LA Rams News: 2020 or bust for these 5 offensive players

Austin Blythe

When the LA Rams re-signed offensive lineman Austin Blythe to the roster, the belief is that the one-year contract was a deliberate effort by the team to ensure that younger linemen step up this year. But Blythe was the starting right guard for the LA Rams Super Bowl team, and with that comes the inevitable discussion of why would the team let that level of experience walk away?

It comes down to performance. Austin Blythe struggled for the Rams at the right guard position. He struggled until he was benched due to injury, and was replaced by rookie offensive lineman David Edwards. Edwards performed remarkably well at right guard as a rookie, even though he was an offensive tackle at college.  So well did he play that when Blythe was healthy enough to return to a starting role, he took over at the center position. After the season ended, Blythe had minor surgery to clean up his shoulders. While he should be fully healthy this season, he faces stiff competition.

Center of attention

Blythe seemed to help stabilize the offensive line somewhat, but he himself still lacks the ability to pick up A-gap blitzes. The concern at his performance at center likely fueled the LA Rams’ interest in picking up a center in the 2020 NFL Draft. While the Rams failed to do so, they did manage to sign a promising young center Cohl Cabral.  Many have pointed to Cabral as a dark horse to win a starting role with the Rams this season. Even if he does not win the job in 2020, he is in the queue to take over in the future.

Where does that leave Blythe? David Edwards is solid at right guard, and the Rams added competition at the center position for both Blythe and last year starter Brian Allen. That all adds up to a tough time of returning as the starter.  And perhaps that is why the Rams prudently brought him back on a one-year prove-it contract.  If he plays well, earns a starting role, and performs well this season, he could be in the queue for a multi-year deal.  But if he struggles this season?  He will likely not be back in 2021.   Now onto another veteran, this time tight end Gerald Everett.