Los Angeles Rams begin in bottom half of PFF offensive line rankings for 2017

The Los Angeles Rams hope an improved offensive line and receiving corps will help the team bounce back from a 4-12 record in 2016.

Entering the offseason, the Los Angeles Rams knew in order to make the jump to contenders in the NFC West next season, they would need to figure out a way to improve their offensive line along with the receiving corps. Believe it or not, thanks to some key moves over the last few months, the offensive line of the Rams seems to be in much better shape than last year, and is even gaining some recognition around the league.

More from Ramblin' Fan

• NFL salary cap skyrockets, but will it help LA Rams this offseason?
• With 49ers potential DC opening, did Fangio just balk at Miami hire?
• After interviewing 3 Rams coaches, Chargers hire ex-Cowboys OC
• LA Rams rival: Will the real 49ers QB please stand up
• As feared, this coveted DC is already quickly off the market

With that being said, Los Angeles still has a long way to go when it comes to being one of the best in the NFL, as discussed in the latest edition of offensive line rankings from Pro Football Focus. The popular site recently released their ranks surrounding the offensive line for the 2017 NFL season, and one year after ranking near the bottom at No. 31, the Rams currently sit at No. 18 heading into training camp.

Between signing arguably one of the best free agents available this offseason in veteran Andrew Whitworth to getting rid of former first-round bust Greg Robinson by trading him to the Detroit Lions, it’s easy to see why Los Angeles was able to make such a drastic jump on this year’s list. But until Whitworth and the rest of the unit can show the improvement on the football field, No. 18 seems like a fair assumption for the Rams at the moment.

Next: NFL Power Rankings: Rams edition

After all of the time spent in helping Jared Goff reach his true potential at quarterback, give Los Angeles credit for being smart enough to realize it’s never going to happen with a weak offensive line like he experienced as a rookie. Now that Goff will be in better hands from a protection standpoint with the offensive line, let’s hope an improved receiving corps as well will make the former No. 1 pick’s sophomore campaign much smoother.