LA Rams: 4 training camp battles that could define season

Who will the Rams go with as the starting five offensive linemen?

Let’s start with a biggie for a change, okay? One of the most pressing questions being tossed around in the Rams discussions in the final starting configuration of the offensive line. The LA Rams, when the running back was projected as second-year rusher Cam Akers, wanted to maximize pass blocking and big bodies between the tackles.

The offensive line, therefore, started as Andrew Whitworth, David Edwards, Austin Corbett, Bobby Evans, and Rob Havenstein. Nose to the dirt, straight out of the gate road-graders whose size and power would give Akers the best chances of rushing for 100 yards each game. But we already know that Akers will not be the running back this year.  How will that change the plans on the offensive line? Should it?

Well, yes, it should. Austin Corbett is a fine offensive lineman, but moving him out of the offensive guard role changes the offensive line dynamics a great deal. If the LA Rams seek a more mobile and athletic offensive line, both Joseph Noteboom and Coleman Shelton have done some very good things in the pulling to lead a running play to the outside.

So now it comes down to what is the best five-man offensive line configuration for the team and what the offense wants to do. Will the LA Rams stick with the same five-man configuration? I’m not convinced that it will stay the same. The Rams need to ensure that they have a great group of starters, but also have a solid working plan of action should the team need to insert a reserve into the game. The 2021 offensive line has talent, but now it’s important to layer it in the right order.

Corbett talks about Brian Allen as his primary competition at the center position. That is a huge statement for Allen, who was all but out of the competition in 2020 is a curious development.