Here is why I do believe they preferred Ferguson. Sure, trading up for one of the two top "complete" TE's was tempting but solving the QB of the future quandry by acquiring another 1st rounder is the kind of forward thinking I have come to expect from them. I even predicted it months ago (thought they would get Skattebo in the second, but that was my crush...obviously not theirs or the rest of the NFL).
Studying Ferguson post-draft revealed a compelling argument for me. I have serious doubts that he will ever become the kind of "in-line" blocker we expect of Higbee. However, and McSnead both confirmed this in later interviews, this guy is SPECIAL as a move or split receiver. He makes 12 Personnel a genuine threat to use as much as 50% of the time against certain defenses. He instantly improves the red zone and 3rd and short options. Mark my words, his speed, length, savvy stretches the field on any down better than any TE the Rams have EVER employed. When teams key on Adams/Nacua, this guy will make them pay up the seams with explosives.
Because Aylo and Dead were so high on the TE class and I genuinely appreciate and respect their acumen, I studied the "top 5" TE's before the draft and came away underwhelmed. I personally wasn't sold on any of them being near the class of Bowers, whom we all know McVay coveted. I would've been disappointed if we drafted Loveland because I tried to love his game but just couldn't get there.
I'd be happy if this year Ferguson reached the heights of his namesake in Dallas. I expect him to surpass that level in his second year. He may not get 800 yards in any given year of his career, but I trust he will produce a significant net positive in making the Rams offense more multiple and explosive.
