What is LA Rams’ Best “Succession Plan” for Left Tackle?

It is a bit unsettling and unnerving for the LA Rams to consider a plan for even attempting to fill the shoes someday soon of their stud left tackle Andrew Whitworth. . . but he is 39 years old, and coming off a major knee injury last season. If the discussion doesn’t start today, then when?

As the unquestioned leader and lynchpin of this Rams offensive line, it even feels awkward to broach the subject when it’s someone as popular as Whitworth, whose off-field community service efforts in LA have earned him a nomination for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award for the last three consecutive years.

Their 6-foot-7, 330-pound blindside protector who broke into the league 15 years ago with the Cincinnati Bengals missed exactly one-half the regular season last year. And it was his determination and commitment to the team and his teammates to return if the Rams made it to the playoffs.

The Rams held up their end of the bargain. So there was no doubt that ‘Big Whit’ would hold up his end of the bargain as well. But was it a wise thing to do? There is no question at all that Whitworth will do whatever the team asks of him. So the question becomes, what should the teams be asking of him?  As he approaches age 40, his presence and durability must factor considerably into how the team approaches its o-line building this offseason.