Sean McVay and the Los Angeles Rams have been intentional about building up their group of tight ends over the past few offseasons, and they may have unearthed a gem in Dan Villari. Villari’s path to the NFL included a position change in college.
He split his time over the past five seasons between Michigan (2021) and Syracuse (2022 through 2025).
Now, he will try to make a strong impression during the Rams’ upcoming rookie minicamp.
Rams’ Dan Villari Lands on UDFA Watchlist
GettyDan Villari has shown well since changing positions.
Villari is one of eight tight ends on the Rams’ roster, and the third rookie the team has added this offseason. He joins second-round pick Max Klare and fellow undrafted free agent Rohan Jones in having the latter distinction.
They will try to earn a roster spot behind top veterans Colby Parkinson, Davis Allen, and Tyler Higbee, and 2025 second-round selection Terrance Ferguson.
The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner noted the Rams’ affinity for tight ends and how Villari may fit.
“A former backup quarterback at Michigan, Villari transitioned to tight end after landing at Syracuse in 2022 and has been a truly ascending talent since. The 6-foot-3, 243-pounder is a capable blocker with powerful hands at the catch point,” Baumgardner wrote in an article on May 2. “Villari is still a project, but he’s definitely an interesting one.”
Villari only attempted three passes during his freshman season at Michigan, completing one of them for 26 yards. He appeared in four games for the Wolverines that season. He completed 23 of 33 attempts for 177 yards and 1 touchdown (with 2 interceptions) for the Orange in 2023.
Villari finished his final four collegiate seasons at Syracuse with 671 yards and 3 touchdowns on 66 receptions.
Draft Wire’s Gavino Borquez listed Villari as a “snub” from the 2026 draft combine invite list.
“Despite a strong pre-draft process, including invites to the Hula Bowl and Senior Bowl, Villari did not make the cut,” Borquez wrote in February. “A converted quarterback, he was a top target early in 2025 (240 yards in four games), before quarterback Steve Angeli’s season-ending injury, finishing with 412 yards and zero receiving touchdowns.”
Dan Villari Has Put Versatility on Display
GettyDan Villari’s versatility could make him difficult to part ways with.
Villari posted a career-best 39 receptions and 412 yards. Notably, Villari continued to be utilized in different ways, logging 84 carries, 410 yards, and 4 TDs with the Orange, and that kind of versatility could prove very appealing to the Rams.
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler noted how opinions of Villari evolved during the pre-draft process.
“Villari went from being an ungraded prospect before the season to a favorite among several area scouts, because of his toughness and athletic urgency as a pass catcher,” Brugler wrote.
Brugler ranked Villari as the 31st-best tight end in the class, projecting that he would be a priority free agent, as he was. Villari reportedly ran an unofficial 4.77 in the 40-yard dash during his pro day.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein also projected that teams would pursue Villari after the draft.
“Villari is a multi-purpose move tight end with competitive spirit and appealing upside. He’s a former quarterback who has grown into his frame. He’s not strong enough to block in-line, but he has the wiring and effort to project as a space blocker from the slot. The route-running fundamentals are behind but coachable, while his hands and catch radius are already working for him,” Zierlein wrote.
“Has average speed and excellent catch toughness. Villari’s gadget versatility on direct snaps adds a fun twist, but refining his talent as a pass-catcher will determine his long-term value.”
Former Wolverines QB Draws Attention After Joining Rams