3 Rams rookies who defy NFL draft analysts by beating expectations in 2024

IOL Beaux Limmer

Yes, I know I've been trumpeting Beaux Limmer's name almost daily, but singing the praises of a Round 6 rookie offensive lineman is not something that anyone has much opportunity to do this season. And considering the fact that Limmer arrived to the team no higher than the third offensive center on the depth chart, his ascension to the starting center is nothing short of a miraculous maneuver.

Am I biased? Yes. But here's why:

When the Rams drafted former Arkansas center Beaux Limmer, the team added a beach bully who is as strong as an ox and as mean as a bull. In my initial grade of Limmer as a rookie, I pointed out that Limmer was the only true center on the roster, That alone makes him an ideal player on the roster. But Limmer was the highest quality modeling clay, and merely needed the right coaching to deliver a sensation season.

"What I like most about Limmer here is the fact that he has an incredibly high football IQ that merely needs to have his techniques refined. That is something that OL Coach Ryan Wendell can address in training camp. The Rams have some quality backups looking to earn a roster spot in 2024. But there is always room for one more, and Beaux Limmer has that passionate approach to his craft that gets his name called out here.

"

- Bret Stuter

It appears that is what he got.

As soon as he arrived on the team, coaches instantly recognized that they landed a powerhouse at the center position. Unlike many of the team's expected starters, however, Limmer participated in all three preseason games. So it was not as though he was given a roster spot. He had to earn it. And earn it he did:

But the team seemed to load up on interior offensive linemen. Fortunately, they did. Both veteran Jonah Jackson and Steve Avila opened the season with injuries, forcing the team to turn to rookie Beaux Limmer. So how did Limmer do so far as an unanticipated starter for the Rams' offensive line?

Whenever Stafford is safe in the pocket, he throws touchdown passes. Whenever Limmer starts at the center position, the Rams have done very well at protecting Stafford. In fact, the Rams have not allowed a single sack in three games this year.

And Beaux Limmer was the starting center in all three games.