How long can the LA Rams keep IOL Beaux Limmer on the bench?

When the LA Rams signed free agent veteran left guard Jonah Jackson, the future of second-year interior offensive lineman Steve Avila became a bit more complicated. But when the team drafted former Arkansas strongman IOL Beaux Limmer, he found himself caught between a rock and a hard place. How so? Even as Steve Avila his transplanting from his left guard spot to the starting center role in just his second NFL season, he has a very talented, competent, and determined backup rookie breathing down his neck for playing time.

And I won't lie. Had this ben any previous season, Beaux Limmer would have been my favorite to win the starting center role. As it is, if Avila stumbles, Limmer is poised to take up the snaps.

I'm not in the business of stirring the pot, or trying to mount pressure on an incredibly difficult task of being uprooted from left guard and being expected to put up an even better season as the center. The Rams coaching staff and front office saw the opportunity manifest through the 2024 NFL Free Agency market, and simply pulled the trigger in hopes of upgrading the offensive line.

But I have to say what Beaux Limmer has starter written all over him. So what makes Limmer so special?

For starters, he brings a similar level of versatility with him, able to plug and play at any of the LA Rams three interior offensive lineman roles. He was a dominating offensive guard who was moved to center in his final year of college football:

Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 312 pounds, Limmer is more athletic than many offensive linemen. But do not miss the fact that he is a circus strongman. He put up 39 reps of 225 pounds, which was more (5 more reps) than any other rookie prospect. That is very impressive for an offensive lineman.

Perhaps the most descriptive draft profile passage was found on NFL Draft Buzz:

"Ultimately, Limmers draft journey embodies the classic risk-reward scenario for teams in the market for interior linemen. His collegiate success and combine showings hint at a high ceiling, provided he can bulk up and polish the rough edges in his game. For the team that calls his name on draft day, investing in his development could unlock a linchpin player capable of anchoring their line for years to come."

NFL Draft Buzz

So why did he fall? Well, among the polished offensive linemen options, Limmer presented himself as a bit raw. After all, his pure power allowed him to dominate the competition he faced. But in the NFL, he will need to refine his technique, and is already on his way to doing so.

Projected by some draft boards as a late Day 2 prospect, Limmer is the type of rookie who has amazing upside, and in the right system, can develop into a high quality starter. I believe that the LA Rams coaching staff creates that right environment, and I am already eagerly anticipating seeing how well Limmer plays in preseason games.

I believe that Beaux Limmer will prove to be a quality NFL starter at some point. But the question is: How long can the LA Rams keep IOL Beaux Limmer on the bench?

Thanks for reading.