LA Rams can reduce offensive linemen in 7 NFL trade options

With opt-outs and COVID-19 quarantines, these surprise seven NFL teams could be in the market for LA Rams’ offensive linemen

The LA Rams have more experienced offensive linemen on the roster than they will carry into the 2020 season.  From the outset, NFL teams looking to upgrade their offensive line this year have been fighting a tremendously uphill battle. Offensive linemen need repetitions in training camp and practices.  Rams players know that all too well from last season.

So far, the NFL has only allowed teams to play video simulations, videos, seminars, and virtual meetings.  Cute stuff if they were working on the theory of offensive line blocking for their bachelor’s or master’s degrees. But if the players have any hopes of working together and coordinating offensive line play, they need experience at the NFL level.

Surplus stock = opportunity

It just so happens that the LA Rams roster is overflowing with that experience. We’re not talking players who have ridden three years of the practice squad roster. Thanks to so many injuries in 2019, the Rams have a true surplus of experience.  What their ceiling is can be the topic of another debate.

But it’s that experience that gives these offensive linemen a huge kickstart compared to all those rookies who are trying to make heads or tails of the new playbook, learn their coaches and teammates names, settle into a new city, get used to an entirely new lifestyle, and do it all while remaining out of the direct line of sight of coaches and away from their team’s facilities.

Let’s be realistic. These kids won’t be ready to start for the first six weeks.  Even when they do start, history shows that rookies on the offensive line take a long time to gel. Not gel in terms of getting familiar with their teammates. Gelling in terms of knowing which defender is their primary responsibility. It doesn’t come instinctively that first year. It’s a trial and error method.