Ironclad reasons not to sleep on the LA Rams offensive line in 2024

2023 OL investments were Step 1

The LA Rams offensive line was in a shambles after the 2022 NFL season. While similar to the same challenges after 2019, the 2022 season was even more damaging because it not only tore through the starters, but exposed the team's backups as not possessing the quality necessary to step up when starters fell to injury.

GM Les Snead did not miss what happened in 2022, and led his personnel department to take action to see that similar circumstances did not take place in 2023. To open the 2023 NFL Draft, the team added the top interior offensive lineman on their draft board by selecting former TCU IOL Steve Avila. Avila was uniquely qualified in that he was the first interior offensive lineman to be selected, ensuring that the team had their top choice. But he was also experienced at both guard and center positions, a versatility that would pay huge dividends for the team.

The Rams also added offensive tackle Warren McClendon from Georgia. While raw, he brought NCAA Championship experience with him. Even without a likely chance to start, McClendon was a vital addition to replenish the team's depleted ranks from 2022.

What the 2023 NFL Draft did do very well is repave the group with an essential infusion of young talent. The wear and tear on the group, culminating in a devastating outbreak of injuries in 2022, had depleted the team of robust depth and developmental prospects.