What was a secret to the LA Rams success in Week 1? Ave, Ave. Ah, Steve Avila!

While it's still so very early in the season, there is something special about rookie left guard Steve Avila. He is a young man who has an infectious smile and is both personable and approachable off the football field. But put on the pads and step onto the football field, and he suddenly transforms into a vicious snarling, and biting junkyard dog who has no problem unleashing a lifetime of anger and violence on his defensive assignment.

I will admit that the sample size for rookie offensive lineman Steve Avila is far too small to have any relevance in supporting data. Still, we can certainly endorse his NFL debut as impressive. After all, the 6-foot-2 332-pound rookie was the first interior lineman chosen in the 2023 NFL Draft. That means that he was unquestionably the Rams' top choice for an offensive lineman. While admittedly it is still early, it does appear that the Rams' front office chose wisely:

The LA Rams offensive line has been a bit depleted recently. Simce parting ways with former offensive line coach Aaron Kromer, the Rams did not have the same sharp insight into developing offensive linemen. Unfortunately, the team did not elevate drafting offensive linemen in the NFL Drafts that followed to compensate. When injuries ravaged the Rams offensive line in 2022, the backups on the roster were unable to step up.

The Rams front office changed strategy this season. Not only did the Rams draft Steve Avila with the 36th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, but the team also selected offensive tackle Warren McClendon with the 174th overall pick. Not satisfied just yet, the Rams even traded a pair of picks to the Pittsburgh Steelers for backup guard Kevin Dotson. Rounding out the new additions is offensive tackle Zach Thomas, who the Rams signed off the Chicago Bears practice squad in November 2022.

It's early in the season. But the LA Rams did not allow a single quarterback sack in Week 1 of the 2023 NFL season. By all accounts, the Rams offensive line should improve each week throughout the season.

Could rookie offensive lineman Steve Avila be on track for rookie honors this season? Well, he's certainly on his way. Most importantly, the LA Rams not only needed to hit on their draft picks this season but absolutely had to improve the play of the offensive line. It may be too early to tell, but it looks like the Rams can check both of the 'To Do,' list.