The Los Angeles Rams have spent the offseason building a formidable roster, addressing many of their needs in a bid to compete for the championship. However, one significant area of concern has emerged: the depth of their offensive line, which could jeopardize their season if not addressed.
Despite returning all five starters from an offensive line that played a crucial role in helping quarterback Matthew Stafford achieve a career year, the Rams have largely overlooked this unit while making upgrades elsewhere. The offensive line was instrumental in allowing Stafford to navigate through the previous season, where he not only survived despite a troublesome back but also led the league’s highest-scoring offense.
While the Rams made headlines with their blockbuster trade for star defensive end Myles Garrett, the lack of attention paid to bolstering the offensive line depth has raised eyebrows. Nate Atkins of The Athletic has pointed out this neglected area as a significant concern for the team. During a recent appearance on “NFL Spotlight,” Atkins emphasized the risks associated with the current state of the offensive line.
“I do think it’s gotten concerning here because not only did they not really add to that in the offseason, but I’d say their top two backups are the guys who they just put on injured reserve,” he stated. The Rams are currently without rookie tackle Keagen Trost and interior lineman Justin Dedich, both of whom will miss at least the first four games of the season due to injuries.
This situation leaves 36-year-old David Quessenberry as the primary swing tackle. Quessenberry, who has seen limited action over the last two seasons and hasn't started a regular-season game since 2023, may not be the most reliable option in a critical role. Additionally, the Rams’ second-team offensive line has struggled to handle pressure during joint practices against teams like the Cowboys and Saints, yet the team did not make a significant effort to acquire a proven veteran tackle before the season began.
The situation becomes even more precarious at left tackle, where Alaric Jackson is under NFL review following a June arrest related to felony domestic violence, although prosecutors have since declined to pursue felony charges. Jackson previously served a two-game suspension in 2024, and with Trost unavailable, his potential absence could be particularly damaging.
Head coach Sean McVay has expressed confidence in the depth behind his starters, but Atkins remains skeptical. “They must be seeing more than what I’ve been able to see,” he remarked, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the offensive line.
The stakes are high for the Rams, especially considering the quarterback they are tasked with protecting. Stafford, now entering his 18th season at the age of 38, continues to manage a degenerative back condition. Coming off a season in which he threw for 4,707 yards and 46 touchdowns, Stafford's ability to perform at a high level is crucial for the team. However, he has become a pocket passer, rushing only ten times over the past two seasons.
While Stafford's back may be in a better condition than it was last summer, the issue has not completely vanished. Atkins warns that the Rams’ decision to not aggressively reinforce the offensive line could be a significant gamble. “If you have an offensive line injury that leads to a Matthew Stafford injury,” he cautioned, “that to me is like the one way that this super talented team could see things just kind of fall apart a little bit.”
As the Rams prepare for the upcoming season, the focus will be on whether their offensive line can hold up under pressure and protect one of the league's most valuable assets.
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