PFF cites Rams group among the Top 5 of NFC and here's why they got it right

Rams OL tuned up with solid run blockers for 2024

In 2023, the LA Rams finally stuck a positive note by starting Alaric Jackson, rookie Steve Avila, Coleman Shelton, FA Kevin Dotson, and Rob Havenstein on the offensive line. In 2024, the team hopes that the new configuration of Alaric Jackson, FA Jonah Jackson, Steve Avila, Kevin Dotson, and Rob Havenstein will be even better. Judging by preliminary reports and early 2024 projections, they could be onto something.

The backbone of every NFL offense is the offensive line. If it's a solid and cohesive group, that offense will likely dominate opposing defenses. If the offensive line struggles with injuries, lack of continuity, or simply uneven play, the offense will likely struggle. So it behooves NFL teams to invest in their offensive linemen.

But it's never quite that easy. NFL quarterbacks demand to be paid line superstars. Wide receivers are not far behind. Even NFL running backs are getting tremendously lucrative contracts once more. So when it comes down to the haves and the have nots, offensive linemen are often left to scramble over the remaining coins.

Fortunately, the front office has become a bit looser with the pursestrings, and have committed to paying the two offensive guards rather well for the next three seasons. That aligns the trio of Jonah Jackson, Steve Avila, and Kevin Dotson to be under contract with the team through 2026. It also gives the trio three years to build the type of chemistry to elevate their play to Pro Bowl or All-Pro levels. All they need to do is block well.

I think they can cover that quite well.

Of course, the Rams' offensive tackles Alaric Jackson and Rob Havenstein are outstanding and dependable in their own right. But Jackson is playing on a one-year prove-it deal, while Havenstein is on the other side of 30 years old and could be training his successor sooner rather than later. If Jackson puts up a solid performance in 2024, he could be looking at a lucrative extension.

The Rams offense has certainly the look, the feel, and the perception of a very dangerous rushing attack in 2024. And you know what they say, if it quacks like a duck and waddles like a duck, it's probably a duck.

As always, thank you for reading.