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Let's talk about Rams roster, and how the team fumbled the plan so far

The team has not optimized the roster so far in 2024. Here's how:

By Bret Stuter

Jul 29, 2024; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay, general manager Les Snead, and chief of staff Carter Crutchfield talk on the field during training camp at Loyola Marymount University. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Jul 29, 2024; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay, general manager Les Snead, and chief of staff Carter Crutchfield talk on the field during training camp at Loyola Marymount University. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images / Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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(2) - Time to talk tackles

The LA Rams addressed the interior offensive line with skill and precision this offseason, for the most part. While the future role of IOL Jonah Jackson is uncertain, the team did a remarkable job on paper of restocking the depth of the interior offensive line positions. But the team lost both starting offensive tackles Alaric Jackson and Rob Havenstein to injuries in training camp.

That was a sign for the team to act.

Even as the team did get some quality experience for backup offensive tackles Warren McClendon Jr. and Joe Noteboom, the depth at the position was shattered. The team did scramble to add offensive tackles, but even OT Conor McDermott ended on IR. In essence, the team had a sufficient number of players, but insufficient durability at the position

Is that the fault of the front office? Well, it does point in the direction of decision-makers for the team. The Rams opted to retain IOL Logan Bruss but released an even more promising and versatile offensive lineman Zachary Thomas. who was instantly claimed by the New England Patriots. He has since been released by the Patriots and claimed by the Houston Texans, but he started as an offensive tackle for the Pats.

Despite being released, Zach Thomas has only allowed two quarterback sacks in 2024 in 86 offensive snaps. Joe Noteboom has allowed two quarterback sacks in 2024 in 97 offensive snaps. Warren McClendon Jr. has allowed five quarterback sacks in 2024 in 265 offensive snaps. While Thomas may not scream upgrade, he is a younger and less experienced player who would make a lot of sense on the roster right now.

The Rams must address the offensive tackle position in the 2025 NFL Draft. But decisions made along the way so far this season have complicated that need. Even worse, with other roster decisions, the interior offensive line could be a need in 2024 as well.

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