Rams could quietly solve massive issue with forgotten first-round bust

The Los Angeles Rams entered the 2025 NFL season knowing full well the risks inherent with the current roster. The team had to accept the risk of sticking with seasoned veterans at quarterback, tight end, and right tackle. But through five games, it appears that veteran right tackle Rob Havenstein is about to miss his second game, and that's problematic.

The offensive line needs continuity, and the 33-year-old is simply no longer able to provide that. He was a 17-game starter in 2022. But since then, durability has been an issue. He started 14 games in 2023, 11 games in 2024, and is already about to miss his second of 2025, as it appears he may not suit up for the game against the Baltimore Ravens. While the front office prepared for something like this in the offseason, it's surely not an ideal situation.

LA has addressed the need for a successor for veteran tight end Tyler Higbee. So why not use the 2025 NFL Trade Deadline to roll the dice on a potential successor for Havenstein? According to Pro Football Sporting News' Josh Weil, a young successor could be had at a reasonable price. His name is Evan Neal, and he's the forgotten former seventh overall pick who could use a change of scenery. Consider the 25-year-old as the low-risk, high-reward option Los Angeles never knew it needed.

Evan Neil offers the best of both worlds for Rams' offensive line

Neal has been a healthy scratch for the Giants in the first six games in 2025. But keep in mind that LA has had tremendous success at reclaiming the prowess of other tarnished offensive linemen in the past. The team signed veteran center Coleman Shelton off the Arizona Cardinals' practice squad. They also boasted success in trading for Cleveland Browns backup offensive guard Austin Corbett, as well as for Pittsburgh Steelers backup offensive lineman Kevin Dotson.

Trading for a former first-round offensive tackle who has fallen out of favor is right in general manager Les Snead's wheelhouse. Neal simply has the size, power, and agility that cannot be taught, which elevates his upside to an ultra-high ceiling. And if the team takes a shot at trading for him now, they have enough time to work with him through the remainder of the 2025 season to determine if he is worth keeping.

The Rams have two first-round picks in the 2026 Draft. But Neal could be acquired for much less. If the G-Men hope to get anything in return for him, a conditional Day 3 pick could be enough to ink the deal.

There are inherent risks of choosing a rookie prospect in the draft. Seasoned fans know the risks of drafting offensive linemen all too well. They may not fit the team culture. They may not work out in terms of the blocking scheme. They may simply not be a fit for the NFL. In adding Neal, those variables are already known.

It's no stretch of the facts to assert that offensive tackle is a need (not a want) for next season. In trading for Neal, the front office gets a tremendous jump on learning whether that position remains a question mark. This is a golden opportunity to get a huge jump on next year, while optimizing the value of draft picks. Win-Win? Perhaps not. But it's the type of gamble that Snead loves to take. And best of all, he often hits the jackpot.

As always, thanks for reading.