Why do so many bash backup LA Rams offensive linemen?

Needs right coach/scheme

Now-retired offensive lineman, Evan Mathis, enjoyed an NFL career of 12 seasons. He played for eight different NFL teams. But what makes the discussion of his career at the NFL so vitally important? He is the perfect example of why it’s completely foolish to write off an offensive lineman due to lack of playing time.

He was drafted in with the 79th pick of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers and as is the case, he was benched until 2006 when he started 15 games for the Panthers.  The following year, he failed to keep the starting role and was benched. I can almost hear the ‘He sucks’ chants. In 2008, Mathis was cut from the team altogether. He signed with the Dolphins, failed to earn a start, and was cut from their team after seven games. Now here is the good part.

Bleacher Report’s Chris Nelson summed up Evan Mathis’ 2008 future thusly:

"“Despite being a former third-round pick, Mathis has failed to hold onto starting opportunities with two different franchises over the past three seasons. He was unimpressive in his time in Miami and was unable to beat out a journeyman in Ike Ndukwe, leading one to believe Mathis is likely bound for a career as a backup.” – Bleacher Report’s Chris Nelson, November 8, 2008"

In two words? ‘Mathis sucks’.

How far off the mark was that assessment? He signed on with the Cincinnati Bengals and played 26 games, starting seven. He didn’t allow a sack but was a free agent once more in 2011 when he joined the Philadelphia Eagles and their famous offensive line coach, Howard Mudd.

Suddenly, the gypsy offensive guard, in his ninth NFL season transformed into an All-Pro offensive guard for the Eagles. In his 11th NFL season, he was the starting offensive guard of the Super Bowl Champion Denver Broncos. The player so many ridiculed became the NFL’s best. But, oh yeah, by all means, let’s keep saying that a backup offensive lineman sucks.