As minicamp nears, Rams hold more questions than answers over OL status

Question 1 - Does this destroy hopes for a fast start to Rams season?

Now we boil all of these variables, changes, and impact items into the grand question posed by almost all fans. Do these changes and course corrections that have continued even after OTAs destroy any hope of a fast start for the Rams this season?

To know the answer to that, let's revisit what caused this team to struggle out of the gates in each of the past two seasons.

In 2023, the Los Angeles Rams roster was severely impacted by injuries. And the early games for the Rams were difficult early in the schedule, but softened considerably later that season. It was a season that found the team relying upon rookie Puka Nacua to compensate for the absence of Cooper Kupp, and the ascension of RB Kyren Williams (after he was healthy) to lead the offense. The team delayed starting RG Kevin Dotson until Week 3. Injuries created a kaleidoscope for the team's offensive starters.

Similar circumstances impacted the team in 2024. The team opened the season without both starting offensive tackles. By Week 3, the tackles were back, but two interior offensive linemen fell to injury. So, isn't the Rams' offensive line already facing similar circumstances this year?

Not exactly.

Unlike past years, with the team forced to promote inexperienced offensive linemen into starting roles, the front office shelled out a bit more currency to pad the depth chart with veterans who boast ample experience at starting in the NFL. And the lone player who does not have a battle-tested backup is ironman Kevin Dotson, whose durability is very impressive.

Even in the gloom and doom worst-case scenario, the Rams can start:

• Rams' 2025 primary OL backups
• LT - DJ Humphries
• LG - Justin Dedich
• C - Beaux Limmer
• RG - Kevin Dotson (who's kidding who? Dotson needs no backup)
• RT - David Quessenberry

And that is before the pecking order is modified after the pads go on and the Rams afford an opportunity to younger players to earn a chance at a backup role. What that tells fans is that the Rams are taking the protection of veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford quite seriously this season. For a team that has made big splashes to go All-In in the past, the Rams' subtle moves so far this season may have the biggest positive impact of all.

As always, thanks so much for reading.

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