Rams tight ends must forget Mike LaFleur to find fresh success

Last season, the Los Angeles Rams pivoted to emphasize tight ends over receivers, undoubtedly due to the influence of former offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur. But without LaFleur turning the dials and pulling levers, how can the offense continue to flourish?

Well, it won't be difficult. At least, not initially.

How can any fan know the future? Simple. Pause to glance at the recent past. Despite a roster well-stocked with tight ends, general manager Les Snead did not hesitate to draft another one in 2026, Ohio State's Max Klare. Snead followed up by signing Syracuse tight end Dan Villari in undrafted free agency, handing him a $45,000 signing bonus.

Rather than stand pat at a loaded position, LA stockpiled even more versatile talent. The 91-man roster holds eight tight ends entering training camp, irrefutable evidence that the Rams are once again committed to heavy personnel. So, how will they pull that off without LaFleur on board? Let's dive in and investigate.

Rams head coach Sean McVay is a tight end whisperer

Some fans are unaware that Sean McVay served as the Washington Commanders' offensive coordinator from 2014 through 2016. During his tenure, he unlocked opportunities for Washington tight ends Jordan Reed and Vernon Davis. Reed had the best stretch of his career, while Davis enjoyed a twilight revival in his one season with McVay.

Of course, managing a pair of tight ends is a far cry from eight. And by rights, this offense could stick with five or six players into the season. That is a huge burden to place on the 53-man roster for a position that many teams staff with just two or three for a 17-game season.

Los Angeles enjoyed remarkable production last year out of Tyler Higbee, Colby Parkinson, Davis Allen, and Terrance Ferguson. This year, the team must find snaps and targets for Klare and perhaps even Villari. And that excludes two other tight ends on the 91-man unit, rookie Rohan Jones and veteran Mark Redman.

McVay is the offensive chairman of the board, but he has grown to solicit contributions from his offensive coaches. The debut of new offensive coordinator Nate Scheelhaase could mean much of the same, or it could result in a renewed emphasis on running backs in LA's offense.

LaFleur brought additional expertise to McVay's offensive strategy from stints with the San Francisco 49ers and New York Jets. Without LaFleur, LA will need to find inspiration elsewhere.

But that won't stop the Rams from continuing to push their offensive advantage behind multiple tight ends. That approach worked well last season, and it should be just as effective in 2026.

As always, thanks for reading.

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