Warren McClendon finally got his dues at the perfect time for Rams fans

Who knows what the Los Angeles Rams' 2025 season looks like if Warren McClendon, a former fifth-rounder with five career starts, doesn't step up for injured right tackle Rob Havenstein? Far from simply plugging a hole on the offensive line, McClendon supplied a substantial upgrade over the soon-to-be-retired veteran. He graded out at the top of his position in multiple categories, yet analysts and even fans consistently overlooked his unsung heroics. 

McClendon finally received his dues courtesy of longtime NFL writer Dan Pizzuta, a guest on The Mina Kimes Show earlier this week. Assigned with choosing LA's 'x-factor,' Pizzuta tagged McClendon, a selection that met with Kimes' thorough approval. 

"[He] stepped in really well for Rob Havenstein last year and really went underrated with how good he was," Pizzuta said. "He was 12th in pass-block win rate among tackles. He was second in run-block win rate, which is so huge for what this Rams team wanted to do last year, when so much of their offense with the heavier personnel was just, 'We are going to have successful runs that keep us ahead of the sticks,' putting up one of the best rushing success rates that we've seen in over a decade."

With sudden uncertainty over Alaric Jackson Jr.'s availability this season, Rams fans couldn't have picked a better time for an outsider to voice confidence in McClendon's abilities. That's one tackle spot they won't have to worry about in coming months.

McClendon is an anchor Rams fans have nothing to worry about

Naming McClendon the Rams' ex-factor is not just a warm-and-fuzzy pick meant to look good if his strong play continues (though Pizzuta would probably be happy with that, too). As he makes clear, it's based on real data that point to McClendon's central role in maintaining the efficacy of LA's offense.

In addition to dominating the win-rate category, McClendon allowed the fourth-lowest pressure rate, 3.1%, at his position. That checks the "keeping Matthew Stafford upright" part of Pizzuta's equation, which, combined with McClendon's dominance in run-blocking, makes his role as a starting o-lineman "really big for what [the Rams] can potentially do on offense."

Overall, McClendon was Pro Football Focus' seventh-ranked offensive tackle out of 89, and its fifth-ranked run blocker. He allowed one sack (eighth) and one quarterback hit (fifth) all season, and committed a single penalty (second). Maybe the rest of the world isn't ready to acknowledge it, but that is evidence of an elite offensive lineman.

Maybe Rams fans aren't ready, either. Ahead of the draft, tackle remained a position under discussion as a potential target area with the 13th overall pick. After Los Angeles took Missouri OT Keagen Trost in the third round, it was fun to wonder whether the rookie could give McClendon a run for his money. 

True, that scenario could still play out, depending on Jackson's availability and whether there are one or two starting tackle spots up for grabs. Trost is a promising and versatile rookie, and McClendon has only 15 career starts. It's not crazy to question whether it's premature to pencil him into the starting lineup.

But Pizzuta is right. McClendon has proved he deserves the trust and respect of the Rams and their fanbase. Trost is, after all, a rookie, and now Jackson's status is up in the air. It's reassuring to know that the team can at least count on McClendon to hold down one side of the line.

Thanks to Kimes and Pizzuta for reminding everyone that his ability is one thing the Blue and Yellow shouldn't be concerned about this season. 

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