Did OL AJ Jackson just complicate HC Sean McVay’s job?

There is a certain cadence, a rhythm, a pulse of how things are supposed to go in the NFL. The LA Rams, as 31 other NFL teams, almost depend upon it to get things done. It’s a certain timing of hitting each landmark moment in synchronicity with everyone else. Much like the waves at the beach oscillate in an almost mesmerizing pattern of ebb and flow.  As long as the rhythmic frequency continues, everything remains predictable. But if something is out of step? Things get a tad bit more complicated.

When the LA Rams selected AJ Jackson, er signed him, after the 2021 NFL Draft, he arrived on the roster as a talented offensive lineman with the potential to become a key solution to the dilemma of what to do with the offensive line in 2022. The normal pattern is to show some promise, stay under the radar, face getting cut via the waiver wire, re-sign to the LA Rams practice squad, slowly develop, return in 2022 and compete for a starting role.

Unfortunately, AJ Jackson didn’t get the memo.

The video for the entire joint LA Rams at Dallas Cowboys joint practice runs over 2 hours. If you are patient enough, you will see the LA Rams jersey number 68 showing up in flashes of one on one drills at the 53:40 mark. Showed up and held his own when he was given the task. Handled the defenders who are in shorts and fast.

We’re not seeing the daily grind, the DAWGWORK that Defensive Line Coach Eric Henderson preaches about, but we do have the chance to peer in and witness the progress.

AJ Jackson appears to be ahead of schedule. As much as that is the ultimate goal, it creates problems for the head coach, Sean McVay. Jackson had a blue-chip college football program background. He was 42 career starts at the University of Iowa. He is listed at 6-foot-7 and 285 pounds. That’s a much lighter, and must faster, weight than his 321-pound draft profile.

Jackson does not appear to be as raw as his draft profile suggests. Of course, losing 36 pounds is going to be substantial in terms of impact on his play. Much like the new and improved lean look with A’Shawn Robinson, AJ Jackson is much more explosive now. And that impressive early showing is eye-catching.

The Rams may not have a slot on the 53-man for a rapidly developing offensive lineman. And 31 other NFL teams may not allow the LA Rams to waive AJ Jackson in order to re-sign him to their practice squad. That could be problematic. a good problem? Perhaps. But AJ Jackson can be very helpful in a year’s time. How to retain him for this season is appearing to be growing trickier all the time.