Max Klare is already emerging as a leading star in Rams preseason cast

Selecting Ty Simpson was not the only enigma among the Los Angeles Rams' 2026 draft choices. Another relative shocker was drafting Ohio State tight end Max Klare. After all,
the Rams already had a packed tight end room, featuring four competent contributors who combined for 17 receiving touchdowns in 2025.

A rookie has a tough climb in LA's offense to earn playing time and targets. Even a second-round pick begins on the bubble behind four veterans on the depth chart.

But Klare was not a knee-jerk draft pick. He was deliberately chosen to for how his skillset fits the offense, and that much was on display Saturday against the Kansas City Chiefs. Klare en route way becoming a star of the preseason.

Impressively, he finished his debut by hauling in seven of eight passes for 37 yards, including a long of 11, and two first downs. More significantly, he was Mr. Automatic, proving useful as both a blocker and a receiver. In the realm of LA tight ends, Klare checks all the boxes.

Max Klare already looks the part of a Rams preseason star

Fans knew that veterans Tyler Higbee or Colby Parkinson wouldn't play on Saturday. And after the team's first unofficial depth chart named both Terrance Ferguson and Davis Allen as alternative starters, they dropped out of the preseason competition as well.

Until further notice, then, Klare will be the featured tight end in the preseason. He was joined Saturday by veteran Mark Redman, who returns from a solid 2025 preseason and has a full year's experience on the practice squad.

While Klare will have to prove himeslf, he is the kind of gritty, tough-minded player who relishes competition. And except for failing to haul in one poorly thrown pass, Klare was practically flawless in his LA debut.

The Rams have played one preseason game, with two more on the horizon. Klare may have earned a seat on the sidelines in the finale. After his eye-catching performance, any chances of safely sneaking him onto the practice squad, requiring every other team to pass up Klare on the waiver wire, have been thoroughly dashed. If there was any doubt, Klare is well on his way to making the 53-man roster.

As always, thanks for reading.

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