Rookie TE Ferguson : what is going on ?

[RonMac]

Sure he can run and jump but perhaps we are seeing WHY he is not in the field : I counted 3 penalties for Illegal Procedure/ motion or lining up incorrectly. And add an easy drop. Does this player pay attention to detail or does he fail to pay attention ? Talented or not - pay attention and be a Pro or you are of no use to your team.

[brasilrams]

They called a bulshit holding on him. The rest of the penalties you are saying I don't remember

[NorCal RF]

Come talk to me about Ferguson in a year or two……….

[EastBayRamsFan]

I think your on to something NorCal. McVay was so high on him in the draft and we are seeing maybe why he never played at the start of the season. I never thought I would say this but Parkinson’s play the last 4 games has really won me over. Ferguson looks like he is over his head and somewhat lost at times.

[RonMac]

I can go along with the “ lost” moniker right now - guess we are to expect red shirt status for rookies on the Rams.

[cdaly26]

I'm willing to chalk this up to rookie mistakes and acclimitization to the NFL - some make the jump quicker than others

As someone posted - if we're still talking about it in year 2 or 3 then it's a problem

[RAMFAN71]

I can agree on the "wait til year 3" to a point. Guys do mature- like McClendon. But some of the higher picks like TF should be contributing more IMO- especially when his competition is Allen/Parky. Higs always hurt, so doesn't count. But Look at Loveland/Warren. Helping their teams more. Kincaid was sort of like this - didn't do too much, but now he's big time. Hoping that TF comes into his own sooner rather than year 2.5/3. Maybe he's just not grasping the plays. Not happy that Parky is outperforming this guy. I'm happy for the team of course- but he should be better. Again- maybe he's just a slow learner.

[Ramsfan08ny]

I can agree on the "wait til year 3" to a point. Guys do mature- like McClendon. But some of the higher picks like TF should be contributing more IMO- especially when his competition is Allen/Parky. Higs always hurt, so doesn't count. But Look at Loveland/Warren. Helping their teams more. Kincaid was sort of like this - didn't do too much, but now he's big time. Hoping that TF comes into his own sooner rather than year 2.5/3. Maybe he's just not grasping the plays. Not happy that Parky is outperforming this guy. I'm happy for the team of course- but he should be better. Again- maybe he's just a slow learner.

Warran and Loveland are bad comparisons imo. Just how much do you expect, or want a rookie TE involved in the offense with Puka and Adams on the field? The QBs in both Indy and Chicago are going to throw more conservative passes to their TE outlets than Stafford is going to.

[NorCal RF]

I'm willing to chalk this up to rookie mistakes and acclimitization to the NFL - some make the jump quicker than others

As someone posted - if we're still talking about it in year 2 or 3 then it's a problem

This^…….

Unless one can’t see talent, Ferguson can play. Just needs a bit more time. See McClendon, Gaines in the past, etc…..

[NorCal RF]

I can agree on the "wait til year 3" to a point. Guys do mature- like McClendon. But some of the higher picks like TF should be contributing more IMO- especially when his competition is Allen/Parky. Higs always hurt, so doesn't count. But Look at Loveland/Warren. Helping their teams more. Kincaid was sort of like this - didn't do too much, but now he's big time. Hoping that TF comes into his own sooner rather than year 2.5/3. Maybe he's just not grasping the plays. Not happy that Parky is outperforming this guy. I'm happy for the team of course- but he should be better. Again- maybe he's just a slow learner.

Ferguson is on the field a lot the past month or so. Just doesn’t get the ball thrown to him much. Where have we heard that before……..

Bears n Indy don’t have Nacua n Adams on their roster either…….

[NorCal RF]

I can agree on the "wait til year 3" to a point. Guys do mature- like McClendon. But some of the higher picks like TF should be contributing more IMO- especially when his competition is Allen/Parky. Higs always hurt, so doesn't count. But Look at Loveland/Warren. Helping their teams more. Kincaid was sort of like this - didn't do too much, but now he's big time. Hoping that TF comes into his own sooner rather than year 2.5/3. Maybe he's just not grasping the plays. Not happy that Parky is outperforming this guy. I'm happy for the team of course- but he should be better. Again- maybe he's just a slow learner.

Warran and Loveland are bad comparisons imo. Just how much do you expect, or want a rookie TE involved in the offense with Puka and Adams on the field? The QBs in both Indy and Chicago are going to throw more conservative passes to their TE outlets than Stafford is going to.

100% this^…….

I didn’t see your reply before I replied………

[SoCalRam78]

Said the before. McVay is a perfectionist. This guy is obviously much more talented than our other TEs. You can see it. But McVay isn’t going to tolerate drive killing mistakes. I expect this guy to be a big factor next year.

Would a CB be a bigger factor this year in our win now window? Sure. But I do think he’ll be a very solid player.

[Slickjack]

Maybe he learned something from watching McBride, that dude is a stud.

[Cornell29]

I see why McSnead drafted him. He has a high ceiling but isn't a finished product. He still has more learning to do before he can reach his high potential. He missed alot of camp due to injury. I also can see why Mcvay didn't rush to put him on the field. With that said, if Ferg was more polished he would have went top 15 in the draft and would have been out of reach for the rams.

So getting a high ceiling guy like Ferg early second imo is still a solid pick despite him needing some more polish.

[brasilrams]

I can agree on the "wait til year 3" to a point. Guys do mature- like McClendon. But some of the higher picks like TF should be contributing more IMO- especially when his competition is Allen/Parky. Higs always hurt, so doesn't count. But Look at Loveland/Warren. Helping their teams more. Kincaid was sort of like this - didn't do too much, but now he's big time. Hoping that TF comes into his own sooner rather than year 2.5/3. Maybe he's just not grasping the plays. Not happy that Parky is outperforming this guy. I'm happy for the team of course- but he should be better. Again- maybe he's just a slow learner.

Exactly my thoughts. A round 2 pick shouldn't take 3 years to make an impact. Round 2 picks are drafted to have an immediate impact and be starters . I was definitely expecting a bigger impact from him....we'll.... Hopefully this changes, eventually...... Your competition is Parkinson, Allen and higs and you are still number 4 in the depth chart? Gaines and mclendon were not 2nd round picks so we can't compare to them.

[NN1Badboy]

I'll give him a pass in year 1. TE is a tough position to learn. With that being said, I still think we could have used a CB in round 2. Perhaps Will Johnson, Benjamin Morrison, or Trey Amos would have been positioned to take over as a starter next year.

[Cornell29]

I'll give him a pass in year 1. TE is a tough position to learn. With that being said, I still think we could have used a CB in round 2. Perhaps Will Johnson, Benjamin Morrison, or Trey Amos would have been positioned to take over as a starter next year.

Definitely alot to learn in Mcvay offense, especially when you wasn't a polished product in tbe draft.

I read that Mcvay TE must learn multiple positions, TE, Slot WR and Fullback/HBack. Which makes sense, knowing Mcvay is running lots of 13 personnel. So the TEs are filling in for the other positions. For example, instead of a slot wr, Rams are using a TE to line up in the slot wr spot. Which in Mcvay offense has it own complications. That along with all the TE spots and blocking assignments that goes with being a TE. Mcvay also likes to move a TE to the backfield (FB/HB) spot.

[GoldenRam]

Ferguson needs this season to get acclimated to the NFL I think. Lets see how he looks next season. Parkinson has come on and Staff is looking for him more down in the RZ. Showing good hands now. I'd LOVE to see him pan out, dude is big and long. Ferguson's strength is likely going to be his speed, much like the dude they drafted a few years ago with all that speed that just never worked out

[Henry VIII]

Some fans really don't understand the TE position..it is arguably the top 2rd or 3rd most difficult position to master on offense..A good TE must be a stellar blocker like an offensive lineman..then you add in a skilled route-runner/receiver..all the while understanding the entire offense, a burden second only to the quarterback..that's why it's not unusual to see TEs take a couple of years to develop and put it all together no matter what round they are drafted in. He will be just fine the dude has a huge skillset.

[ocram23]

Some fans really don't understand the TE position..it is arguably the top 2rd or 3rd most difficult position to master on offense..A good TE must be a stellar blocker like an offensive lineman..then you add in a skilled route-runner/receiver..all the while understanding the entire offense, a burden second only to the quarterback..that's why it's not unusual to see TEs take a couple of years to develop and put it all together no matter what round they are drafted in. He will be just fine the dude has a huge skillset.

not an easy position but not all TE's block or even try to be a good blocker. there is something about McVay with rookies. Plenty of TE's have excelled in their rookie yr

[Henry VIII]

Some fans really don't understand the TE position..it is arguably the top 2rd or 3rd most difficult position to master on offense..A good TE must be a stellar blocker like an offensive lineman..then you add in a skilled route-runner/receiver..all the while understanding the entire offense, a burden second only to the quarterback..that's why it's not unusual to see TEs take a couple of years to develop and put it all together no matter what round they are drafted in. He will be just fine the dude has a huge skillset.

not an easy position but not all TE's block or even try to be a good blocker. there is something about McVay with rookies. Plenty of TE's have excelled in their rookie yr

TE's who don't block are just big wide receivers then..and yes plenty of TE's are successful in their rookie years so what..it's also well known as a difficult position that takes time to master..the TE's position is defined as a blocker first that helps in the running game and to protect the QB and as a receiver secondary..throughout recent years there's been quite a few Hybrid TE's who excel more at pass catching than blocking..we all know McVay is gunshy when it comes to playing rookies that's not in question. Ferguson biggest issue was he was a pass catcher in college and wasn't required to be a good blocking TE..McVay has stated that he needs to finish a little bit better in regards to his run blocking this year. He has a huge upside and will definitely see more playing time soon enough.

[ocram23]

not an easy position but not all TE's block or even try to be a good blocker. there is something about McVay with rookies. Plenty of TE's have excelled in their rookie yr

TE's who don't block are just big wide receivers then..and yes plenty of TE's are successful in their rookie years so what..it's also well known as a difficult position that takes time to master..the TE's position is defined as a blocker first that helps in the running game and to protect the QB and as a receiver secondary..throughout recent years there's been quite a few Hybrid TE's who excel more at pass catching than blocking..we all know McVay is gunshy when it comes to playing rookies that's not in question. Ferguson biggest issue was he was a pass catcher in college and wasn't required to be a good blocking TE..McVay has stated that he needs to finish a little bit better in regards to his run blocking this year. He has a huge upside and will definitely see more playing time soon enough.

I hope Ferg gets better

[Truth]

The Rams lead the league in fewest penalties so I’m sure any penalties by Ferguson will put him in the dog house. I don’t dislike the player I just dislike where he was picked. When you don’t have much talent at CB, taking a TE when you already had Allen/Parkinson/Higbee was redundant.


Allen or Parkinson could handle all the TE snaps and you’d never miss Ferguson. But some of the guys the Rams play in the secondary you certainly miss having a better guy there.

Really feels like we’ve wasted some of 2nd rounders:

Taylor Rapp
Van Jefferson
Cam Akers
Tutu Atwell

These 4 came in a 3 year period. Not good picks.

Last couple years:
Avila - that was good since he plays regularly
Fiske- gave up a ton but at least he plays
Ferguson….ready to dump him in the Atwell/Jefferson/Akers group

[Cornell29]

The Rams lead the league in fewest penalties so I’m sure any penalties by Ferguson will put him in the dog house. I don’t dislike the player I just dislike where he was picked. When you don’t have much talent at CB, taking a TE when you already had Allen/Parkinson/Higbee was redundant.


Allen or Parkinson could handle all the TE snaps and you’d never miss Ferguson. But some of the guys the Rams play in the secondary you certainly miss having a better guy there.

Really feels like we’ve wasted some of 2nd rounders:

Taylor Rapp
Van Jefferson
Cam Akers
Tutu Atwell

These 4 came in a 3 year period. Not good picks.

Last couple years:
Avila - that was good since he plays regularly
Fiske- gave up a ton but at least he plays
Ferguson….ready to dump him in the Atwell/Jefferson/Akers group

Rams just ran 13 personnel over 50 percent of the time. Rams need 3 good TEs (really need 4 for depth) and Higbee is always injured. The TE position, with the amount of times the rams are running 13 personnel, was a valid position to address imo.
Ferg has a talent skillset that none of the other TEs on the Rams have. He just need more time to get the playbook down. I wish he was more polished too, but if he was more polished, coming out of the draft, he would have easily been a top 15 pick, and out of reach for the Rams.

[Ramsfan08ny]

I can agree on the "wait til year 3" to a point. Guys do mature- like McClendon. But some of the higher picks like TF should be contributing more IMO- especially when his competition is Allen/Parky. Higs always hurt, so doesn't count. But Look at Loveland/Warren. Helping their teams more. Kincaid was sort of like this - didn't do too much, but now he's big time. Hoping that TF comes into his own sooner rather than year 2.5/3. Maybe he's just not grasping the plays. Not happy that Parky is outperforming this guy. I'm happy for the team of course- but he should be better. Again- maybe he's just a slow learner.

Exactly my thoughts. A round 2 pick shouldn't take 3 years to make an impact. Round 2 picks are drafted to have an immediate impact and be starters . I was definitely expecting a bigger impact from him....we'll.... Hopefully this changes, eventually...... Your competition is Parkinson, Allen and higs and you are still number 4 in the depth chart? Gaines and mclendon were not 2nd round picks so we can't compare to them.

Again, you have to look at the current importance of the TE position on this Ram team. You could put any TE on the roster, and the majority of the touches are still going to the 2 WRs.

They're fine at TE, and will only get better, and set for the next few years. Maybe several years. I dont want MS throwing more to the TE just to justify his draft position.

TF was drafted because Snead/Mcvay lived his tools, and wanted to secure that spot for the next 3-5 years.

[Holding]

I ecpect him to catch a few down the stretch...he gets open quite a bit.

[Holding]

I ecpect him to catch a few down the stretch...he gets open quite a bit.

[Cornell29]

I ecpect him to catch a few down the stretch...he gets open quite a bit.

Sure does, unfortunately Stafford missed him a few times. One if the times he missed him, i believe it was vs Tampa, could have been a long td.

[NorCal RF]

The Rams lead the league in fewest penalties so I’m sure any penalties by Ferguson will put him in the dog house. I don’t dislike the player I just dislike where he was picked. When you don’t have much talent at CB, taking a TE when you already had Allen/Parkinson/Higbee was redundant.


Allen or Parkinson could handle all the TE snaps and you’d never miss Ferguson. But some of the guys the Rams play in the secondary you certainly miss having a better guy there.

Really feels like we’ve wasted some of 2nd rounders:

Taylor Rapp
Van Jefferson
Cam Akers
Tutu Atwell

These 4 came in a 3 year period. Not good picks.

Last couple years:
Avila - that was good since he plays regularly
Fiske- gave up a ton but at least he plays
Ferguson….ready to dump him in the Atwell/Jefferson/Akers group

Rams just ran 13 personnel over 50 percent of the time. Rams need 3 good TEs (really beed 4 for depth) and Higbee is always injured. The TE position, with the amount of times the rams are running 13 personnel, was a valid position to address imo.
Ferg has a talent skillset that none of the other TEs on the Rams have. He just need more time to get the playbook down. I wish he was more polished too, but if he was more polished, coming out of the draft, he would have easily been a top 15 pick, and out of reach for the Rams.

This^

[NorCal RF]

Exactly my thoughts. A round 2 pick shouldn't take 3 years to make an impact. Round 2 picks are drafted to have an immediate impact and be starters . I was definitely expecting a bigger impact from him....we'll.... Hopefully this changes, eventually...... Your competition is Parkinson, Allen and higs and you are still number 4 in the depth chart? Gaines and mclendon were not 2nd round picks so we can't compare to them.

Again, you have to look at the current importance of the TE position on this Ram team. You could put any TE on the roster, and the majority of the touches are still going to the 2 WRs.

They're fine at TE, and will only get better, and set for the next few years. Maybe several years. I dont want MS throwing more to the TE just to justify his draft position.

TF was drafted because Snead/Mcvay lived his tools, and wanted to secure that spot for the next 3-5 years.

And this^