Ramblin' Fan
FanSided

What have we learned as LA Rams OTA Offseason Workouts conclude?

Rams OTAs have come and gone. Now, what have we learned so far?

By Bret Stuter

Los Angeles Rams Minicamp, Warren McClendon Jr., Ochaun Mathis
Los Angeles Rams Minicamp, Warren McClendon Jr., Ochaun Mathis / Jayne Kamin-Oncea/GettyImages
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next

Rams continue to be cautious with seasoned veterans

While the absence of some of the team's key veterans may trigger concerns from some fans, I am encouraged at the team's cautious approach to OTAs. Not only does limiting veterans who are currently experiencing soreness aid in those players returning to full health, the approach also amplifies the repetitions for backup players who might otherwise be limited in their OTA workload.

As per the Rams website reported, Phase three of 2024 OTAs saw limits to ILB Ernest Jones, RT Rob Havenstein, and LG Jonah Jackson. You can add running back Kyren Williams to the list, as he has been dealing with foot soreness in OTAs. The reports for all players from OTAs are that they are expected to be full participants in terms of training camp.

Do the Rams sacrifice preparedness by holding veterans out of OTAs? I don't think so. The practice may have far more rewards than risks. For veterans, you have to assume that they know where they need to be physically to be ready for an NFL season. Their preparation, particularly for veterans who are new to this football team, requires far more preparation from the neck up. That is particularly true for new veteran left guard Jonah Jackson, as shared by Rams writer Stu Jackson:

"There was a couple of guys that we really had in mind as the goal was always, lets be able to get them onboarded above the neck, lets build the right foundation and have those guys ready to go when we open up training camp on the 23rd of July. And so thats where hes at. Hes been a stud, just as a person, obviously, hes got a great resume. But the way he works day in and day out, whether its in the weight room, in the meeting room, in some of our walkthrough types of settings, been really impressed and pleased with him."

- HC Sean McVay re: Jonah Jackson

As a result of the precautions with some veterans, the team has gotten them prepared mentally, while simultaneously distributing their reps to backup players.

Home/Rams News