WOODLAND HILLS, CA — Max Klare has traveled far to get here, from the working-class, cold-weather streets of Columbus, Ohio, to Southern California sunshine. On Sunday, the Los Angeles Rams rookie tight end will finally step onto an NFL field in a game that counts.
The Rams selected Klare in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft, and head coach Sean McVay says the former Ohio State standout has earned his chance. After months of film study, practice reps, and steady growth, Klare is expected to get meaningful snaps when Los Angeles visits the Philadelphia Eagles.
Klare has not seen a heavy workload behind a veteran tight end group that has stayed healthy for most of the year. McVay said that hasn’t stopped the rookie from standing out when he does get his turn, in practice and on special teams.
“I’ve seen a guy that’s maximized a lot of opportunities in practice and done some things on special teams,” McVay told Nitecast Media. “Got a lot better throughout the course of camp. [He] hasn’t taken quite as many reps just because of the top four guys for the most part being available.”
That is expected to change this week because tight end Terrance Ferguson suffered an injury. McVay said Sunday presents a real opening for the rookie.
“This week will represent an opportunity for him to be able to get some reps and maybe get some good game-time action for us,” McVay said.
McVay explained that part of Klare’s development has come from the Rams’ tight end room. The group is led by experienced players who have set the tone for the younger tight ends.
“It’s been big,” McVay said. “When you have a great leader… really, there’s great leadership in that room from ‘Higs’ [Tyler Higbee] and from Colby [Parkinson], ‘D.A.’ [Davis Allen]. These guys have played a lot of football.“
He also made clear the room isn’t for the faint of heart, and that tight ends coach Scott “Scooter” Huff sets a demanding standard.
“You better be tough if you’re going to play in that room. [Tight Ends Coach Scott] ‘Scooter’ Huff is a tough coach. O-Line background, gritty,” McVay said. “The things that we’re asking those guys to do, you have to be ready to battle at the line of scrimmage and be functional in the pass game and compete if we’re asking you to compete in protection. That’s a big deal, and those guys do a great job of bringing people along.“
McVay also pointed to another rookie in the room, saying, “Terrence was a quick study,” a sign of how competitive the position group has become.
Klare arrived in Los Angeles after developing under Ohio State head coach Ryan Day, and McVay said that background has helped prepare him for the pro game.
“It does. It gives you confidence. You have to be able to earn it, and I think Coach [Ryan] Day is a guy I have a ton of respect for,” McVay said. “They did a great job being able to utilize him where you could evaluate some of his skill sets at Ohio State.”
McVay was candid that the NFL asks more of a tight end than the college game.
“When you get into some of the things that we’re asking, there are some differences, also some similarities, and it’s a big-boy position,” he said. “You better be ready to roll.“
A moment that Klare has envisioned and waited for his entire life, now he gets to prove his skills where they matter the most… on Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday afternoon in a hostile environment. Still, the Rams’ staff has watched him prepare. He has put in the film study and the practice work, and he has earned the trust of a coach who is rarely shy about playing the ready players.
The Rams face the Eagles on Sunday at 10AM PT on FOX.
