With draft week approaching, theRams.com will be doing a big-picture overview of the positions linked to the Rams externally via mock drafts, covering names to know and what experts are saying about each class overall.
We continue the series with tight end.
The basics
Though the Rams return each of the four tight ends who comprised last year's rotation, it hasn't precluded analysts from projecting them to add to the group. According to the website Grinding the Mocks, which aggregates mock draft results from across the web, 3.2% of published mocks as of April 13 have Los Angeles using that pick on an tight end, making it the fifth-most projected position for the team (wide receiver is 37.2%, followed by offensive tackle at 27.0%, cornerback at 19.4% and quarterback at 7.0%).
Adding a tight end would check short- and long-term boxes: One, maximizing quarterback Matthew Stafford by giving him another mismatch weapon in the passing game; two, planning for the future with Davis Allen, Colby Parkinson and Tyler Higbee all entering the final year of their respective contracts.
Outlook
"Behind Kenyon Sadiq, a unicorn prospect with All-Pro upside, you'll find a sneaky-good class loaded with experienced contributors," The Athletic's Dane Brugler writes in his draft guide, The Beast.
Five names to know
Kenyon Sadiq – Oregon – Prospect Preview
Measurables: 6-foot-3, 241 pounds
Snapshot: The consensus top prospect in this year's tight end class, Sadiq led the Ducks with 51 receptions and eight touchdowns in 2025 and ranked second on the team with 560 receiving yards. While he needs to work on his drops, he's well-regarded for his ability to play inside or outside, explosiveness and toughness.
Big board rankings:
Daniel Jeremiah Top 50 4.0 (NFL.com - April 1): No. 14 overall (No. 1 TE)
Dane Brugler Top 100 (The Beast; The Athletic - April 8): No. 16 overall (No. 1 TE)
Matt Miller Top 482 (ESPN – April 10): No. 11 overall (No. 1 TE)
Pro Football Focus (Big Board, April 2): No. 14 overall (No. 1 TE)
Quoteworthy:
"Overall, Sadiq lacks height and consistent hands, but he is a versatile, explosive weapon with toughness." – Jeremiah
Eli Stowers – Vanderbilt
Measurables: 6-4, 239
Snapshot: Winner of the John Mackey Award as the nation's top tight end, Stowers posted 769 receiving yards and four touchdowns on a team-leading 62 receptions for the Commodores last season. Most analysts want to see him become a more reliable blocker, but like his upside with his mismatch potential as an explosive pass-catcher.
Big board rankings:
Dane Brugler Top 100 (The Beast; The Athletic - April 8): No. 63 overall (No. 2 TE)
Matt Miller Top 482 (ESPN – April 10): No. 58 overall (No. 2 TE)
Pro Football Focus (Big Board, April 2): No. 53 overall (No. 2 TE)
Quoteworthy:
"Eli Stowers is a mismatch creator with the speed and athleticism to punish linebackers and safeties in one-on-one battles on the perimeter. Although Stowers' blocking skills are a concern, teams looking for a pass-catching wizard in a flex role could rate the Vanderbilt star at the top of the charts." – Brooks
Max Klare – Ohio State
Measurables: 6-4, 246
Snapshot: 43 receptions for 448 yards and two touchdowns while playing in all 14 games for the Buckeyes (12 starts) in 2025. Analysts aren't optimistic about his ceiling as a blocker, but they believe his pass-catching and the rest of his skillset overall fit the mold of a modern tight end.
Big board rankings:
Dane Brugler Top 100 (The Beast; The Athletic - April 8): No. 66 overall (No. 3 TE)
Matt Miller Top 482 (ESPN – April 10): No. 71 overall (No. 4 TE)
Pro Football Focus (Big Board, April 2): No. 76 overall (No. 3 TE)
Quoteworthy:
"He improved as a run blocker as the season progressed, but "functional" might be the finish line there. In a league craving impact tight ends, Klare has a chance to inject life into an offense hunting mismatches." – NFL.com's Lance Zierlein
Oscar Delp – Georgia
Measurables: 6-5, 245
Snapshot: 20 receptions for 261 yards and one touchdown while starting all 14 games for the Bulldogs last season. While his resume doesn't pop as much as other prospects, analysts are optimistic about his ability to improve enough as a run-blocker and potential as a pass-catcher that leads to a better pro career than college career.
Big board rankings:
Dane Brugler Top 100 (The Beast; The Athletic - April 8): No. 86 overall (No. 4 TE)
Matt Miller Top 482 (ESPN – April 10): No. 69 overall (No. 3 TE)
Pro Football Focus (Big Board, April 2): No. 215 overall (No. 18 TE)
Quoteworthy:
"He has enough toughness and technique to help in the run game as he improves his strength. Delp projects as a Day 3 prospect with three-down potential and untapped upside as a pass catcher." – Zierlein
Justin Joly – North Carolina State
Measurables: 6-3 1/2, 241
Snapshot: Led the Wolfpack with 49 receptions and seven receiving touchdowns, also recording 489 receiving yards. Analysts say his route-running and blocking need refinement, but has the capability to contribute as an 'F' or 'move' tight end.
Big board rankings:
Dane Brugler Top 100 (The Beast; The Athletic - April 8): No. 93 overall (No. 5 TE)
Matt Miller Top 482 (ESPN – April 10): No. 104 overall (No. 5 TE)
Pro Football Focus (Big Board, April 2): No. 129 overall (No. 6 TE)
Quoteworthy:
"Joly is a versatile pass catcher, because of his athleticism, ball skills and upside as a three-level threat. Built in the mold of Jonnu Smith, he is more Robin than Batman and ideally suited as a "move" tight end in a 12-personnel offense." – Brugler
