After an injury riddled '22 season, the '23 Rams' OL was arguably better than even the '21 SB Rams OL. They got better as the season went on and became a physical and good, if not very good run blocking unit. My quick take...
A Jackson beats out Boom at LT and doesn't disappoint.... Reliable, not dominant but more than solid in pass pro and run blocking.
>Depending on who's there, do the Rams try to upgrade the LT position in free agency or the draft or push for a higher ceiling??
Avila exceeded expectations even beyond his second round draft status. His run blocking is outstanding! Keep him at LG and he'll make All Pro for years to come!
> Do the Rams move him to C, arguably his best position or just let him grow where he's now planted??
Shelton beats out Allen at C and to me, was the biggest surprise on the OL. He and Stafford worked well together. High Floor or High ceiling... leave well enough alone???
> Expect the Rams to move on from B. Allen and try Mike McAllister (Who I like) out as back up C to Shelton... Do the Rams draft a C???
KDot is brought in and beats out Boom and Anchrum... Outstanding trade by Snead!
>Rams need to make signing him a priority... Expect to pay a premium but we can't go cheap anywhere along the line.
Havs play was solid if not very good. He's a team captain, 10 year Vet and leader of this young OL. What you see is what you get with Havs... he's reached his ceiling.
> Would love to see McClendon push him next year making them both better. Havs will win out but McClendon needs to take the next step up.
McClendon, Bruss. Acuri, Anchrum (McAllister on the PS)... are young back ups with potential and may just need more weight room work and coaching. Rams need to keep churning the roster here.
What do we do with Boom?? He's been awesome as a swing tackle and filling in along the line.. I would love to keep the oft injured backup but his cap number is too high. Can we restructure?? Seek a trade??
Overall, I really enjoyed watching the OL gel and start to dominate as the season went on... especially in the run game. The coaching made a huge difference in accelerating their development. Keeping Stafford upright is the key to any success we'll have next year. I expect Les and the coaches to take the next steps toward making this unit one of the best in the league.
Our Rams.... It's a controlled Obsession!
