This minor change could have major impact on Rams season, and 2025 offseason

Do 'What if...?' scenarios bother you? Do you actively participate in those post-game rituals of conversation after an LA Rams game? Or do you consider the exercise to be futile, and save your energies for the anticipation of the next game? Well, what if . . .

We were to suggest to you that a minor move made by the team in Week 11 of the 2024 NFL season could have major implications for the rest of the season, as well as the 2025 offseason strategy? So, what am I talking about?

As you may know, the LA Rams had to scramble for starters when both starting IOL Steve Avila and IOL Jonah Jackson were injured this season. To backfill their vacancies, the Rams started rookie center Beaux Limmer and left guard rookie Justin Dedich. While Dedich was adequate, I believe that even skeptical fans were impressed with how well Limmer performed.

Unfortunately, his impressive rookie performance did not insulate him from being benched in Week 10 when both Avila and Jackson were healthy enough to play. But the Rams offensive line did not perform well with a cast of three new faces on the starting offensive line. As a result, the team committed to rethink their offensive line for Week 11.

If pregame warmups are any indication, the Rams have reverted back to start rookie Beaux Limmer at center.

So what does this all mean?

Rams are set up for a bright future, with some speed bumps

The LA Rams appear to be set for a long time (through 2026) at their interior three offensive line positions. If the team goes with today's apparent starters, they have a young group of physical blockers in Steve Avila, Beaux Limmer, and Kevin Dotson. And the team has to give serious consideration to re-signing Alaric Jackson at left tackle, particularly after the way he has locked down the blind-side blocking role in 2024.

But even if the team does consider Beaux Limmer the center for the future, what about the right tackle position? We cannot see the team not addressing the position in the 2025 NFL Draft. The need for the team to secure a young offensive tackle is one of the early needs for the team. And that has to be a priority for the rookie class next season. But what can the team do about veteran Jonah Jackson?

Ideally, the team could renegotiate the contract to keep Jonah Jackson on the roster, as he is a perfect option as a swing interior offensive lineman. He has the versatility to step in a take over at any of the three OL positions. But what if he holds firm? Well, the team is on the hook for $34 million unless the team seeks a trade partner.

Jackson is not worth his average of $17 million per year if relegated to coming in off the bench. But that is no reason to start a struggling Jackson at center over a much cheaper and move effective center Beaux Limmer.

As always, thanks for reading.

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