3 reasons why LA Rams must re-sign FA OT Andrew Whitworth

Reason 3: Rams can’t draft a round two left tackle who can plug and play

“With the 52nd pick of the 2020 NFL Draft, the LA Rams select…” is a phrase that will not name the Rams starting left tackle to begin the 2020 season. That is not to say that the starter cannot be found in the draft. But when selecting 52nd or lower, teams had better have a better option on developing a starter than “plug and play”.

The offensive left tackle is one of the most important positions on any football team.  It’s the blind side guardian for quarterback Jared Goff, and as such typically draws the best pass rushers from the opposing defense.  It is often the site of the fiercest and most violent play on the NFL football field.  A defender rushing with all his might and experience to disrupt the LA Rams pass play.  Only Andrew Whitworth stands in their way. On almost every play.

Entrusting that much responsibility to a young NFL player does not happen in a vacuum.  The next starting left tackle on the offensive line will need to earn that trust: trust by the coaching staff, trust of the other offensive linemen, and most importantly, trust of quarterback Jared Goff. That will take time, and mentoring.  Both of which are specialties of Big Whit.