Rams running backs must learn how to gain 100+ yds per game without this player

Why Steve Avila Is the perfect successor to Shelton at center.

To make sense of it all, we have to focus on why offensive center Coleman Shelton was so effective as a starter for this offense. After all, his grades from Pro Football Focus do not scream superstar by any means. So what is it about Coleman Shelton that made him so vital to a strong rushing attack, and how can the Rams coaches hope to replicate that proficiency with Steve Avila in 2024?

The key to Shelton's success at run blocking is his willingness to leave the blocks and block somebody. Unlike some offensive linemen who view their role simply blocking at the line of scrimmage, Shelton was more than happy to block linebackers and defensive backs. In doing so, he extended rushing lanes beyond the four-five yard threshold and extended them to seven to ten yards.

Beyond that, it was up to the running back.

But I've reviewed plenty of footage from 2023. And the more I see, the more rookie Steve Avila stands out at the glue-guy for this offensive line. Avila was almost generous to a fault, blocking his guy and the peeling off to stop a defender from breaking away from his teammate. Avila was like a jack hammer on the offensive line, smashing successive shots one way and then another, putting defenders on their heels on three sides.

But another aspect of Avila's game that stood out is his willingness to take his blocks downfield to secondary targets and beyond.

But PFF did not give Steve Avila much credit in the run-blocking department. To rebut that errant oversight, here is what NFL Draft analyst, Justin Melo, had to say about Steve Avila's run-blocking abilities:

"Avila was also an expert run blocker despite PFFs questionable 55.8 grade in that department. The Rams ranked 11th in the league in rushing, averaging 120.3 yards per game as the ground-and-pound attack became a focal point of Sean McVays offense. That signaled significant improvement as McVays rushing offense finished 28th in 2022 (97.7/game). It is no coincidence that Avilas consistency helped lead to the uptick in rushing production."

- Justin Melo

Unlike the one-man gang of Coleman Shelton in previous seasons, the coaching staff has a trio of versatile and mobile rhinos on the interior offensive line that not only can repel defenders in pass-blocking, but can lead the runner in a stampede that will crater the line of scrimmage and put defenders on their heels or on their backs.

While the Rams did not extend IOL Coleman Shelton, they clearly were fully aware of his contribution to the team's running attack in hand-picking his successor.