In April, the Los Angeles Rams opted to trade away their first-round pick in the NFL Draft to the Atlanta Falcons, acquiring notable future assets, including the No. 46 pick in the 2025 draft. With this selection, the Rams introduced Oregon tight end Terrance Ferguson to their roster, a decision that has sparked a fair amount of debate among analysts and former executives.
Critics of the pick, including former Tennessee Titans GM Ran Carthon, rated the selection a mere C, and Joseph Acosta of SB Nation gave it a C-. Acosta expressed concern that Ferguson’s skill set closely mirrors that of existing tight end Tyler Higbee, leading him to believe that the Rams could have waited to select Ferguson later in the draft. Nonetheless, Ferguson’s addition appears to have a transformative impact on the Rams’ offensive strategy.
This NFL season has highlighted the importance of personnel usage, particularly how teams are capitalizing on mismatches through versatile play-calling. The Rams, along with teams like the Seattle Seahawks and Buffalo Bills, have been at the forefront of this shift.
In an innovative move, Rams head coach Sean McVay has heavily utilized 13 personnel—fielding three tight ends—which has resulted in significant advantages against opposing defenses. Unlike traditional tactics that lean towards either heavy run or pass formations, this approach creates complex mismatches for defenders. When teams align in base defense to counter the tight ends, the Rams exploit this by passing effectively, while a nickel defense allows them to run with additional blockers on the field.
Ferguson’s ability to block reliably while also posing a threat in the passing game makes him a pivotal asset in this setup. His versatility and McVay’s confidence in his skills have enabled the Rams to operate these formations seamlessly, demonstrating their evolving offensive dynamic. In the past four weeks, the Rams have executed 40% of their snaps in 13 personnel, compelling opponents to respond predominantly with base defenses—an indication of their strategic effectiveness.
Ferguson represents more than just a piece in the lineup; he is instrumental in empowering the Rams’ play-calling flexibility. As he integrates into the team’s gameplay, the Rams are solidifying their status as one of the most balanced offenses in the league, creating a promising outlook for their season ahead. This evolution not only bolsters their chances on the field but also exemplifies how tactical innovation can redefine team strategies in the NFL.