Practice Squad

[BonifayRam]

They traded TE Mark Redman, Redman smooth route runner good hands and good run blocker If Higbee gets hurt or any of the other tight ends get hurt they will regret trading Mark Redman.

I had some of those same thoughts after watching Max Klare's preseason performance.

However our rookie 2nd rd selection did not have a poor PS. His preseason stats:

• Games: 3
• Targets: 16
• Receptions: 12
• Receiving yards: 55
• Average: 4.6 yards per catch
• Receiving TDs: 0
• Longest reception: 11 yards
• Drops: 0

Redman was so smooth & comfortable in this offense. IMO there was not an ounce difference between Redman & starting TE Davis Allen (a duplicate) in what they both bring to the offense.

I was not overjoyed with Snead using our high draft selection on another TE anyway in the 2nd round, I was in go mode to get a bonified Swing OT. Bottom line there were no such prospect worthy of using that selection for. Bad draft for swing OT prospects.

IMO Snead went with taking an excellent Swing OG & maybe decent RT backup in Keagen Trost. Best move Snead could make.

No way of knowing this.... but I feel McVay knew that TE Mark Redman was ready to take a big step up in the NFL & play in games. Redman would never get that opportunity in LA this season.

McVay just making a very positive move to give a good guy a boost up in his career sending him to his buddy HC in Green Bay.

 

[PARAM]

They traded TE Mark Redman, Redman smooth route runner good hands and good run blocker If Higbee gets hurt or any of the other tight ends get hurt they will regret trading Mark Redman.

And since somebody traded a draft pick to the Rams for Mark Redman, it suggests if they released him with the intent of signing him to the PS, somebody (Green Bay?) would have claimed him. So no matter what happens, there should be no regret they couldn't keep 6 TEs on the roster. Or do you believe 6 TEs was a viable option?

 

[WestCoastRam]

They traded TE Mark Redman, Redman smooth route runner good hands and good run blocker If Higbee gets hurt or any of the other tight ends get hurt they will regret trading Mark Redman.

Sir, we have 5 - FIVE! -tight ends on the roster!

 

[WestCoastRam]

Redman was so smooth & comfortable in this offense. IMO there was not an ounce difference between Redman & starting TE Davis Allen (a duplicate) in what they both bring to the offense.

Seriously?

 

[PARAM]

Seriously?

I have to believe if Redman was as good at blocking as Allen, he wouldn't have been traded. This is a guy they had all last year to watch and if he offered more than any of the other 5 TEs, he'd still be here.

 

[Allen2McVay]

I like Mark Redman ... thought he looked good in pre-season games.

Ideally, the Rams could have held-on to him this year ... especially with three of their five TEs scheduled to hit free agency after the season.

However, lets also keep in mind that Redman's next Regular Season NFL snap will be the First Regular Season snap of his NFL career.

 

[Twopointtry]

Redman is weak and he's slow. He's just a guy. Fine if you need a warm body, but nothing special or worth worrying about. The Packers ran out of guys at TE. Not only did they have injuries to the starter guys but they added a TE during the summer to try to add more numbers to the room, then he got hurt too. Look at their PS, they don't have anyone good. They were backed into a corner and had to do something. It happens in tackle football, players get hurt. Remember that year when the Rams had a rash of OL injuries and we were signing guys off the street and having them start that week? Desperate times call for desperate measures. If they can get their other TEs back healthy and sign or draft more TEs next year, they might cut Redman and the Rams could sign him again in 2027. For all we know, Redman might get dumped later this season and the Rams could try to get him on the PS before the end of the year.

 

[Memento]

I had some of those same thoughts after watching Max Klare's preseason performance.

However our rookie 2nd rd selection did not have a poor PS. His preseason stats:

• Games: 3
• Targets: 16
• Receptions: 12
• Receiving yards: 55
• Average: 4.6 yards per catch
• Receiving TDs: 0
• Longest reception: 11 yards
• Drops: 0

Redman was so smooth & comfortable in this offense. IMO there was not an ounce difference between Redman & starting TE Davis Allen (a duplicate) in what they both bring to the offense.

I was not happy with Snead using our high draft selection on another TE anyway, It was my impression that a bonified Swing OT was a big BIG need with that 2nd rd'er. The Truth is this draft had very few good swing OT prospects.

No way of knowing this.... but McVay knew that TE Mark Redman was ready to take a big step up in the NFL & start. Redman would never get that opportunity in LA. McVay just making a very positive move to give a good guy a boost up in his career sending him to his buddy HC in Green Bay.

Looking at the high draft selection, Boni, it does make sense. Higbee is damn near on his last legs, and Parkinson and Davis Allen are both free agents after this year, and given everyone we need to prioritize re-signing, there's a possibility that one (hopefully not Parkinson; he really improved throughout the season) or both are gone, along with Higbee potentially retiring. Remember, he's only one draft year behind Havenstein, and offensive linemen usually last longer than tight ends (Marcedes Lewis aside, because the guy's apparently immortal - drafted in fucking 2006 and still getting contracts).

 

[BonifayRam]

Looking at the high draft selection, Boni, it does make sense. Higbee is damn near on his last legs, and Parkinson and Davis Allen are both free agents after this year, and given everyone we need to prioritize re-signing, there's a possibility that one (hopefully not Parkinson; he really improved throughout the season) or both are gone, along with Higbee potentially retiring. Remember, he's only one draft year behind Havenstein, and offensive linemen usually last longer than tight ends (Marcedes Lewis aside, because the guy's apparently immortal - drafted in fucking 2006 and still getting contracts).

Agree, IF the 13 personnel is the primary run offense.

Also Agree that Tyler Higbee has slowed down & has lost his power at in-line blocking.

TH did signed a lower cost 2 yr. contract. I expect TH to be our 4th game day TE behind Colby Parkinson/ Terrance Ferguson & Davis Allen. Knowing this offense as well as he does will help our 2 very young TE's Max Klare & Ferguson.

 

[Memento]

Agree, IF the 13 personnel is the primary run offense.

Also Agree that Tyler Higbee has slowed down & has lost his power at in-line blocking.

TH did signed a lower cost 2 yr. contract. I expect TH to be our 4th game day TE behind Colby Parkinson/ Terrance Ferguson & Davis Allen. Knowing this offense as well as he does will help our 2 very young TE's Max Klare & Ferguson.

Right. I'm just looking at the future outside of this season, and I believe that's what the Rams were/are doing as well.

I really liked Klare the player; I thought he was the best natural tight end in the class (Saddiq was more an athlete than a player, and I absolutely had him as a DND for a lot of reasons, and Stowers was a pure TE/WR tweener). I didn't understand the fit at first myself; until people informed me here that Higbee's contract was more of a one-year deal, and figuring out that both Parkinson and Allen were both free agents.

Klare may not, and probably will not, make a huge impact in 2026, but I can absolutely see why they drafted him in the second round; we needed a tight end, a weapon for the future, and Klare was the best tight end in the class, in my opinion.

I could see a 13 personnel set with Parkinson (if he's re-signed), Ferguson, and Klare in the future, and it would be one of the deadliest personnel sets in the NFL, especially with someone like Nacua at wide receiver. That's four big receivers. Teams won't know who is blocking, what routes are run, who to cover, who might leak out from blocking, someone like Ferguson or Klare motioning into the flex (and motioning period), all of the disguises in their scheme, the running back as a potential leak from blocking, potential screens, all of which teams won't know until it's far too late - and that's only mentioning passing downs, and not running downs, where everyone on the field, quarterback aside, can block and is more than capable of blocking.

 

[BonifayRam]

Right. I'm just looking at the future outside of this season, and I believe that's what the Rams were/are doing as well.

I really liked Klare the player; I thought he was the best natural tight end in the class (Saddiq was more an athlete than a player, and I absolutely had him as a DND for a lot of reasons, and Stowers was a pure TE/WR tweener). I didn't understand the fit at first myself; until people informed me here that Higbee's contract was more of a one-year deal, and figuring out that both Parkinson and Allen were both free agents.

Klare may not, and probably will not, make a huge impact in 2026, but I can absolutely see why they drafted him in the second round; we needed a tight end, a weapon for the future, and Klare was the best tight end in the class, in my opinion.

I could see a 13 personnel set with Parkinson (if he's re-signed), Ferguson, and Klare in the future, and it would be one of the deadliest personnel sets in the NFL, especially with someone like Nacua at wide receiver. That's four big receivers. Teams won't know who is blocking, what routes are run, who to cover, who might leak out from blocking, someone like Ferguson or Klare motioning into the flex (and motioning period), all of the disguises in their scheme, the running back as a potential leak from blocking, potential screens, all of which teams won't know until it's far too late - and that's only mentioning passing downs, and not running downs, where everyone on the field, quarterback aside, can block and is more than capable of blocking.

"just looking at the future outside of this season" ......this is just one of the many reasons I read all your posts...most fans have hard time looking past this second let alone an hour from now.......on Snead & McVay moves.

 

[Memento]

"just looking at the future outside of this season" ......this is just one of the many reasons I read all your posts...most fans have hard time looking past this second let alone an hour from now.......on Snead & McVay moves.

Heh. Maybe it's just because I'm a young pup to y'all. I always look forward to the future, especially with prospects...but since I'm fairly young (still just barely old enough to be the President of the U.S. - not that I'd ever want to be), I figure I can look forward. And at the same time, I get why people here want to focus on the now instead of the future.

 

[Twopointtry]

there's a possibility that one (hopefully not Parkinson; he really improved throughout the season) or both are gone, along with Higbee potentially retiring.

I agree with you. There is a real possibility of a big need at TE in 2027. Also, the Rams need a particular type of TE. Similar to how there are different WR positions and not every WR is the same, a team needs different types of TEs.

IMO, we need a bigger, good blocking TE if we lose Parkinson. The challenge is that it is difficult to find those types of TEs anymore. Many college TEs are bad blockers. Even some tall and heavy TEs, who on paper you'd think would be good blockers, aren't physical and reliable.

In 2024, there was a very good blocking TE named Tip Reiman. Early in the draft process he was ranked as a 7th round to UDFA prospect. After a strong Combine, he flew up draft boards and ended up being a 3rd round pick. We need to look for someone like that, but they are tough to find.

 

[Memento]

I agree with you. There is a real possibility of a big need at TE in 2027. Also, the Rams need a particular type of TE. Similar to how there are different WR positions and not every WR is the same, a team needs different types of TEs.

IMO, we need a bigger, good blocking TE if we lose Parkinson. The challenge is that it is difficult to find those types of TEs anymore. Many college TEs are bad blockers. Even some tall and heavy TEs, who on paper you'd think would be good blockers, aren't physical and reliable.

In 2024, there was a very good blocking TE named Tip Reiman. Early in the draft process he was ranked as a 7th round to UDFA prospect. After a strong Combine, he flew up draft boards and ended up being a 3rd round pick. We need to look for someone like that, but they are tough to find.

I'm fine with a Tip Reiman type...so long as he isn't an idiot who believes that birds don't exist like Reiman. I'd rather re-sign Parkinson to a three-year deal, if at all possible (since his contract would run out at the same time Ferguson is up for a contract - and we all know whom we'd rather re-sign by then, especially if Ferguson puts that promise he's shown in practice into games.).

 

[PhillyRam]

Looking at the high draft selection, Boni, it does make sense. Higbee is damn near on his last legs, and Parkinson and Davis Allen are both free agents after this year, and given everyone we need to prioritize re-signing, there's a possibility that one (hopefully not Parkinson; he really improved throughout the season) or both are gone, along with Higbee potentially retiring. Remember, he's only one draft year behind Havenstein, and offensive linemen usually last longer than tight ends (Marcedes Lewis aside, because the guy's apparently immortal - drafted in fucking 2006 and still getting contracts).

I think Parkinson, assuming he has another very good season, will be too expensive to keep. That's okay. That's why they drafted Klare & Ferguson. They would likley go out and add another FA TE, who is cheaper and has upside. Kind of like Parkinson was when they signed him. Ferguson, Klare, a FA, Villari (or a rookie) and maybe Allen, would keep the 13 personnel intact.

Then again, maybe McVay goes back to 11 & 12 personnel, and adds a big play WR in the draft, who along with Mumpfield and or Daniels, make 11 personnel a bitch to cover again. They can zig when others are zagging to catch up to 13 personnel.

 

[Twopointtry]

I could see a 13 personnel set with Parkinson (if he's re-signed), Ferguson, and Klare in the future, and it would be one of the deadliest personnel sets in the NFL, especially with someone like Nacua at wide receiver. That's four big receivers. Teams won't know who is blocking, what routes are run, who to cover, who might leak out from blocking, someone like Ferguson or Klare motioning into the flex (and motioning period), all of the disguises in their scheme

A very valuable thing about Parkinson is he's an excellent pass blocker. He can be used to solo pass block an EDGE defender, like a pseudo-OT. When we tried using Gerald Everett in this manner the results weren't good. His pass pro can take pressure off the OL, freeing up help for the other blockers and it gives Stafford time to throw, helping the other TEs and WRs get receiving yards.

Pass blocking is often not mentioned prominently when evaluating TEs. People look at receiving yards and run blocking, but it is a valuable trait if you can find a TE who is good in that department.

 

[Twopointtry]

Per SISDatahub stats, Parkinson had the 8th most pass blocking snaps among NFL TEs last season. He was 1 of only 7 TEs who had at least 60 pass block snaps but 1 or fewer blown pass blocks.

Over the last 3 seasons, Parkinson has a 1.85% blown pass block rate. For his career, Parkinson has a 2.79% blown pass block rate. To put those numbers in context, these are the career blown pass block rates of some of the better pass blocking TEs around the NFL:

Moe Alie-Cox 1.69%
Foster Moreau 1.94%
Darnell Washington 1.94%
Cole Kmet 2.06%
Marcedes Lewis 2.11%
John Bates 2.72%
Cade Otton 2.87%
Tyler Conklin 2.97%

 

[Memento]

Per SISDatahub stats, Parkinson had the 8th most pass blocking snaps among NFL TEs last season. He was 1 of only 7 TEs who had at least 60 pass block snaps but 1 or fewer blown pass blocks.

Over the last 3 seasons, Parkinson has a 1.85% blown pass block rate. For his career, Parkinson has a 2.79% blown pass block rate. To put those numbers in context, these are the career blown pass block rates of some of the better pass blocking TEs around the NFL:

Moe Alie-Cox 1.69%
Foster Moreau 1.94%
Darnell Washington 1.94%
Cole Kmet 2.06%
Marcedes Lewis 2.11%
John Bates 2.72%
Cade Otton 2.87%
Tyler Conklin 2.97%

Again, holy fucking SHIT, how the fuck is Marcedes Lewis still in the league when he's literally a 2006 draft pick. Twenty years in the league. I don't know whether to be impressed or stunned beyond belief.

 

[WestCoastRam]

Right. I'm just looking at the future outside of this season, and I believe that's what the Rams were/are doing as well.

I really liked Klare the player; I thought he was the best natural tight end in the class (Saddiq was more an athlete than a player, and I absolutely had him as a DND for a lot of reasons, and Stowers was a pure TE/WR tweener). I didn't understand the fit at first myself; until people informed me here that Higbee's contract was more of a one-year deal, and figuring out that both Parkinson and Allen were both free agents.

Klare may not, and probably will not, make a huge impact in 2026, but I can absolutely see why they drafted him in the second round; we needed a tight end, a weapon for the future, and Klare was the best tight end in the class, in my opinion.

I could see a 13 personnel set with Parkinson (if he's re-signed), Ferguson, and Klare in the future, and it would be one of the deadliest personnel sets in the NFL, especially with someone like Nacua at wide receiver. That's four big receivers. Teams won't know who is blocking, what routes are run, who to cover, who might leak out from blocking, someone like Ferguson or Klare motioning into the flex (and motioning period), all of the disguises in their scheme, the running back as a potential leak from blocking, potential screens, all of which teams won't know until it's far too late - and that's only mentioning passing downs, and not running downs, where everyone on the field, quarterback aside, can block and is more than capable of blocking.

I also think people need to get the idea that we "need" to be a 13 personnel team going forward. Sure the meta in the league is moving towards 12 personnel in general but the reason we're 13 is because we have Ferguson. He's a deep threat from that alignment and allows us to run more 11 personnel plays out of that alignment than any team in the league.

If he goes down you should expect 13P to drop a good amount.

What we have in the future is a potentially very good 12P team or a continued good 13P team but I wouldn't worry about having bodies for 13P, we're just playing to our strengths right now, we don't HAVE to run that grouping especially if we lose players at the position to FA.

 

[den-the-coach]

Thats would be the first details I have heard since it was disclosed the injury was to his ball hiking right hand.

Its my opinion that Justin Dedich is our future starting OC next season with Dylan McMahon (main back up) & Beaux Limmer (Emergency back up) 2027 MR53 reserves. All 3 of these OC are under contract next season @ economy costs.

I concur, Dedich played Center at USC and filled in admirably at Guard, but Center is his natural position. Limmer I was so pleased that he has responded this season and looked lights out albeit in preseason at RG. Limmer is a monster in the weight room and if he can hold up in pass protection is a road grader in the run game.

Austin Blaske is the wildcard here, he was a stalwart at Center for Bill Belichick and the Tarheels of North Carolina, however, because of injury, he moved to left tackle and played splendidly there. Now, do I think he is a future start at LT? Maybe not, but I do feel strongly he can be a very good back up both at left tackle & left guard moving forward, but again, he was an excellent Center too.