Rams' offensive-line trio is quietly taking care of business (and 'quietly' is key)

The Los Angeles Rams have painted themselves into a corner at season's end. With over two dozen contracts expiring, it's safe to conclude that LA may not prioritize retaining all four starting offensive linemen. On the interior, Steve Avila, Coleman Shelton, and Kevin Dotson are competing as though this could be their last hurrah together.

All indications are that they are making it count.

Training camp has brought excellent reports on nose tackle Poona Ford. But the lack of praise for interior offensive linemen is no cause for concern. Anonymity is an offensive lineman's best reward. The eye test gives fans plenty of positive feedback. Avila, Shelton, and Dotson are compiling great footage.

But nobody is talking about it. And that's how the interior Rams triumvirate likes it. For them, anonymity is a badge of honor.

It's the type of camp that fans hoped to witness (check out these practice notes). Each lineman has provided reason to trust him individually. But witnessing the trio work as one is something special. It's particularly heartwarming in the face of uncertainty. If this is their last season together, it is sizing up as the best of the bunch.

Rams offensive linemen competing like they are in contract years

Shelton is no stranger to beating expectations. He competed with now-assistant offensive line coach Brian Allen for the starting center position. He eventually won the job. Before that, he helped the Rams win Super Bowl LVI as a backup.

Avila was the LA's first selection in the 2023 draft. He has been a blue-chip contributor since his arrival.

Finally, Dotson was plucked from the Pittsburgh Steelers after being demoted to the bench. He has been an A-grade starter for the Rams.

In many ways, all three are competing as though they are in their contract years. Which they are.

This trio is due for a breakout season after Dotson and Avila struggled with injuries in 2025, forcing backups into the starting mix. Unfortunately, two of the team's five losses fell during that period. But once reunited, the Rams offensive line powered the league's top-scoring unit.

So far, they are picking right up where they left off.

Football is back, and the pads are on. Fans may want unshakable proof that this team will live up to the hype and expectations. For now, the only available evidence is what we see in training camp.

Nobody is talking about LA's interior offensive linemen, and that's how they want it - the privilege of relishing anonymity in training camp. While it may not sound like it, that is high praise indeed.

As always, thanks for reading.

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