LOS ANGELES — The Rams opened Day 2 of the NFL draft by taking Oregon tight end Terrance Ferguson with the No. 46 overall pick in the second round.
Ferguson, who stands at 6-foot-5 and 255 pounds, caught 43 passes for 591 yards and three touchdowns as a senior with the Ducks.
Entering the draft, the Rams needed to add some depth at tight end. Tyler Higbee showed he still has something left to contribute after coming back from an ACL tear late last season, but he is entering his 10th season. Colby Parkinson saw his role reduced as the season progressed after signing as a free agent last offseason.
“Man, it’s such a blessing. I’m super excited,” Ferguson said over Zoom. “Couldn’t ask for a better opportunity that god’s put in my hands. I’m just super excited.”
Ferguson said he had a formal interview with a member of the Rams during the NFL combine in February, but otherwise did not have any contact with the team.
The Rams acquired the 46th pick from the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday, when they traded down from the 26th overall pick in exchange for a future first-round selection.
Ferguson is the first tight end the Rams have selected in the second round or earlier since Gerald Everett in 2017. The Rams showed interest in taking a tight end last year, trying to trade up for Georgia prospect Brock Bowers a year ago without finding any trade partners.