Athlon’s OL rankings include just one LA Ram player...

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Athlon’s offensive linemen rankings include just one Los Angeles Rams lineman

It’s time to give some love to the beefy boys on the front line. When looking at the NFL’s best, how did the LA Rams fare?

By Joey The Jerk@LaRamsRamsRams

Athlon Sports just released their ranking of the top 20 offensive linemen in the NFL at each line position, and it puts the depth of the Los Angeles Rams’ O-line in perspective.

It probably isn’t too much of a shocker that Ol’ AW, LT Andrew Whitworth, ranked #3 among the tackles in the league. Man, that free-agent signing a couple years ago was clutch — the dude has delivered and then some: He must be drinking from the Tom Brady Fountain of Youth. Still among the best all-around blockers and pass protectors at age 37.

As for the other positions, G Rodger Saffold III, now with the Tennessee Titans, ranked #9 in the guard category.

No other Rams player made the list.

Before the panic button is pressed, let’s admit that two of our projected starters, OL Joseph Noteboom and C Brian Allen, haven’t played enough to even be considered for these sort of lists.The biggest slight has to be RT Rob Havenstein. Let’s just say that the guy may not be a superstar, but he feels like a top-20 tackle in the league because he’s so effective in run blocking. Also not on the list? C/G Austin Blythe. In fairness to Blythe, the dude moves around positions and some folks who don’t watch the Rams on the regular could still think of him as a backup.

This list does make it clear that the Rams’ offensive line has some moving parts that need to prove themselves. Can Blythe keep it up for another season? Is he a guard or a center? Is Allen really the answer at center? How good is Noteboom, really?Maybe not the sexiest narrative of the offseason, but an important one: how good will the offensive line be, and will they be able to stay healthy with their best player one year older?