The strength of a team is not measured in wins and losses, but instead graded based on its weakest link. That’s how opposing teams prepare. They identify and attack weaknesses and often those weaknesses lie in the offensive line. Regardless of what anyone says, it is an undeniable fact that the success and failures of a football team can be directly attributed to the play of the offensive line.
The offensive line dictates everything in football. The ability to run the football, to keep a quarterback upright and to allow the timing and space needed to execute a passing attack rests on the shoulders of the offensive line. The only position guaranteed to touch the football on every play is the center so having capable players at all times is an absolute necessity. When a lineman gets hurt, defenses go after the replacement. Thus having a deep bench is crucial to team success.
Here are five prospects that can aid in that effort for the Rams next year.
Iowa has been an offensive line factory for over 20 years, producing some of the best big men to ever grace the game of football. Alaric Jackson came from the Hawkeyes, and the fundamentals taught at Iowa largely contributed to his transformation from UDFA to being a part of the franchise’s future.
Colby is far from a finished product, displaying glaring issues in pass protection. However, he is one of the best run blockers in the draft, finishing plays once he reaches the second level. For an offense predicated on establishing the run, he’s a perfect developmental piece.
Luke Kandra is a star waiting to be discovered. He has the balance, the technique, the pad level and the nastiness to dominate at the NFL level. He has been an underrated gem at Cincinnati due to a lack of team success but when you turn on the film, he’s like a shining beacon that leads ball carriers to the promised land.
A right guard, he can grow as a player behind Kevin Dotson and if the Rams move on from him after his three-year deal ends, Kandra is an excellent replacement. Kandra has the potential to be the franchises’ best guard since Tom Mack.
Emery Jones is a player that divides opinion within the draft community. Some people rank him higher than LSU teammate Will Campbell (who is expected to be a top 10 pick) and some have him being a bust. While more people believe in him, if Jones drops past the 32nd pick, the Rams need to be in play for him.
He’s extremely gifted physically with a mindset and physicality that stops edge rushers in their tracts. The most important part is that he’s a natural right tackle, having started in the position since his freshman year. With an aging Rob Havenstein, Jones could be his protégé as the Rams’ legend wraps up his enviable career.
Seth McLaughlin was the best center in college football. There’s no debate. He is a 2024 unanimous All-American, he commanded the offensive line on one of the most prolific offenses in college football and he helped coordinate a line that was severely injured and constantly full of depth players.
The problem is that McLaughlin tore his Achilles tendon in the middle of November. His injury history is a big concern as well as a concern that his snapping issues might reemerge because of it. However, if he falls, he’ll be an excellent gamble. My bet is that he’s on the way to a long and fruitful NFL career.
It’s unclear how NFL teams value Donovan Jackson as his natural position is guard but he spent the year playing tackle due to injury. He was an All-American at tackle but due to his body type, Jackson is unlikely to be able to play the position in the NFL.
If Jackson falls beyond the first, he’s the type of player a team should trade up for. His floor is a longtime NFL backup but he has All-Pro potential. It would be a big investment for the Rams, especially at a position that is filled with talent but the potential may be too alluring.
