Is Rams Tyler Higbee A Top 10 NFL TE?

Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee finished with 72 receptions, 620 yards and three touchdowns in 2022.

Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee has seen it all over his seven seasons for the franchise. 

A fourth-round pick in 2016, the Western Kentucky product suited up in all 16 games during the team's inaugural Los Angeles season. Along with that, Higbee has witnessed a 4-12 campaign, being crowned Super Bowl champions while also being a part of the league's best (2018) and worst-scoring offense (2017).

But through all of the ups and downs, the eighth-year tight end is a proven difference-maker on the field when healthy. With a combination of reliable pass-catching and strong blocking, Higbee ranked second on the team in receiving yards (620) and tied for second in touchdown receptions (three).

And despite falling inside the top 10 at the position in both of those categories, ESPN slotted Higbee as an honorable mention in its recent tight-end rankings. 

"Higbee played in all 17 games last season," ESPN writes. "A significant feat for a player who had missed time with nagging injuries in each of the previous three seasons -- collecting 620 yards and three touchdowns. 

"Great hands. Not fast but has a lot of savvy, feel, and is a fluid player, just keeps getting hurt," an AFC scout said.

Despite recent criticism for the $9.1 million cap hit Higbee carries in 2023, the value he brings is undeniable. Now heading into 2023 with the optimism of health on his side, the veteran tight end looks to continue adding more NFL recognition. 

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Follow Riley Sheppard on Twitter @RileyDSheppard.

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