5 LA Rams at perilous risk of losing starting job in training camp

Offensive guard

Of all the LA Rams offensive linemen, 2019 starting right guard David Edwards played as though he belonged in the role. He was a ferocious competitor, and after a brief acclimation period, he did well to protect quarterback Jared Goff on passing plays. Another rookie who was thrown into a starting role for the LA Rams offensive line, Edwards was a warm body promotion as well.

The curious fact about the 6-foot-6 308-pound offensive lineman is that he is an offensive tackle by trade. A former Wisconsin Badger, Edwards was solid in his rookie performance as an emergency offensive guard.  Solid in that he performed nearly as well in his makeshift role and starting left tackle Andrew Whitworth did.

2020 reverts back to offensive tackle, sort of

The LA Rams quickly lined up their starting offensive line unit at the beginning of training camp, and David Edwards was not among the group.  I don’t necessarily consider this move a demotion. David Edwards, on the bench, is likely more valuable to the Rams than if he locked up a starting position. Here’s why.

Many of the Rams starters are one-trick ponies. Edwards can start at either the offensive tackle or the offensive guard position. Few starters can boast that much versatility. And it’s that versatility that will allow the Rams to do a better job of filling in for any player who falls to injury or a positive COVID-19 test. Edwards is far more prepared for a plug-and-play role this year.