Latest Rams roster update could force Les Snead to take drastic measures

The Saint Louis Rams became the Los Angeles Rams once more in 2016. Only one player remained on the Rams roster from that move. He is veteran right tackle Rob Havenstein. And like any great novel or story, his final chapter is over. He has opted for retirement.

It was the best choice for the proud veteran.

The thing is, Havenstein was more than the senior statesman of this offensive line unit. He was solid when healthy. But he has not had a full season in the trenches since 2022. He has only suited up for 32 games over the past three seasons. And so, unless he is willing to remain ready on the bench to fill in, his time in the NFL is up.

The offensive line is not caught in the lurch. Swing tackle Warren McClendon Jr. stepped up all season and played quite well. And as a unit, the entire offensive line had a season to be proud op. The team tried to get Havenstein back for the NFC Championship Game, but failed to do so. Either McClendon remained the optimal choice, or Havenstein's body was not ready.

And that sealed his decision.

Will Les Snead draft an offensive tackle?

The surge of McClendon in 2025 may be a short-term solution. But will the former swing tackle stand up to the weekly pounding of working the NFL trenches for what may be 21 games in a season? Of course, that includes 17 regular-season games, plus four playoff games. Right now, he had held up relatively well. But he came in as relief.

A presumed starter will get much more work.

The next hurdle that general manager Les Snead must leap over is the need to backfill McClendon's role on the roster. He was a swing tackle, capable of setting up at either bookend. Now, the team must either sign a starting right tackle or find a young offensive tackle who can slide in at either side.

In the latest mock draft, University of Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa was just too good to pass up in Round 1. He has all the makings of a plug-and-play starting offensive tackle. Better still, he has the upside to earn Pro Bowl honors someday.

But Snead doesn't draft offensive linemen early enough to expect the rookie to start. Will Havenstein's retirement alter that strategy? It very well could.

Defenses are becoming very physical again. To counter, LA needs to add more physicality to an already physical offense. That could require a significant investment in the 2026 NFL Draft to achieve.

Ready or not, the NFL draft's already intriguing storyline just became very dramatic indeed.

As always, thanks for reading.