Rams McVay says TE Davis Allen 'took a tremendous step in the right direction'

Don't discount Davis Allen in 2024

The Rams have a host of tight ends with various ailments impacting their participation in OTAs in 2024. Tyle Higbee continues to be medically restricted. Hunter Long is still recovering as well. And even newly signed free agent tight end Colby Parkinson was somewhat restricted due to a bicep injury, which limited his participation in OTAs.

That opened repetitions to second year TE Davis Allen. So how did he do so far? LA Rams HC Sean McVay shared his impressions of Allen's performance so far at the 5:18 minute mark in the embedded video below:

So what did Coach McVay share about his young tight end?

"I thought Davis Allen took a tremendous step in the right direction. You know, the game makes sense to him. I thought when Higbee ended up needing a spell at the latter part of the year if he missed a game, Davis (Allen) filled in and did a great job. He played big time in Baltimore (against the Ravens) and he played big in Washington (against the Commanders). (He) Made some big-time plays in the Detroit (Lions) game.

I always loved watching his tape at Clemson, where there are certain guys you can just see have a feel. "

- HC Sean McVay

Keep in mind that Davis Allen's only opportunities to play in 2023 were almost entirely dependent on a need to rest somewhat injured Tyler Higbee. The fact that Davis Allen performed as well as he did certainly excited fans but did not seem to earn more playing time as a result. In fact, if not for the Rams sitting starters in Week 18 against the San Francisco 49ers, we may still not have much of an understanding of what he is capable of in a larger role.

When a young player warrants that level of praise from his head coach, you are safe to expect a bigger role out of him in the upcoming season. But with such a crowded logjam at the tight end position, does he have a chance at getting much playing time?