Max Klare and C.J. Daniels are finally hitting the field for the Los Angeles Rams, and Saturday’s preseason opener against the Kansas City Chiefs isn’t just another game for these rookies. With a slew of veterans expected to sit out, the spotlight is firmly on these two draft picks who have been generating buzz all offseason. This is their shot to show why they belong.
Klare’s Uphill Battle: Proving He Belongs
For Max Klare, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Drafted on Day 2 as the No. 61 overall pick, he is walking into arguably the deepest tight end room on the entire Rams roster. Seriously, guys like Colby Parkinson, Tyler Higbee, Terrance Ferguson, and Davis Allen are already ahead of him on the depth chart. That means playing time is going to be incredibly scarce unless he pulls off an extreme showing in the lead up to Week 1, or injuries hit.
But here is the thing: the Rams did not spend a Day 2 pick on Klare for nothing. He was a production monster at both Ohio State and Purdue, and his receiving upside is obvious. He might not be your traditional in-line, blocking “Y” tight end, but who cares when he can catch like that? Showing out against the Chiefs, and later the New Orleans Saints or Los Angeles Chargers, could make all the difference in his quest for playing time. He needs these reps, big time.
Daniels: The Third-Stringer Turning Heads
Then there is C.J. Daniels, the rookie from Miami who is currently listed as a third-stringer. No surprise there, right? But this guy has been turning heads since day one at the team facility. He is an older rookie at 24 years old, sure, but he brings decent size at 6-foot-2 and 197 pounds. Get this: that is one inch taller and seven pounds lighter than Davante Adams. That is a comparison that should make any fan sit up and take notice.
Daniels has a well-rounded skill set, which is exactly what you want to complement star receivers like Adams and Puka Nacua. The third receiver spot has been a massive talking point this offseason, and while Jordan Whittington is a solid option and Konata Mumpfield is also currently ahead of Daniels, this rookie offers a tantalizing prospect for an offense always hungry for more firepower. He might not jump into a true backup role just from preseason games, but this is his chance to prove why his ceiling deserves more opportunities when the real games are on the line.
It all kicks off Saturday against the Chiefs, and then the Saints and Chargers. Every rep for Klare and Daniels is a chance to rewrite their rookie year script and carve out a spot on this roster. Rams fans, you do not want to miss a second of it. Let’s see these guys go!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Turf Show Times.
Leave a Reply