The Los Angeles Rams are no strangers to making shrewd offseason moves, but their 2025 NFL Draft strategy may have netted them one of the biggest steals of the year. While much attention has focused on headline acquisitions like Davante Adams, insiders and fans are quickly turning their attention to rookie tight end Terrance Ferguson, whose early performances have left coaches and teammates buzzing with excitement.
The Rams’ decision to trade out of the back half of the first round in what was widely considered a weak class was praised at the time. Their patience paid off in the second round, where they landed Ferguson out of Oregon, a move that is already looking like a masterstroke. With veteran Tyler Higbee aging and entering the final year of his contract, the Rams needed to get younger and more dynamic at tight end, and Ferguson’s arrival could not be better timed.
According to the Yard Barker, quarterback Matthew Stafford has been vocal about his excitement for Ferguson, recalling his impressive playmaking at Oregon. “I was a fan of his during the season last year in college,” Stafford said, emphasizing Ferguson’s athleticism and development potential. Head coach Sean McVay echoed these sentiments, calling Ferguson “a versatile player” who allows the Rams to be “more multiple in some of the personnel we can present to defenses.” McVay even compared Ferguson to former Washington great Chris Cooley, and noted similarities in body language to superstar Travis Kelce. This is obviously lofty praise for any young tight end.
What makes Ferguson stand out isn’t just his athleticism, but his efficiency.The two advanced metrics below showcase exactly why the Rams are so high on him:
Return on Investment (ROI): This custom metric measures how much value a receiver or tight end provides per target, factoring in the depth of target and yards gained. Ferguson posted the highest ROI among all top 2025 draft-eligible tight ends, outperforming peers like Colston Loveland, Tyler Warren, and Elijah Arroyo. Despite not being a high-volume target in Oregon’s explosive offense, Ferguson was extremely productive and efficient with his opportunities, a trait the Rams value as they look to distribute touches among stars like Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.
Yards After Catch (YAC) Ratio: Ferguson also led all top tight ends in the percentage of his receiving yards that came after the catch. This is particularly important in Sean McVay’s offense, which is known for scheming players open and creating opportunities for big gains after the reception. Ferguson’s ability to generate extra yards when given space bodes well for his fit in Los Angeles.
With the Rams ranking just 26th in the NFL in use of 12 personnel (two tight end, one running back sets) last season, Ferguson’s arrival could signal a shift. Teams like the Chiefs, Lions, Ravens, Eagles, and Bengals, all playoff contenders, ranked among the league leaders in 12 personnel usage. By adding a second dynamic tight end alongside Higbee, the Rams could diversify their offense and keep pace with the league’s best.
That leads us to the Rams current starting tight end,Tyler Higbee, Higbee, while still productive, is entering the final year of his contract and will be 33 by the 2026 season. With a void year on his deal for salary cap purposes, the Rams are clearly planning for Ferguson to take over as the starter. Ferguson’s size and skill set closely mirror Higbee’s, ensuring a smooth transition at the position. Unlike some tight ends who require a high volume of targets, Ferguson’s efficiency means he can make a big impact even with limited opportunities. Considering that Los Angeles has two top outside receivers that are going to get a fair share of targets and are dedicated to running the ball as well, having an efficient tight end would be a great value.
The Rams’ front office and coaching staff are clearly excited about what Terrance Ferguson brings to the table. His combination of athleticism, efficiency, and yards-after-catch ability make him a perfect fit for Sean McVay’s innovative offense. While he’ll have to prove himself when the pads come on in training camp and the regular season, all signs point to Ferguson being a special addition to the Rams’ roster.
As the Rams look to build on their recent success and stay competitive in a tough NFC, Ferguson’s development will be one of the most intriguing storylines to watch in 2025. For now, Rams fans have every reason to be optimistic about their new tight end.
Disclaimer: The content of this article was originally published as a YouTube video on the Saturday Morning Inspection YouTube channel. With AI assistance, the publisher of the video created this article based on the content of that video.
