 overall with Ty Simpson, the Rams stick with offense and add another tight end.
According to NFL Draft Buzz, Klare was ranked as the third tight end in this year’s draft.
The pick itself feels a bit off; nonetheless, the Rams add to their already packed tight end room. In the NFL, you could never have enough depth, and the Rams appear to be focusing on that this draft weekend.
On the surface, Klare could add some skill set to the room. For starters, he is a different kind of tight end compared to what the Rams already have.
They have four tight ends whom they could rely on, but what separates the prospect is that he is more of a modern receiving tight end. Klare is someone who can line up in the slot, create mismatches against linebackers, and has the ability to add yards after the catch.
It gives Matthew Stafford another middle-of-the-field weapon, which is a staple in Sean McVay’s offense.
Another reason why the Rams made this pick is for insurance and a long-term play. While the room looks full now, the tight end position is one of those that can turn over quickly. Injuries and role shifts can occur more quickly than we anticipate, so the Rams may just be erring on the side of caution.
Klare could be a future starter for the Rams, but the chances he is a contributor in 2026 is not likely as things stand. Another reason how this pick could benefit the Rams is it provides them with offensive flexibility, possibly the real reason they took a chance on Klare.
Los Angeles loves to disguise personnel, especially last season. That is very likely to carry into 2026, doing a lot of 12 or 13 personnel without sacrificing receiving ability. On top of that, it could force defenses into heavier packages, then exploit them through the air.
The 6-foot-4 pass catcher was solid in 2025 with the Buckeyes. Klare recorded 48 receptions for 448 yards and two touchdowns while playing in all 14 games (12 starts). He spent one season in Columbus; prior to that, he played the first three seasons of his college career at Purdue.