7 urgent Los Angeles Rams roster needs

Priority II – Offensive tackle

The Los Angeles Rams success under head coach Sean McVay is directly proportional to the quality and continuity of the team’s offensive line. That’s not a coincidence.  Oftentimes in the NFL, the most successful teams in any given year are the healthiest by a significant margin.  Of course, there is an occasional exception to the rule.  But by and large, if you endure the 16 game season with healthier players than other teams, you will enjoy success.

Quarterback Jared Goff has proven he can lead the offense within the pocket. Where he seems to struggle most is creating offense when the plays break down.  That’s not uncommon, and is in fact something the front office can correct.  Simply upgrade the offensive line. That is the same path taken by the Dallas Cowboys for their quarterback Dak Prescott.

"“More people around here need to carry the load and the responsibility. That goes for all of us, players and coaches. All of us need to be more accountable.”  – Andrew Whitworth per Keven Modesti, OCRRegister.com"

The cornerstone for the offensive line is the offensive tackle. Right now, starters 38 year-old Andrew Whitworth and 27 year-old Rob Havenstein are questionable. Whitworth becomes a free agent this year, and is currently the oldest NFL offensive tackle. Havenstein is returning from a knee injury,  But even before that injury, he seemed to struggle at bit at the position.

The position must be addressed this offseason.  With the team starting in the 2020 NFL Draft on day 2, this should be addressed in free agency. Whitworth is definitely a leader on this team. If the Rams could bring him back for an inexpensive year or two, that would be very helpful. If not, then the Rams need to find a short and inexpensive deal for a veteran with staring potential.

And the 2020 NFL Draft is in peril if the team does not draft an OT.