Max Klare is checking all the boxes of a prototypical Rams tight end

The Los Angeles Rams continue to pursue toughness and physicality up and down the roster. While tough-guy tight end Tyler Higbee has earned the nickname "Big Rig Higs," veteran Colby Parkinson is the only other returning Rams TE proficient in both receiving and blocking duties. Davis Allen specializes in the latter, Terrance Ferguson in the former.

Now there is a new contestant in the room, however, and Max Klare appears to have mastered both responsibilities. As the Rams hope to be more physical this season, they have a rookie who has been observed neutralizing veteran edge rushers in training camp.

Don't look for that type of update from national reporters who show up and sip iced tea while players practice (nothing against national reporters). This is a direct observation from a self-described "independent NFL journalist" and Rams content creator in the stands.

And as is often the case with observant diehards who share what they see at training camp, it nails exactly what the rest of us are most interested in.

Rams rookie tight end Max Klare fits his role perfectly

Allen is proficient at blocking. Ferguson is an adept pass-catcher. But in Klare, the team may have hit on the ideal tight end who can handle both jobs effectively.

In Los Angeles, the saying "You have to block to get the rock" is not just a snappy mantra; it's the golden rule for offensive playmakers. And last season's targets to Allen and Ferguson, at 25 and 33, respectively, accounted for just 10 percent of the Rams' total. In short, Matthew Stafford had plenty of other options.

While inserting Klare into the mix is by no means a guarantee of significant contributions this season, it does lay the groundwork for some intriguing new scenarios.

At 6-foot-4 and 246 pounds, he is one of the smaller tight ends on the roster. But he hits like a brick and can go toe-to-toe with an edge rusher. And he can make the tough catches too.

Like every rookie, Klare must master the playbook and his wide range of responsibilities before the Rams trust him to contribute. But so far, so good.

As always, thanks so much for reading.

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