Terrance Ferguson may be poised for bigger leap than even Rams stans imagined

The Terrance Ferguson hype train keeps on chuffing, and it might not even be near full speed. The second-year tight end continued a strong summer in Thursday's joint practice against the Saints, but really, his latest performance was just a drop in the bucket. 

All signs point to Ferguson being a major part of the offense this season. The top tight end and third most productive target after Puka Nacua and Davante Adams? That seems easily possible. It's increasingly difficult to believe that no Rams tight end will emerge as top dog at some point this season.

Throughout camp and into the preseason, head coach Sean McVay has reiterated Ferguson's matured understanding of the offense. Not just as a pass-catcher, of course; McVay has praised Ferguson for his route-running and blocking on plays when he doesn't get the ball. 

Those within the organization have long believed a Year 2 jump is coming. Fans and NFL insiders have hopped aboard the bandwagon in believing that Ferguson is about to go from struggling rookie to one of the top playmakers on the roster.

Terrance Ferguson is poised to emerge as a dominant force

McVay's post-practice comments Thursday strongly suggest that Rams fans will see a lot more Ferguson this season.

"I think what can't be misunderstood or minimized is how smart this guy is," McVay said. "He plays every single skill position except for halfback for us. Some of the things we ask of him, he does some of the roles we ask of our backs. So he's done a great job. … He's really had a nice camp and I've been impressed, but not surprised, by what he's done."

Ferguson himself has talked about the ever-expanding variety of functions he's being asked to fill as he moves all over the field. Via The Athletic's Nate Atkins:

“Coming in (last year), I never expected to play the positions I’m playing. Being able to play F, Z, Y and X, all of them together, it’s definitely been a big jump. … They ask me to do a lot of things down the field but then also be reliable on the line of scrimmage."

Atkins may have been among the earliest in Rams media to suggest that Ferguson could be the Rams' de facto WR3 this season. Since then, that idea has taken firm hold. 

Insider James Palmer said it's "[his] understanding" that Ferguson will be the No. 3 option, even as McVay deploys a by-committee approach. Fans are coming to that same conclusion:

It makes sense. The receiver room doesn't have a clear-cut No. 3. Rookie CJ Daniels has impressed. The Rams remain high on Jordan Whittington's physicality. Konata Mumpfield is poised for a breakout.

But it's all relative. A breakout for one of LA's young receivers might amount to 30 catches and 350 receiving yards, which would exceed Xavier Smith's production as the third-leading wideout in 2025 as well as anything they've done thus far.

It also isn't all that difficult to imagine Ferguson emerging as TE1. Colby Parkinson was last season's obvious leader, but he lacks Ferguson's downfield explosiveness. Tyler Higbee remained productive but was limited by injury and could be on a year-long pitch count as the Rams try to keep him healthy for the playoffs.

In other words, the runway is wide open for Ferguson to step in as a third dynamic receiving threat behind the elite Nacua-Adams duo. 

McVay already liked what he saw from a rookie Ferguson, noting that much of his impact didn't show up in the box score. It sure sounds like the Rams plan to involve him a lot more across the board. A word to the wise? Watch out. 

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