LA Rams: Timely tight end training camp talk

Make way for Kyle Markway

Last but not least in the LA Rams’ timely tight end training camp tales is the discussion about recently added tight end Kyle Markway. He was a 2020 undrafted free agent signed originally by the New York Giants. He was released and later signed by the Cleveland Browns, who then signed him to a future reserves contract in January 2021.  The Browns cut Markway in May 2021, which prompted the LA Rams to sign him up.

Markway is a 6-foot-4 250-pound tight end behemoth out of the University of South Carolina. While there, he played 19 games and put up 37 receptions for 459 yards and three touchdowns. While his numbers were not robust, he lost two seasons due to injury and was actually eligible to play another year of NCAA football. But he opted to come out for the draft.

While he is a bit raw for NFL tight ends, Markway’s draft profile was very complimentary about his instincts to catch passes. That lays a solid foundation for the LA Rams coaching staff to mold and shape him into a solid receiver over the course of training camp. And his ties to former South Carolina running back coach Thomas Brown have undoubtedly helped him show up on the LA Rams radar.

Markway may not crack the LA Rams 53-man roster this year, but he is an ideal practice squad prospect.

So how are the LA Rams tight ends situated for 2021? Well, Tyler Higbee and Johnny Mundt are starters. The third slot will come down to Kendall Blanton or Jacob Harris, and Kyle Markway has a shot at a practice squad slot. As for Brycen Hopkins, if he is with the 3s or 4s as reported, he is in serious trouble to make the team.

The LA Rams will feature the tight end more in their offense this year. How much more will depend on who and how healthy they are throughout the 2021 NFL season. I expect Tyler Higbee to have a career season for the Rams. But there is plenty of offense to go around this year. Stay tuned…