LA Rams frugal free agency fix for 2020 offensive line

Rams offense 2020 identity

Let’s presume that no unrestricted free agents will automatically return to the LA Rams.  Let’s also push off any NFL player who is older than 34.  Why?  We’re looking to lock in offensive line talent for an average of three-four seasons, and still have solid production from those linemen throughout the entire contract.  Now understand, pulling this off typically requires lots of time, data, and collaboration. Right now, we have none of that, so I won’t profess to being the gold standard here for the team free agency moves yet. As to the age restriction? We have one exception, and you’ll see why when we discuss his availablility.

But the concept is legitimate.  Offensive lines can drastically improve with just one or two solid players.  When one position delivers, other offensive linemen learn to focus on their man and not be distracted by trying to help out their neighbor.  For our purposes, the key is to focus on what the team wants to do, and then target the offensive linemen who do that very well.  So what will the LA Rams offense be in 2020?  If the goal is to dethrone the San Francisco 49ers, the items that jump off the page is that they lost three games to mobile quarterbacks, to teams who could control the clock, and to teams able to move the chains.

That sets the team offensive blueprint. Now what does it say about the offensive linemen?  For starters, it’s safe to presume that successful offense has quick linemen.  That means the team will focus less on “elephants” and more towards more athletic offensive linemen.  Think along the lines of former NFL guard Evan Mathis, a 6-foot-5 301 offensive guard.  One more thing, these offensive line will not be marquis names.  If the player is already listed among the “top five” on a list somewhere (except those of the Ramblin’ Fan), they are likely already priced out of the LA Rams market.