5 breakout offensive stars for LA Rams Coach O’Connell

LG Corbett

When the LA Rams traded for interior offensive lineman Austin Corbett, the team needed an immediate patch to an offensive line where injuries were popping up at all positions. Over the course of his eight games starting for the LA Rams, Corbett played at the center and left guard, and finally settled in at the left guard position where he played the remainder of the season. He did not star as an NFL best offensive lineman in 2019. But the deck was stacked against him.

In 2020, the cards will smile on him very nicely. Corbett will return to the LA Rams organization for the first full training camp under offensive line coach Aaron Kromer.  After starting for the team and holding his own, he had exceeded expectations. Now, with the new coaching staff, starting experience, and a specific role to prepare to assume in 2020, why wouldn’t his play improve dramatically?

His draft profile by Lance Zierlein for 2018 called it in a rather detailed fashion. To be more specific:

"“Corbett won’t blow you away with any of his measurables or play traits, but he’s solid in most areas. Corbett is definitely sharp enough to move inside to guard or even center and has good technique, but his average to below average play strength and lack of length may be a concern. He has the size and talent to compete for a guard/center spot early on, but he may elevate above an average starter during his career.”"

So far, that description has been spot on.  He is versatile enough to play at both guard and center. This season, he will take the next step to elevate his play to an above-average starter.  He finally has his opportunity, he has the chance to return to the same offensive line, and he still has the talent to excel for the Rams. Now he knows the coaches, the plays, the city, and his only task is to improve his play. He’ll do that in 2020.