7 seldom-heard from Rams that could make a huge difference this year

VII- OL Warren McClendon

When the LA Rams selected Georgia offensive tackle Warren McClendon with the 174th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, there was no facade that he would start last season. But as we know, the depth of the LA Rams offensive line is vital to ensure this team can compete over the long and grueling 17-game regular season. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 300 pounds, McClendon was a college offensive tackle who, like QB Stetson Bennett, helped to lead the Georgia Bulldogs to two consecutive NCAA College Football Championships.

Even in his rookie season, McClendon did see some action. He played 32 offensive snaps, and 21 special teams snaps, just enough to give him a taste of live NFL play. He played the greatest number of offensive snaps in the Rams final game of the season, a Week 18 win over the San Francisco 49ers. That's a nice way to debut for the team.

While he did allow one sack in 2023, he gained valuable experience.

I'm not expecting McClendon to win a starting role in 2024, but I do believe that he will see playing time. Whether that is as the squad to enter already-decided games in a cleanup role, to play in a meaningless Week 18 contest to close out the season, or simply to step up and take over for a fallen teammate, McClendon has the feel of a young player who is ready to show up this season.

With the Rams roster poised to reset after the retirement of QB Matthew Stafford, he could be a future starting offensive tackle for the team.