Don't expect the Rams to draft a blind-side tackle just yet

Some players on the LA Rams roster simply do not get much respect. Whether it is the fact that they earned their way to the Rams roster the hard way. One such player is offensive left tackle Alaric Jackson, a player who has had a rough game in 2023, but for the most part has held up rather well.

The problem is that Rams fans are not exactly warming up to the guy. Per Pro Football Focus, the guy has played 679 offensive snaps, committed two penalties, and allowed just one quarterback sack. And yet, Rams fans view Jackson as a temporary place-setter on the Rams offensive line, and some have gone so far as to claim that the Rams must draft an offensive tackle in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft due to the Rams' poor offensive line performance.

Ironically, the Rams offensive line has not played poorly this season. In 12 games this season, the LA Rams have allowed just 22 quarterback sacks. That ties this LA Rams offensive line for the fourth-fewest sacks allowed in the NFL in 12 games.

Jackson does not get enough credit from Rams fans

Still, it's hard to wash the memory of the Rams allowing six quarterback sacks in a losing effort to the Cincinnati Bengals. The reason that is an error is that the Rams did not get a full game from Alaric Jackson in Week 3. The Rams were forced to sub in OT Zach Thomas as the left tackle in that game., with Jackson getting just 20 offensive snaps. The following week, the Rams started Joe Noteboom to face the Indianapolis Colts.

Still, some Rams fans want a new left tackle to be selected in Round 1 of the 2024 NFL Draft.

If you hold that notion, then perhaps you may need to sit down for this one. I don't think that the LA Rams have any plans in place right now to replace anyone on the offense line. How can I say that? Well, do you think that a guy who just earned the first game ball from LA Rams HC Sean McVay is on his way out?

Continuity is so vital for the performance of an offensive line. Now, with the LA Rams starting offensive line starting to congeal, it's not a stretch of the imagination to say that the Rams may want to bring everyone back in 2024, as is.

Rams OL is not the problem

The LA Rams current offensive line: LT Alaric Jackson, LG Steve Avila (rookie), C Coleman Shelton, RG Kevin Dotson, and RT Rob Havenstein, have done very well this season. Not only has the Rams offensive line slowly climbed to one of the best pass-blocking offensive lines in the NFL, but the Rams ground assault is slowly but steadily improving as well. After 12 games, the Rams average 114.5 rushing yards per game, 15th best in the NFL.

Keep in mind that the Rams traded away RB Cam Akers, lost both RB Kyren Williams (4 games) and RB Ronnie Rivers (still on IR), and signed RB Darrell Henderson Jr. off the streets to cover for the Rams in Williams's absence.

The LA Rams roster has had some setbacks and challenges in 2023. But let's set the record straight. The LA Rams are pleased with the body of work that offensive tackle Alaric Jackson is putting on the football field on game day. As a result, the Rams front office is unlike to prioritize offensive tackle in the 2024 NFL Draft.

If a promising offensive tackle falls to the Rams on draft day, the Rams will select one. Whether or not that scenario occurs, look for the LA Rams to extend Jackson for the 2024 NFL season. He's earned the right to start next year.