Rams' offseason free-agent pickup is wilting under unexpected pressure

The Los Angeles Rams addressed the offensive line challenges of 2024 with multiple free-agent signings, including center Coleman Shelton, offensive tackle D.J. Humphries, and offensive tackle David Quessenberry. It was hoped that they would reinforce an O-line that seemed to have promising debuts by rookies Beaux Limmer and Justin Dedich.

The 2024 season was saturated with the challenges of swapping out linemen to the point where it seemed to be second nature. LA trialed offensive linemen Steve Avila, Jonah Jackson, and finally Limmer as the starting center before settling on the latter. But the Arkansas alumnus struggled in the playoffs, prompting the team to sign its former 2023 starting center to resume his starting role this season.

Shelton was not the only center signed in the offseason. The New York Jets signed center Josh Myers for $2 million, and he has consistently been a top-10-ranked center since. The New England Patriots also signed center Garrett Bradbury for $4.75 million, and he has been ranked among the NFL's top five in terms of pass blocking.

Unfortunately, the Rams front office may have whiffed at signing Shelton.

Coleman Shelton is wilting under unexpected pressure

After three games, the Horns are not exactly getting solid results from the veteran center. While he has put up a solid run-blocking grade of 73.2, his pass-blocking grade of 26.8 is alarming. And he is the epicenter of two backup offensive guards with even worse pass-blocking grades. Dedich is just 9.8 at pass blocking, while Limmer is a horrendous 0.0.

Of course, some of the O-line's struggles have to do with continuity, and the center is the position most impacted by the numerous swaps taking place in just three games this season. Los Angeles is suffering from Avila's absence, as he is often on hand and willing to help out his teammates.

Still, patience is only a virtue if better times are on the horizon. The Rams cannot sustain success with horrible pass blocking between the offensive tackles, and there are few signs of progress or improvement yet. LA is getting excellent run blocking from the O-line, and perhaps the strategy should emphasize running the football more frequently as a result.

It's only three games into the season, so this is not about the "Sky is Falling" over SoFi Stadium.

But it's a disappointing trend that must be remedied.

Hopefully, the return of right guard Kevin Dotson and perhaps even Avila will be enough to settle the matter. If not, the Rams may need to tweak the line again. Doing so in the middle of the season is never the best option. But in this case, it may be the team's only option.

As always, thanks for reading.

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