5 2024 Rams who are better than the brochure, including that gnat, Boston Scott

Ninja V: The final piece to a formidable offensive front

When the LA Rams front office entered the 2024 offseason, the goal seemed to be resigning veteran offensive linemen back for another go at it. But two things happened along the way to give the front office staff cause to pause and reconsider their strategy. The first turn to events was the fact that starting center Coleman Shelton, who had a player option for a second year in his contract, has met the terms of that option and declined his second season. In essence, he felt that he had performed well enough in 2023 to return to the bargaining table and hammer out a new contract.

Per Pro Football Focus, Shelton played 1,113 offensive snaps in 2023, committing six penalties while giving up two quarterback sacks. Not bad.

But a second event changed everything. Detroit Lions veteran left guard Jonah Jackson, who had blocked for QB Matthew Stafford, was marketing his wares in the 2024 NFL Free Agency market. That availability was well-timed for the Rams. In fact, it was ideal. After all, the Rams wanted to become bigger and more physical up front, and Jackson is a huge and very powerful offensive lineman.

Just check out the massive starting offensive linemen in this Tweet:

For contrast, Coleman Shelton stands 6-foot-4, but weights 299 pounds. Per the official LA Rams website, the projected starting five offensive linemen for 2024 are:

• Alaric Jackson - 6-foot-4, 345 pounds
• Jonah Jackson - 6-foot-4, 315 pounds
• Steve Avila - 6-foot-3, 338 pounds
• Kevin Dotson - 6-foot-4 , 330 pounds
• Rob Havenstein - 6-foot-8, 323 pounds

There is no question that this team is bigger and more powerful for the 2024 NFL season. But there is more to this than simply adding a new face. In many ways, Jackson is an investment that adds a veteran offensive lineman to the mix who helps the team inch ever closer to their final goal. Jackson is a monster lead blocker in the running game, a quality that stands out in his film.

As the team commits to the running game in 2024, Jonah Jackson will prove to be a key lead blocker who will lead both Kyren Williams and Blake Corum to daylight. And he helped to put Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell atop the NFL's blind-side blocker. Could he have a similar effect on Alaric Jackson?

Stay tuned.