Rams-inspired formation emerges as an early NFL trend to watch
Analyst Bucky Brooks says teams may expand their use of three-tight-end formations after studying the Los Angeles Rams’ 2025 offence.
The Los Angeles Rams’ use of 13 personnel has emerged as one of the key developments to watch as the 2026 NFL season begins, according to Fox Sports analyst Bucky Brooks.
The formation uses one running back, three tight ends and one wide receiver. Brooks says teams studied the Rams’ approach during the offseason after it helped create running and passing mismatches against defensive schemes designed to limit explosive plays.
The Rams combined multiple tight ends with bunch formations, motion and play-action. Tight ends Tyler Higbee, Colby Parkinson, Terrance Ferguson and Davis Allen were identified as central to the package, which also allowed quarterback Matthew Stafford to attack downfield from heavier personnel groupings.
The 2026 NFL Draft provided further evidence of interest in the position. Twenty-two tight ends were selected, including nine in the top 100. The Broncos, Browns, Dolphins, Jaguars and Ravens each drafted multiple tight ends, giving them the personnel to experiment with the formation.
Jacksonville selected Nate Boerkircher in the second round and Tanner Koziol in the fifth. The team is coached by Liam Coen, described by Fox Sports as a disciple of Rams coach Sean McVay.
Brooks presents a broader increase in 13 personnel as a trend to monitor in Week 1, rather than a settled league-wide shift. The supplied analysis identifies five potential developments in the Super Bowl race, but details only the formation’s possible expansion.
