The Los Angeles Rams have made a handful of roster changes this offseason, and more are sure to come. In the tight end position, the Rams could choose to leave Tyler Higbee before the start of the 2023 campaign as he enters the final year of his contract.
Even if Los Angeles Hunter Long ends up in trade with Jalen Ramsey, the tight end position is undoubtedly an area of the roster the Rams could improve into next season. Given the Rams seem excited for 2024 and beyond, they’re more likely to get a tight finish in this year’s draft than sign a free agent.
In the mid-to-late rounds of the 2023 NFL draft, Miami’s Will Mallory is a prospect the Rams could express interest in.
background
Will’s father, Mike Mallory, is currently an assistant coach on the Denver Broncos special teams. While spending five years in Miami, Mallory saved his best for last in 2022 with 42 receptions, 538 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
In his last four seasons for the Hurricanes, Mallory averaged a solid 14.4 yards per reception. Mallory put on a show at the NFL scouting combine with a 4.54-40 yard dash (1st among TEs) and a 1.59-10 yard split (tie for 5th among TEs) .
How he fits in with the Rams
We’ve seen the Rams like players who have family members with experience in the NFL, and it doesn’t hurt that Mallory was in the Senior Bowl, too. In terms of schema fit, Mallory is an athletic receiver with the potential to grow as a run blocker.
The Rams have relied on Higbee and their other tight ends to create after catches, and Mallory is effective with the ball in his hands. Even if Higbee stays on the list, Mallory could be a decent #2 option that ends up becoming the future starter.
draft projection
Before Mallory impressed at the Scouting Combine, he was projected in the later rounds of the draft. But with his performance in front of scouts and coaches, Mallory is likely on track to be an early Day 3 pick or a fifth-round pick.
The good news for the Rams is that they have eight Day 3 picks, and six of those come in the fifth/sixth rounds. If Los Angeles is interested in Miami, there are plenty of chances to add the sporting ending.
Other prospect profiles
Here are the previous tight end profiles of prospects that have already been filled out:
Source : sports.yahoo.com