Rams have finally figured out what many have known all along

It's no secret that I have been a huge fan of underappreciated center Coleman Shelton's performance on the Los Angeles Rams roster. Even before the Rams promoted him to become the starting center, we lobbied hard for the team to do so. You see, Shelton was the guy who played center whenever a Rams running back was able to rush for 100+ yards in a single game. How often did that happen? Quite frequently, to be honest:

Just check out this log of Rams 100+ yards rushing by a running back from 2021 through 2023:

• Week 13, 2021 - vs. Jacksonville: RB Sony Michel rushed for 121 yards
• Week 16, 2021 - @ Minnesota: RB Sony Michel rushed for 131 yards
• Week 16, 2022 - vs. Denver: RB Cam Akers rushed for 118 yards
• Week 17, 2022 - @ Los Angeles Chargers: RB Cam Akers rushed for 123 yards
• Week 18, 2022 - @ Seattle: RB Cam Akers rushed for 104 yards
• Week 4, 2023 - @ Indianapolis: RB Kyren Williams rushed for 103 yards
• Week 6, 2023 - vs. Arizona: RB Kyren Williams rushed for 158 yards
• Week 12, 2023 - @ Arizona: RB Kyren Williams rushed for 143 yards
• Week 14, 2023 - @ Baltimore: RB Kyren Williams rushed for 114 yards
• Week 15, 2023 - vs Washington: RB Kyren Williams rushed for 152 yards
• Week 16, 2023 -vs. New Orleans: RB Kyren Williams rushed for 104 yards.

Wouldn't it be incredible to resume filling in the names for Rams running backs who put up 100+ rushing yards in 2025, especially if the list includes the names of RB Blake Corum or rookie RB Jarquez Hunter.

When the team pivoted from Shelton to Detroit Lions free agent IOL Jonah Jackson, we posed the question as to how the Rams could manufacture huge gains per game without him. With the Rams' pedestrian start to the 2024 NFL season and the myriad of injuries to offensive linemen, we dared to ask the question: Did the Rams part ways with Coleman Shelton too quickly?

It appears that we have our answer. Yes, they did.

It's not uncommon for the Rams to part ways with a player, only to re-sign them at some point in time of the future. But the reunion of Coleman Shelton with the Rams was a mild surprise to some who did not share our high regard for the veteran center.

But he's back, confirming what many of us have realized all along.

The Rams needed veteran center Coleman Shelton in 2024. Kudos to the Rams for revisiting the 2024 season and two playoff games and reaching that conclusion as well. I'm no fan of Mike Florio and his agenda-driven perspective, but he does have an intriguing interview with Rams HC Sean McVay in the embedded video below. Take note around the 6:00 minute mark, when Coach McVay cites the third- and fourth down plays of Philadelphia Eagles DT Jalen Carter roaring through untouched that resulted in the Rams offensive drive stalling.

If you need to point to the reason why the Rama re-signed Coleman Shelton, you are on the right track to start with those two gaffes.

The Rams have optimistic hopes for 2025, both with a revamped rushing attack and a cohesive pass blocking scheme. Of course, every innovation and strategy depends on the offensive line remaining healthy and intact over the course of a 17 game NFL season. But another factor in setting optimistic goals for the offense is to ensure a cohesive and solid five starters on the offensive line.

I view veteran C Coleman Shelton as the best player for the job right now. He has Super Bowl winning experience as the Rams starting center, knows many of the Rams starters, and does a superb job of calling out protection schemes, freeing up QB Matthew Stafford to focus on running the offense.

Rams have finally figured out what many have known all along. Coleman Shelton may not may All-Pro, but he is an excellent fit as the starting center for the Rams. And 2025 just got better with his return.

As always, thanks for reading.

Find even more updates by checking these other recent Rams articles