The Los Angeles Rams philosophy around their offensive line build has dramatically shifted over the last few years and this offseason typifies that shift. In the recent past, they have prioritized pass protection and zone-blocking acumen, building the line from the tackles, inward. Now they are focused on run-blocking first, from gap schemes, investing both big money and high draft capital. The offensive line was never an afterthought, but now it is in stark focus and will be what makes or breaks this offense in 2024.
The result is a big bump in the perception of the offensive line. In their recent rankings, the Rams Skinny Podcast ranked the offensive line fifth best in the NFL.
Here are the rankings and their reasoning;
- Detroit Lions
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Cleveland Browns
- LA Chargers
- Los Angeles Rams
Los Angeles Rams OL Ranked 5th Best By Rams Skinny
- A Move Toward Rushing More: Moving Steve Avila to center, adding Jonah Jackson in free agency, and re-signing Kevin Dotson ensures that the success the Rams saw running the ball late last season will continue into this season. Kyren Williams was given the second most yards before contact in the league, 3 yards per carry, .1 yards less than San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey. He did particularly well when rushing toward Dotson’s gaps (the right side). They will look to balance that with Jackson on the right.
- Money Where Mouth Is: The Rams are now the owner of the 4th most expensive offensive line in football. And that is with Steve Avila on a rookie contract and starting left tackle, Alaric Jackson on a very reasonable one-year $4.9 million deal. They are investing here because they believe it is the key to making this offense purr. Not just to benefit the running game, but also to make sure 36-year-old Matthew Stafford stays upright.
- The Underrated Veteran Stalwart: Rob Havenstein gets lost in the shuffle of the excitement surrounding the line, but he has been one of the most long-standing and consistent members of the offensive line and he shouldn’t go underappreciated for all of the things he brings to it, even if none are exciting. He does everything the Rams ask of him and that shouldn’t go unrecognized.
