Could the Rams Make a Splash at Tight End in the 2025 NFL Draft?
The Los Angeles Rams have a lot to consider as they prepare for the 2025 NFL Draft, and while tight end might not be the most pressing concern, it’s definitely a position that could use an upgrade. With Tyler Higbee returning but facing durability concerns, the Rams' depth at tight end was put to the test this past season—and it didn’t hold up well.
Although Higbee has been a staple in the Rams' offense, the reality is that he’s aging and has become increasingly injury-prone. His knee issues last season exposed just how thin the Rams are at this position, making it clear that adding a new, dynamic playmaker at tight end could significantly benefit the team’s offense. If the right prospect is available when the Rams are on the clock at No. 26, don’t be surprised if they make a move to solidify this position.
A Game-Changing Prospect?
Bleacher Report’s scouting department, featuring Brandon Thorn, Dame Parson, and Matt Holder, recently projected that Penn State’s Tyler Warren could be the perfect fit for the Rams at their first-round selection. While many draft analysts have Warren pegged as a potential top-10 pick, some projections suggest he could slide down the board, making him an enticing option for Los Angeles.
“A legitimate threat at tight end could completely change Sean McVay’s offense,” Bleacher Report noted. “Tyler Higbee has never quite lived up to the expectations the Rams had for him. Now, at 32 years old and coming off a season where he played just three games due to multiple injuries, the team could be looking for a fresh start at the position.”
Adding Warren to the mix would provide the Rams with a young, explosive tight end capable of transforming their offensive schemes. At 6-foot-6 and 249 pounds, Warren brings both size and athleticism to the table, making him a dangerous weapon in both the passing and running games. In his 2024 campaign at Penn State, he racked up an impressive 104 receptions for 1,233 yards and eight touchdowns, proving he has the production to back up his draft hype.
Why Warren Makes Sense for the Rams
Sean McVay is known for his creative offensive schemes, and Warren’s versatility could make him a perfect fit in Los Angeles. Unlike Higbee, Warren has the potential to be a true difference-maker in the passing game while also contributing as a blocker when needed.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford already has an elite duo of wide receivers in Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, but adding a dominant tight end could elevate the entire offense to another level. Warren has the ability to be the “easy button” in McVay’s attack—someone Stafford can rely on to find openings in the middle of the field and create mismatches against defenders.
“The Rams’ offense would be an even bigger headache to prepare for with this selection,” Bleacher Report’s scouting team added. “McVay is the kind of innovative play-caller who knows exactly how to put a player like Warren in the best positions to succeed.”
Learning from the NFC West Rivalry
The Rams have seen firsthand what an elite tight end can do to opposing defenses, especially given their regular matchups against the San Francisco 49ers and George Kittle. For the past eight seasons, Kittle has been a nightmare for defenses, and Los Angeles has felt that impact twice a year. By adding Warren, the Rams could finally get their own version of a dominant tight end—one who forces defenses to adjust and opens up even more opportunities for the team’s talented receiving corps.
Pro Football Focus compared Warren to former Indianapolis Colts legend Dallas Clark, describing him as “a do-everything tight end who any coach would love to have in their offense. He isn’t the twitchiest or most flexible athlete to unlock every route in the tree, but his versatility is incredibly valuable in both the run and pass games.”
That kind of versatility is exactly what McVay and the Rams need. They don’t necessarily require a tight end who will blaze past defenders, but rather one who can serve as a reliable safety valve, a red-zone threat, and a matchup nightmare over the middle of the field. If Warren is still available at No. 26, it would be a no-brainer for Los Angeles to pull the trigger.
The Final Word
With a draft class featuring several intriguing tight ends, the Rams have options. However, few prospects fit their system as seamlessly as Tyler Warren. If he does, in fact, slide down the board, it would make perfect sense for McVay and general manager Les Snead to pounce on the opportunity.
Higbee’s return provides some stability at the position, but the Rams can’t afford to ignore the future. If they want to keep their offense firing on all cylinders, investing in a top-tier tight end like Warren could be the move that helps them take the next step. With Stafford still playing at a high level and an elite receiving duo already in place, adding a game-changing tight end might be the final piece to unlocking the full potential of this offense.
So, as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, keep an eye on how the Rams approach their first-round selection. If Warren’s name is still on the board when their pick comes around, don’t be surprised if McVay and Snead make a move that could reshape the Rams’ offensive identity for years to come.
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