Rams sign two UDFA tight ends, can they be of value?

Mark Redman and Anthony Torres have a different skill set than the incumbents

While most of the Los Angeles Rams tight end talk centers around using their first selection (#46) on Terrance Ferguson, L.A. did add two interesting undrafted free agents at the position. Mark Redman, out of Louisville and Anthony Torres from Toledo, their additions mark a change from the Rams usual preferences, they’re not receiver-first tight ends and while both do show good hands, blocking is their strong suit.

Redman and Torres join Ferguson, starter Tyler Higbee, Colby Parkinson, and Davis Allen to fill out the room. Last season, the Rams kept three on the active roster, Parkinson, Allen, and Hunter Long, when Higbee returned from injury in December they bumped up to four. Nikola Kalinic and Miller Forristall stayed on the practice squad all season.

Mark Redman- Louisville 6’ 6” 263 lb. 32 1/4” arms 9 3/4” hands

Pro Day: 1.66/4.95 forty – 7.25 shuttle – 4.52 3cone – 32” vert – 9’ 4” broad – 21 bench

West coast kid. One of the top tight end recruits in the nation, originally signed with Washington, Spent two seasons in the Northwest 2020 and 2021, seeing use on special teams while playing in all 16 games he was eligible and earning one start. Coaching changes at UW prompted Redman to jump to San Diego State and he started 25 of 26 games for the Aztecs logging 59 catches for 641 yards and five scores. Joined Louisville for his final year of eligibility and started 12 of 13 games with 24 catches, 256 yards and three touchdowns.

As a receiver, Redman was used on simple routes, button hooks, outs to the flat, and wheels off those flat outs. Louisville also used him on hash-to-hash drags against mis-direction quite often with success. Good hands, snatches away from his body, and good hand/eye coordination. Shows fair body control on errant passes. Transitions quickly, but doesn’t offer much juice running after the catch.

Technically sound blocker, but not a thumping play style. Redman has good feet and consistently seals off his 1on1 blocks, staying between his man and the ball carrier whether downfield or at the line of scrimmage. His length is not elite but he strikes first, clamps on and understands leverage. Good on combo blocks, stays engaged on his double teams and moves smoothly off and up to the next level.

Redman is a fairly polished prospect, was on the John Mackey Award watchlist twice for best tight end in the nation. His athleticism is adequate for his big frame with natural skills and is a smooth and fluid mover. He was a top college recruit, stood out in smaller conference and made the step-up in competition. Some real hard work in a pro strength program, particularly lower body, could make him a keeper.

Anthony Torres- Toledo 6’ 7” 251 lb. 33 1/2” arms 10 1/8” hands

Pro Day: 1.72/4.72 forty- 7.18 shuttle – 4.44 3cone – 34” vert – 9’ 10” broad – 19 bench

Lightly recruited until making the rounds of college summer camps before his high school senior season, he was a hit at an Iowa camp and offered a scholarship. He injured his back during that workout to the point that Torres not only missed his final high school season, his comeback would take three years.

Although Iowa was willing to honor the commitment, they were honest about his standing and Torres decided to stay closer to home, attending Western Michigan. He spent four seasons with the Broncos, the first three dealing with his back woes and COVID19. In year four, he had worked his way to starter by season’s end.

In 2022, Torres transferred to Toledo. He played in every game as a backup in his initial season and took over as starter in his final two, garnering All-MAC honors in both. His stats as a Rocket were 62 catches for 932 yards and 12 scores, over 41 games. He was named to the 2024 Hula Bowl.

Long-legged and lanky with good athleticism (7.50 RAS score) for the NFL. Very good arm length with big hands. As his 3cone and 10 yard split numbers attest, on tape Torres is a bit heavy-footed and not the most flexible getting off the snap and into routes. He does possess good change of direction and buildup speed.

Comfortably works both inline and the slot. Torres shows good technique and drive as a blocker. Consistently squares well, gets his hands on defenders chest plate, and clamps on in pass blocking. Has the power to move out opponents on drive blocks, uses good footwork and arm length to reach and seal. He strikes well in space and stays sticky through the whistle.

Although Torres needs work clearing off the snap, he has very good hands, ball tracking, and the body control to corral off mark throws. The lack of early separation has forced him to be very good in traffic, on contested catches, and through contact. As is often the case with lower tiered college programs, a very limited route tree. Mostly underneath stuff, but when he gets those long legs stretched out, Torres could challenge the seams and wheels/fades down the sidelines.

Torres has a great back story about overcoming adversity and he too, brings a fairly polished game to the Rams. A solid athlete, a competitive nature, and a team captain. He’s also older after seven years of college ( 26 in October) and very well grounded with a Masters Degree and marriage vows.

Can Redman and/or Torres make the Rams roster?

One of the first things that jumped out to me after watching a couple of Redman’s games was how much his game reminded me of Colby Parkinson’s. Now I’m not clamoring for Redman to be TE#2, just saying there’s similarity in their play styles. Parkinson has proven NFL talent and Redman is a prospect with play strength work to do. He’ll have OTAs and training camp to show if he’s got what it takes.

Torres has the edgier, more physical game of the two. He’s a very nice package of blocking and receiving. He too needs some strength work, but certainly wields the physicality needed in the pro’s. He’s had three years back since overcoming a serious back problem, how much weight should that carry?

Two good looking prospects on tape with varying play styles. Redman in the smoother West Coast style and Torres in the more physical Northeast mode. Both are effective. In the past, the Rams haven’t given a second thought to playing undrafted free agents at tight end. But this 2025 unit has three experienced returnees and top draft pick.

How the Rams use Terrance Ferguson will have likely have a direct effect on Redman and Torres. If used mainly out side, as a slot receiver, the two UDFA’s blocking abilities may find a need. If Ferguson is used as tight ends of the L.A. past, they start way behind in a numbers game.

Most likely, the best to expect is a berth on the practice squad, but these are two promising young prospects. I expect them to get a lot of preseason game reps after OTAs and training camp. They will get plenty of work to show they belong.