LA Rams have bigger problems than offensive line right now

Depth issues

While some might argue that the Rams offensive line has depth issues, the truth is that the only question mark right now is who may take over for left tackle Andrew Whitworth in the future. Right now, several players could compete for that spot. But depth is more critical for other positions on the team where the starters are gone, and reserves must step up in 2020.  Whether they do or don’t, their roles will need to be backfilled this year.

More from Rams Draft

• 4 needs that Rams must address in 2023 NFL Draft
• LA Rams projected to be awarded 4 comp picks in 2023 NFL Draft
• 4 reasons why LA Rams trading back in 2023 NFL Draft seems likely
• Latest PFF mock draft exhausts rookie QBs before LA Rams pick
• LA Rams last game carries huge impact on their 2023 NFL Draft

Linebacker

The LA Rams have lost their four starting linebackers from 2019. OLB Clay Matthews, OLB Dante Fowler Jr., ILB Cory Littleton, and ILB Bryce Hager have all gone the route of expired contract in 2019. While the Rams have other players who can step up, the current depth chart for the four linebacker roles are as follows: strongside outside linebacker Leonard Floyd, inside linebacker Troy Reeder, inside linebacker Travin Howard, and weakside outside linebacker Samson Ebukam. Combined, they played 965 total defensive snaps for the LA Rams (out of a possible 4,430 snaps).  While the team has some depth at the position with Kenny Young, Micah Kiser, and Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, they will need someone to fill the sweeping vacancies so far.

Defensive backfield

While the Rams starting four defensive backs are solid, the team has lost valuable depth with the retirement of safety Eric Weddle, loss of safety Marqui Christian, and the exodus of Nickell Robey-Coleman. All in all, the team really cannot afford an injury at all in 2020. That makes the team very vulnerable, particularly in light of the track record of the Rams from 2019.

Whether or not the LA Rams are confident in signing cornerback Jalen Ramsey to an extension, the team needs to add depth to both cornerback and safety in the 2020 NFL Draft. And that same future-looking perspective can focus upon safety John Johnson, also due for a new contract in 2021.

In the 2020 NFL Draft, the fans may still be smarting from the disappointment from the 2019 performance of the offensive line. But that problem was already dealt with. The LA Rams face a broader set of needs in the draft this year. Thankfully, even with starting in round two, the team should be able to address the roster’s needs adequately.