7 seldom-heard from Rams that could make a huge difference this year

I - TE Davis Allen

It's not a mirage to believe that tight end Davis Allen will have a lot to say in 2024. Despite very light usage in 2023, Allen delivered each time the team allowed him to compete. In his first year in this offense, he caught 10 of 11 passes for 95 yards and one touchdown. A 6-foot-6 245-pound tight end out of Clemson University, Allen is determined to succeed in the NFL.

Many fans, including myself, believe he is well on his way to doing exactly that.

While some question the team's haste to sign free agent tight end Cory Parkinson to a rather robust three-year deal worth $22.5 million, it makes sense when held up to the roster complications for the 2024. As of right now, the team is likely to open the season without free agent TE Brycen Hopkins, with veteran TE Tyler Higbee on the IR/PUP roster, and with Hunter Long's status uncertain at best. That

Allen is going to be good enough to get offensive snaps and get his share of targets this year. But the front office clearly wants multiple players competing throughout OTAs and training camp, thus the need to add a player capable of earning a starting role in 2024, at least until Higbee is healthy enough to return.

Still, iron sharpens iron. Parkinson is not only competing for playing time on the offense, but his presence will add the necessary competition to ensure that Davis Allen takes his game to the next level.

Allen has so many attributes that makes him an ideal geal in this Rams racecar offense. He blocks like an offensive lineman, yet he has soft hands that seem to catch anything in his neighborhood. Including the playoffs, he caught 12 of 13 passes last season for 123 yards and one touchdown. At that pace, if he get 52 targets in 2024, he will put up 492 yards and four touchdowns. But I think he could do better than that if he gets the opportunity.