The 11 All-Time best Rams offensive linemen in franchise history

1: Jackie Slater

It's almost impossible to think of elite LA Rams offensive linemen and not think of offensive tackle Jackie Slater. And in the context of 'who was better?', Rams fans quite frequently find themselves lining up being split down the middle between Orland Pace and Jackie Slater. So how did I break the tie?

While Orlando Pace was honored more frequently over the span of his NFL career, and knew the thrill of hoisting the Lombardi Trophy, I have to give the nod to Jackie Slater. While Orlando Pace delivered over and above expectations when he heard his name called out in the 1997 NFL Draft for 12 NFL seasons in The Horns, and one more year with the Bears, Jackie Slater delivered as a starting offensive tackle of the LA Rams for 20 seasons.

20 NFL seasons of physically demanding football at left tackle.

Slater played in 259 games, and started in 211 games. He competed in 18 playoff games, and started in 13 postseason contests. While Pace shined in the spotlight, Slater did his best work whenever he stepped onto a football field. He was a no-nonsense guy whose goal was not to win trophies or praise. Rather, he simply wanted to become the best football player he could be.

He too was indoctrinated into the Professional Football Hall of Fame.

"My overall goal was to become the best offensive tackle in the history of the game…and that (i)s what I focused on…I isolated myself completely, I was out here on a mission and I chose to keep my world as small as I could. I was consumed by work."

- Jackie Slater

Slater gave on the football field, in the locker room, and off the football field.

The LA Rams have been blessed with some of the best offensive linemen in the history of the NFL. That tradition will continue in 2024 and beyond.

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