Breaking down the Rams’ addition of Colby Parkinson, a big TE with upside

Colby Parkinson doesn’t have eye-popping numbers as a receiver, but he’s a big TE who could thrive in the Rams’ offense

On the first day of the legal tampering period on Monday, the Los Angeles Rams made two early additions: Jonah Jackson and Colby Parkinson. Jackson will step in as the starting left guard, but Parkinson joins an already crowded tight end group that includes Tyler Higbee, Davis Allen and Hunter Long.

It might seem like a confusing addition on the surface, but with Higbee’s ACL and MCL injury, Parkinson has a chance to potentially be the Rams’ starting tight end in Week 1. Even with the seemingly high cost of $22.5 million for three years, he’s a good addition to the offense because of the potential he possesses at the position.

For starters, Parkinson is only 25 years old so he’s one of the youngest players on the free-agent market. Despite his young age, he’s already played four seasons in the NFL – two with solid production as a receiver.

In 2022, he caught 25 passes for 322 yards and two touchdowns. Last season, he caught another 25 passes for 247 yards and two touchdowns, though his yards per reception dropped from 12.9 to 9.9.

It’s reasonable to think Parkinson hasn’t reached his potential as a tight end. He’s 6-foot-7 and 251 pounds, so he has great size for the position. He also ran a 4.77 in the 40-yard dash, which is a good time for a player his size. He didn’t often get to show off that speed in the open field with only 57 career receptions, but he’s agile with the ball in his hands.

Here’s what Seahawks Wire editor Tim Weaver said about Parkinson and what he brings to the Rams:

Rams fans should probably ignore the numbers when it comes to Colby Parkinson, who was misused along with every other Seahawks tight end during Shane Waldron’s time as offensive coordinator. Parkinson was only targeted 34 times each of the last two seasons, which is a shame based on his profile. Most of all, he has a ton of athleticism for his position. He can hurdle tacklers in the open field and has reasonably soft hands and quick feet. In the right offense, Parkinson could really eat.

With his height, he can be an asset in the red zone for the Rams, who lack a receiver capable of consistently winning jump-ball opportunities. Higbee also has good size, as does Allen, but Parkinson adds even more size to that position group.

Where Parkinson really excels is as a blocker. Not only is he capable of clearing lanes as a run blocker, but he’s more than willing to handle that duty, too – a requisite of playing in Sean McVay’s offense.

Take this play, for example. He clears out the defensive end and then gets to the cornerback, taking him out of the play, too.

If Higbee is ready for Week 1, Parkinson will be a very good No. 2 option behind him, particularly as a blocker in two-tight end sets. If Higbee is still rehabbing when the season begins, Parkinson can compete with Allen and Long to be the starter.

He didn’t exactly come cheap at nearly $8 million per year, but with the upside of a starting tight end, it’s understandable why the Rams brought him in.