The Los Angeles Rams’ thinking about offensive line development has altered dramatically in recent years, and this summer exemplifies that movement. In recent years, they have prioritized pass protection and zone-blocking abilities, developing the line from the tackles inward. They are now focusing on run-blocking first, starting with gap strategies and investing large sums of money as well as draft capital. The offensive line was never an afterthought, but it is now the focal point of this attack and will determine whether it succeeds or fails in 2024.
As a result, the offensive line’s reputation has improved significantly. The Rams Skinny Podcast just ranked the offensive line as the sixth best in the NFL.
Here are the rankings and their reasoning:
Detroit Lions
Philadelphia Eagles
Cleveland Browns
LA Chargers
LA Rams
LA Rams Rams Skinny ranks OL as fifth best
A Move Toward Rushing More: Moving Steve Avila to center, signing Jonah Jackson in free agency, and re-signing Kevin Dotson assure that the Rams’ success running the ball late last season continues this season. Kyren Williams received the second most yards before contact in the league, averaging 3 yards per carry,.1 yards less than San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey. He performed very well when rushing into Dotson’s gaps (the right side). They’ll try to balance that with Jackson on the right.
Money Where Mouth is: The Rams currently own the fourth most costly offensive line in football. And that is with Steve Avila on a rookie deal and starting left tackle, Alaric Jackson A pretty reasonable one-year deal for $4.9 million. They’re investing here because they think it’s the key to making this offensive work. Not only will this aid the running game, but it will also ensure that 36-year-old Matthew Stafford remains upright.
The Underappreciated Veteran Stalwart: Rob Havenstein gets lost in the shuffle of the line’s enthusiasm, but he has been one of the most long-standing and consistent members of the offensive line, and he should not be unappreciated for all of his contributions, even if none of them are exciting. He does all the Rams ask of him, and that deserves recognition.
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