Football is happening! LA Rams 53-man roster prediction

OFFENSE- Part III (24)

Offensive tackle (4)
Starters: Andrew Whitworth, Rob Havenstein

Reserves: Bobby Evans, Joe Noteboom

Fighting for Practice Squad: Chandler Brewer, Jamil Demby

I am somewhat confident about Andrew Whitworth remaining healthy this year and anchoring the left side of the offensive line. But on that right side? Yes, I’ve slotted in Rob Havenstein, but reluctantly. He played poorly last year, while Austin Blythe played next to him.  I truly look for Bobby Evans to push him hard for the starting role and may win it outright.  If the competition is anywhere close, the Rams could put Havenstein on the trading block to free up cap space in 2021. Otherwise, the Rams will be set for starters, and the battle will be for who stays on the roster as backups and who slides to the practice squad.  With 2019 still fresh in everyone’s mind, I would be mildly surprised if any tackle does not make the team is some fashion this year.

Interior Offensive linemen (5)

Starters: Austin Corbett, Austin Blythe, David Edwards

Reserves: Coleman Shelton, Tremayne Anchrum

Fighting for Practice Squad: Brian Allen, Nate Trewyn, Jeremiah Kolone, Cohl Cabral

I am so tempted to slot in either Coleman Shelton or Cohl Cabral as the starter at center. Even though Austin Blythe did an admirable job to close out the season, the Rams’ efforts to draft a center for 2020 did not go unnoticed. I believe the team is satisfied by the play of youngsters Austin Corbett and David Edwards at the offensive guard positions. So much so, in fact, that I’m torn as to whether the team tries to make a youth movement all across the offensive line.

While there are many reasons NOT to change Austin Blythe as the starting center, he is the weakest link on that line. He will need to prove that he can snap and catch defenders blitzing the A-gap effectively. The Rams did a poor job at that all season last year, so that should be on the top of this year’s “To Do” list. I think Brian Allen is still rehabbing and won’t be ready to start when the season begins.  I also fear that Cohl Cabral won’t have enough time to earn snaps, and will claim the third practice squad “protected” slot.