The Los Angeles Rams selected quarterback Ty Simpson in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft without any expectation that he will contribute as a rookie. The same could be the case for rookie tight end Max Klare.
That’s what SI on Rams’ Blaine Grisak argued when he previewed the tight end’s rookie season on June 13.
When addressing his long-term upside, Grisak spoke highly of Klare. But the analyst doesn’t see the rookie playing a lot in 2026.
“A fair expectation for Klare during his rookie season is that 2026 is a redshirt year,” wrote Grisak. “The Rams brought back Tyler Higbee and both Colby Parkinson and Davis Allen are in the final year of their contracts.
“The Rams will likely use 2026 to develop Klare and allow him to learn the offense before he enters a bigger role next season.”
Los Angeles selected Klare at No. 61 overall during the second round in the 2026 NFL Draft. This offseason, he is one of eight tight ends on the Rams roster.
For the Ohio State Buckeyes last season, the tight end had 43 receptions and 448 receiving yards. Klare also scored two touchdowns.
What TE Max Klare Brings for Rams
GettyThe Los Angeles selected tight end Max Klare at No. 61 overall in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Rams picking Simpson was the biggest shock of arguably the entire draft. But the team selecting Klare in the second round was also surprising.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein predicted the tight end to be a third-rounder. The Rams also already had a full room of quality tight ends.
But Grisak argued the selection of Klare indicates Sean McVay’s offense will continue to feature a lot of 3-tight end sets. There’s also plenty to like with Klare’s pass-catching and blocking abilities.
“Highly athletic, pass-catching tight end capable of earning volume targets on the pro level. Klare can live beyond the typical targeted depth for most tight ends thanks to his route inventory and ability to generate separation across the field,” wrote Zierlein. “He’s best from the slot but can widen out when a matchup presents itself. Hands and ball-tracking are below average but his production could make teams forget the drops.
“He improved as a run blocker as the season progressed, but ‘functional’ might be the finish line there.
“In a league craving impact tight ends, Klare has a chance to inject life into an offense hunting mismatches.”
Klare began his college career at Purdue. He broke out during his third season with the Boilermakers, posting 51 receptions, 685 yards and four touchdowns during 2024.
Over his final 26 college games, he averaged a little more than 12 yards per reception while racking up 1,133 receiving yards.
With that kind of production, it’s surprising he doesn’t have higher rookie expectations. But it makes sense based on Los Angeles’ tight end depth.
Rams TE Depth Entering 2026 NFL Training Camp
GettySI on Rams’ Blaine Grisak predicted second-round rookie tight end Max Klare will be inactive for most of his rookie season.
In the right situation, Klare might be able to contribute as a rookie. But as they are with Simpson, the Rams appear to be looking years down the road with the addition of Klare.
Grisak called Klare the TE5 for the Rams entering training camp.
The team re-signed veteran Tyler Higbee for another season this spring. The Rams will also bring back Colby Parkinson and Terrance Ferguson.
Next season, though, the Rams could part with both Higee and Parkinson. That should open an opportunity for Klare, potentially a significant one if McVay continues using a lot of 3-tight end sets.
But as a rookie, Klare could just simply provide depth at practice and not dress on game days, barring injuries.
Rams Playmaker Gets Grim Rookie Forecast