Countdown to Camp is a series breaking down the Rams roster by position group heading into training camp. The seventh installment examines tight end.
2025 second-round pick Terrance Ferguson will look to make his mark in a Rams tight end room filled with veteran talent. 32-year-old Tyler Higbee has been with the team for his entire nine-year career, while Colby Parkinson enters his sixth NFL season (second with L.A.) and Davis Allen is in Year 3 of his rookie contract. So, Ferguson will have to earn a prominent role, even as a highly touted rookie.
"I'm excited about Terrance Ferguson," said head coach Sean McVay on the June 18 minicamp recap show. "I like his demeanor, I like his ability to learn from (tight ends coach) Scott Huff, Tyler Higbee. He's a guy we expect to contribute and to be able to do some good things, but that's going to be earned."
Coming from an Oregon team that shares some schemes with the Rams, Ferguson said his existing knowledge, along with veteran guidance, has helped him pick up Los Angeles' offense quickly. Last year, he totaled 43 receptions (a single-season tight end record for the Ducks) and 591 receiving yards (second all-time).
The Rams' use of 12 personnel (two tight ends, one running back) increased from 4.8% in 2023 to 13.9% last season, according to SumerSports data. If that trajectory were to continue, it could pave the way for Ferguson to see the field more than he would otherwise, as the Rams have established talents in Higbee and Parkinson.
Higbee missed most of last season after tearing his ACL and MCL in the 2023 wildcard round against Detroit. In five games, including the postseason, Higbee caught 20 passes for 178 yards and three touchdowns. Parkinson filled in as the starter for 10 games last season, appearing in 19 total, and caught 43 passes for 316 yards and two touchdowns. Allen caught seven passes for 52 yards and a touchdown in 17 total games and five starts.
Ferguson adds speed and explosion to the unit, averaging 9.5 yards after catch per reception last season, which ranked first among FBS tight ends with at least 30 targets according to Pro Football Focus. That's something the Rams' group struggled with in 2024, as Higbee, Parkinson and Allen all netted zero or fewer yards after catch over expected, according to Next Gen Stats (measured using tracking data).
Still, Ferguson is soaking in all the knowledge he can from the team's other tight ends.
"Higs is someone who jumps out right off the bat," Ferguson said. "I'd say all the tight ends, though, have really leaned in and really helped me out with the playbook (and) little, subtle things."
