Most glaring question on Rams roster remains without an answer

While the Los Angeles Rams have depth concerns at several positions, none are more glaring than those on the offensive line, particularly at tackle. Left tackle Alaric Jackson seems likely to face suspension to begin the season, but even without that uncertainty, the rotation is one injury away from calling on veteran David Quessenberry to fill a real role. Quessenberry played 18 offensive snaps all last season.

Based on the current roster, rookie Keagen Trost will, if Jackson is suspended, take his starting spot. If Jackson is available, Trost will be the first option off the bench. That's all well and good until one of Jackson, Trost, or projected right tackle Warren McClendon is inactive on gameday. 

Then it's on to Quessenberry and others to fill the void. Despite the former's rotational role as recently as 2023, at this point in his career that's not a comfortable feeling. 

Depth questions need answers on Rams offensive line

Uncomfortable or not, that's how the Rams' depth chart could look to start the season if Jackson is indeed disciplined by the league. There is always the possibility they make a late-summer addition via trade or free agency, but there have been no indications such a move is coming.

Aside from Quessenberry, backup options consist of 2022 seventh-rounder AJ Arcuri, who last played a snap in 2024, and undrafted free agent Bryce Henderson. Nothing against those guys, but, yeah, it's a bit bleak.

Trost may well prove capable of tiding the Rams over as a starter. Admittedly, though, that would be asking a lot of a rookie. The problem of who remains after him on the depth chart if Jackson is unavailable is, well, problematic. Locking down the left tackle spot will be critical to protect a 38-year-old Matthew Stafford on his blind side.

The situation on the interior is somewhat more stable. Beaux Limmer, who started at center as a rookie, barely played last season but has 14 career starts to hang his hat on. Justin Dedich started six games at guard in 2025 and accumulated nearly 500 snaps. He struggles in pass protection (PFF ranked him 78th out of 81 qualified guards) but is a solid run blocker.

Dylan McMahon, a 2024 sixth-round pick of the Eagles, is hanging around. Realistically, he's probably better suited as practice-squad depth. 

It is the rare roster, of course, that can boast a sturdy second unit across the board. The Rams have three solid pieces in Trost, Limmer, and Dedich. Particularly given Jackson's uncertain status, they could certainly use another serviceable tackle. 

Like safeguarding the king on a chessboard, protecting Stafford is the Rams' top priority. If he goes down, so does the season; any hard hit could be the culprit. 

While that is the case for any team with a franchise quarterback, it's of particular concern to the Rams given Stafford's age and bad back. Fans are justified in wincing with each blow he takes. Los Angeles cannot afford to 'hope for the best' on the front lines, but right now, that's the boat they're in.

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