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LA Rams 2020 NFL Draft deep with offensive linemen

Larry Brake
Larry Brake

Ramblin' Fan

(Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images)

There will be plenty of quality offensive linemen for the LA Rams to select in round 2 of the 2020 NFL Draft with their first pick

The LA Rams have to improve their offensive line, especially to improve the running attack. Despite LA having traded away their 2020 first round pick for cornerback Jalen Ramsey, they should not have to worry about not getting quality offensive linemen. This 2020 draft class of linemen is very deep.

There is a very good chance that a top tier lineman could slide down in the draft. Expect several surprises as round one unfolds. Would the Rams try to move up to get their main target?

Perhaps, or LA may decide to let the chips fall and stay put in the draft order. On day two, the Rams have an opportunity to take two offensive linemen. Most importantly, these players will be talented enough to contribute almost immediately.

There could be as many as twelve or more linemen available in the second round. Some of them might have been first round picks. Most of all, their price tag is easier on the Rams salary cap than a first rounder.

For example, the Rams first round pick would have a four year deal worth $14 million, according to overthecap.com. The next two round would cost the Rams a combined cost of $9 million. Here are some quality players that LA might target on day two.

ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 31: A Houston Cougars helmet is surrounded by confetti after the Cougars defeated the Florida State Seminoles 38-24 to win the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at the Georgia Dome on December 31, 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 31: A Houston Cougars helmet is surrounded by confetti after the Cougars defeated the Florida State Seminoles 38-24 to win the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at the Georgia Dome on December 31, 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Draft Josh Jones T Houston

OT Josh Jones is a top prospect from the University of Houston. He stands 6-feet-7 weighing 310 pounds. Physically, he can be the blind side protector of Jared Goff and downfield blocker in the run game.

The prototypical tackle, per Bill Walsh, stands 6-feet-4 weighing 310 pounds. Jones definitely passes the eye test. How does his skill set fit the Rams?

Jones played in the air raid offensive system at Houston under Dana Holgorson, in 2019. Major Applewhite was his previous head coach from 2016-2018, after replacing Tom Herman. Those college schemes are very similar to the Rams, except LA wants to run the ball more.

Jones will be a participant at the NFL Combine. His bench press repetitions will be key to his ability to move defenders. He will face tough edge rushers in the NFC West division.

At the Senior Bowl, Jones was voted as having the best practice week by the North team linemen. This vote was taken by the players themselves. Jones impressed his fellow Senior Bowl participants.

Suppose Jones is not available for the Rams in round 2. Here is the next player they should select in slot #53. Here is another quality lineman.

LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY – NOVEMBER 30: The line of scrimmage of the Kentucky Wildcats against the Louisville Cardinals at Commonwealth Stadium on November 30, 2019 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY – NOVEMBER 30: The line of scrimmage of the Kentucky Wildcats against the Louisville Cardinals at Commonwealth Stadium on November 30, 2019 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Draft Logan Stenberg G Kentucky

OG Logan Stenberg is another huge talented lineman from Kentucky. He stands 6-feet-6 weighing 322 pounds. Stenberg is a prototypical tackle playing guard.

He is playing in the Senior Bowl at left guard and making waves with his aggressive play style. LA could use an attitude player on the offensive line. Rob Staton of seahawksdraftingblog.com reports the following of Stenberg’s game demeanor:

"He’s particularly useful in the running game. Defender’s are often simply trying to cling on. I think it surprises them early in games and it gets in their heads. They’re driven off the ball by his strength and there’s barely any time for a counter… If you like physical, aggressive run-blocking then this is the guy for you. He hammers people."

He is huge, tough and has faced the tough SEC defensive interior linemen throughout four seasons. Stenberg blocked for Pittsburgh’s Benny Snell for three seasons, at Kentucky. Snell is the only player, in school history, to have three consecutive 1000 yard rushing seasons.

Stenberg would breathe new life into the Rams rushing attack. His disposition will spread to the other Rams linemen. LA will need his style of play against the talented divisional opponents.

Here’s the next player the Rams need to take if available.

Draft Hakeem Adeniji G/T Kansas

OL Hakeem Adeniji is a huge versatile lineman from Kansas. He stands 6-feet-5 weighing 300 pounds. He started games at left tackle and guard last season.

His ability to play different positions makes him a rare quality. Adeniji did not garner much national attention at Kansas but has performed well at the Senior Bowl practice week. Demetrius Harvey of bigcatcountry made the following observations of Adeniji’s week of practice:

"While Jones stole the show in the offensive line group, the 6-5, 300 pound Adeniji was impressive as well, making his presence felt in one-on-one drills. If the Jaguars were to look for a guard/tackle in this upcoming draft, Adeniji did not disappoint in his job interview of a lifetime."

The Rams will have to make a decision whether to pursue the aging, free agent left tackle Andrew Whitworth. Would the Rams want to re-sign him at an exorbitant price? Perhaps LA will decide to get younger and less expensive through the draft. Adeniji might be that selection.

Finally, Charlie Campbell of walterfootball.com gives the following comments concerning Adeniji:

"Adeniji probably should move inside to guard for the NFL because he lacks length for blocking on the edge. He is a good athlete who is a smooth mover and quick on his feet. Adeniji could be a really good fit at guard in a zone-blocking system. He should improve his strength for the NFL."

Watch to see how things progress at the NFL Combine.

The search for the ideal draft selection is in full swing. Let’s see how it plays out.

Larry Brake

Larry Brake

I am a proud graduate of Duncan, OK high school and the University of Oklahoma. My four F's are: Faith, Family, Friends and Football-plus, enjoying life in Brunswick, Georgia.