The Los Angeles Rams turned heads in 2025 by fully embracing 13 personnel, an offensive scheme that floods the field with three tight ends. With a deep room featuring Tyler Higbee, Colby Parkinson, Terrance Ferguson, and Davis Allen, they possess the unique personnel to execute Sean McVay's innovative vision. As the NFL draft approaches, the Rams have a chance to add another dynamic layer to an already potent attack.
While adding a traditional wide receiver remains a need, the draft offers a fascinating solution: Vanderbilt's Eli Stowers. Officially a tight end, Stowers is projected by many to transition to wide receiver at the pro level thanks to his rare blend of size and athleticism. Standing at 6-foot-4 and 239 pounds, the two-time All-SEC selection and 2025 Unanimous All-American wasn't just the best tight end in college football last season—he was the John Mackey Award winner. The Rams' pre-draft meeting with him signals clear interest in his unique skill set.
His lighter frame means he's unlikely to be a traditional in-line blocker, but his strengths lie elsewhere. With polished route-running and physical comparisons to a player like Mike Evans, Stowers represents the ultimate chess piece for a creative offensive mind. He has the potential to be the versatile weapon that completes the Rams' pass-catching corps, creating nightmares for defensive coordinators.
Imagine this: Matthew Stafford, a master at diagnosing coverages, operating McVay's offense with a new hybrid target. The modern NFL has seen tight ends like Travis Kelce redefine the position as movable, matchup-proof receivers. Stowers could thrive as that movable "F" tight end or big slot receiver, while a player like Parkinson or Higbee handles the traditional in-line duties. This allows McVay to craft personnel packages that force impossible defensive choices—how does a defense match up? A linebacker is likely too slow, while a defensive back is simply outsized. Stowers provides the exact blend of size and receiving skill to exploit those mismatches consistently, adding a new dimension to an offense that's never afraid to evolve.