Warren McClendon has work to do before the Rams hand him an extension

The Los Angeles Rams offensive line has surrendered six sacks in four games. A third of them were charged to right tackle Warren McClendon. Two sacks allowed in four games could be problematic.

Offensive tackle is a demanding position, one of the most physical and mentally strenuous. And while McClendon has had starting experience in the past, this is his first season as the full-time right tackle.

As such, he is getting plenty of reps against some of the NFL's top pass rushers and blitz packages.

In Week 4, Philadelphia Eagles pass rusher Nolan Smith was the obvious winner of his matchup with McClendon. Smith sacked Matthew Stafford and seemed to be in the backfield the entire day. McClendon played poorly. It was not a great performance, but it was bound to happen.

The question now becomes whether McClendon can learn and develop from that experience.

Warren McClendon must prove himself worthy of an extension

While any struggles on the offensive line are worrisome, reinforcements are just around the corner. Versatile rookie Keagen Trost is now eligible to return from injured reserve. He suffered a hamstring injury in the preseason, and the team moved him to IR to ensure he could recover fully.

His mandatory four weeks off the active roster have expired, so he can return at any time. With the offensive line showing up well with some gritty play, there is no rush for him to return before he is ready. But he does become an option if the Rams have any concerns about the tackle position.

McClendon is in the final year of his rookie contract. The 2023 fifth-round pick followed Georgia Bulldog teammate Stetson Bennett to Los Angeles. Projected as early as a Round 4 selection in some draft profiles, McClendon earned the right to start after filling in for injured veteran Rob Havenstein in 2024 and 2025.

Now, he is the full-time starter and trying to earn an extension.

McClendon has had an impressive career. Los Angeles seldom drafts offensive linemen early, and McClendon's rise to become the starting right tackle suggests that he is on the right track. Still, he has not earned an extension yet. And he may not if he is beaten in the trenches frequently.

The Rams remain in search of a playoff berth, but it will take solid production from McClendon to make that happen.

As always, thanks for reading.

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