5 Rams who are locking up versatile roles after preseason Week 2

(3) - 'Swing' tackle Warren McClendon

Second year offensive tackle Warren McClendon shares history with LA Rams quarterback Stetson Bennett. The Rams drafted both in the 2023 NFL Draft, and both players hail from the University of Georgia. And most of all, both are fighting for the right to remain with the team through the 2024 NFL season.

But there are significant differences as well. QB Stetson Bennett stepped away from football in 2023, needing to heal from the mental fatigue of constantly competing (and winning) NCAA Championships for the University of Georgia. McClendon has needed no sugh reprieve, as he has been happy to show up, step up, and block whenever asked.

Even when the Rams coaching staff has asked him to flip sides on the offensive line, and compete at the left tackle position. And from at least one Rams beat reporter, his performance at the left tackle position has been impressive:

So far in preseason games, the Rams are not yet prepared to unleash McClendon on the left side of the offensive line. But the reps are not without purpose. This team knows that both LT Alaric Jackson and swing tackle extraordinaire Joe Noteboom are both playing on the last year of their current contracts. The team is already preparing for the failsafe option if neither player is affordable in the 2025 NFL Free Agency market, McClendon could be that future left tackle.

Until then, Warren McClendon has been a workhorse for the Rams this offseason. He has been playing dual duties for the team, not only playing in preseason games, but also getting reps with the 1s during joint scrimmages and practices. And it seems that he is getting work at both the left and right tackle spots.

Now that the secret is out, there is no way the Rams will risk losing McClendon to another team. He is on the 53-man roster, regardless of his preseason status.