Making LA Rams offensive line a strength in 2023 in 3-2-1 steps

Step III Part II: Assess who the Rams may wish to extend

Okay, if the LA Rams adhere to the first part of this step, the team will have three projected starters on the roster RT Rob Havenstein, LT Alaric Jackson, and OC Coleman Shelton. Now the goal is to retain sufficient players to pencil in the other two starting roles.  The LA Rams are projected to lose the following players to the 2023 NFL Free Agency market:

IOL David Edwards
OL Bobby Evans
IOL Matt Skura
OT Ty Nsekhe
IOL Oday Aboushi
OL Chandler Brewer
OT A.J. Arcuri
OT Zach Thomas

Of the group, Chandler Brewer, Oday Aboushi, and Ty Nsekhe seemed to fit the LA Rams’ offensive line needs the best.  Let’s assume that the Rams’ extensions are all affordable. In that scenario, the Rams could sign Chandler Brewer to start as one offensive guard, Oday Aboushi to start the other offensive guard, and OT Nsekhe to fill in as a crucial swing tackle. This brings the Rams roster to 8-10 players. While not ideal, all five starting positions are covered, and if the Rams convince either Allen or Noteboom to remain on the team in backup roles, the Rams will have great depth at each of the team’s five starting linemen positions.

The Rams could sign both rookie OTs A.J. Arcuri and Zach Thomas to Reserve/Future contracts, and it makes complete sense to do so.

Jackson-Brewer-Shelton-Aboushi-Havenstein?  Yeah, I like that starting offensive line configuration. But what about training camp, infusing durability, and even getting some energetic competition into the Rams roster?  Okay, let’s sort through the rest.

Step III Part III: Review PS players who should be signed to Reserve/Future contracts

IOL Jeremiah Kolone
IOL Cole Toner
OL Max Pircher (IPP)

The LA Rams are currently carrying three offensive linemen on their practice squad, and I see no reason to change that. The Rams did get some starting time out of reserve center Jeremiah Kolone. While not an ideal situation, he did his best and is a consistent center to quarterback in case of emergencies until the Rams find better depth players.

Cole Toner is an unheralded rookie who needs time in the Rams system to truly show signs of development. And on a Reserve/Future contract, he can be counted on throughout the LA Rams training camp and up to the preseason.

But the player who is the most intriguing is International Pathways Program player, Max Pircher. If not for the free roster spot by remaining on the Rams practice squad, I believe he could have made a strong case to earn a spot on the team’s active 53-man roster. In 2023, I don’t see his ability being hidden on the practice squad. He is an angry offensive lineman who loves to block, pancake and move on to his next target.  If you have any video footage of LA Rams preseason games and find your eyes drawn to a Rams offensive lineman, most likely that is Max Pircher.