Upside of LA Rams left guard Austin Corbett is undeniable

Reason for higher expectations

Austin Corbett will definitely improve this year. Barring some injury to hamper his performance, I expect the young lineman to make huge strides for the team this season. How much will he improve? Well, he’s had an entire off-season to adjust to playing for the LA Rams, and an extended period of virtual training camp to meet his teammates, learn the playbook, and interact with the coaching staff.  While many players will struggle this season as rookies, the 2020 offseason provided exactly what Corbett needed to get his bearings and lay the foundation for a solid season.

Corbett’s college background at the left tackle helps his role at left guard tremendously.  His keys are opposite from the right side of the football. And that means his first reactions to surprises on the left side will be correct. And finally, for the first time in Austin Corbett’s career, he enters a football season with the same coaching staff and knowing which position he will be playing. And he faces familiar opponents.

Learning curve

Corbett’s learning curve was hampered due to events that were never in his control.  But that’s behind him now, thankfully.  Offensive linemen have one of the steepest learning curves in the NFL.  But those early years recede, and if teams are patient, supportive, and coach well, those young men develop into outstanding NFL players. Corbett is finding all the necessary components with the Rams, and that makes his projected progress heading into this year significantly more likely.

Corbett lines up between Andrew Whitworth on his left, and Austin Blythe on his right. Much like Blythe, Corbett is young and improving. At 6-foot-4 and 306-pounds, he is an ideal size to play the position. Finally, based on Next Gen stats, the LA Rams offensive line was more effective than expected last year. And the LA Rams are returning more offensive snaps to the offense than any other NFC West team. It all adds up for one heckuva season for the LA Rams Austin Corbett this year.