New development:Three offensive linemen That would speedily change things for the Rams
One of the biggest storylines from last season was how Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay completely re-worked the run game. Prior to last year, the Rams had primarily been a zone-blocking team in the run game. However, in 2023, McVay mixed in and implemented a lot more gap and power scheme to add some variety to the run game. The change worked as Kyren Williams was one of the most successful running backs in the NFL.
That change didn’t happen overnight and it required the Rams to make some changes up front. Under McVay, the Rams usually preferred lighter offensive linemen who could move well in space at the second level. With the 36th overall pick in the draft, the Rams drafted Steve Avila from TCU who could move well in space, but was also 330-pounds. They then went and traded for Kevin Dotson from the Pittsburgh Steelers who was 322-pounds. The Rams got much bigger inside as they added more size than in past years. This was crucial to them changing to more of a “block at you” blocking scheme.
With the amount of openings on the offensive line this offseason, it’s likely that the Rams will continue to make that transition. Dotson is a free agent, but Coleman Shelton could void his contract and Joe Noteboom is a potential cap casualty. The Rams will look to continue building their offensive line to fit this new mold. Said Daniel Jeremiah in media availability on Thursday, “I always look at interior guys that have some tackle ability, but can also move people.
Below are some names to watch when it comes to offensive linemen who could fit the Rams’ new scheme.
1. Dominick Puni, Kansas
One thing that the Rams still seem to value on the offensive line is versatility. It’s hard to find a more versatile offensive lineman than Dominick Puni from Kansas. Puni played left tackle last year at Kansas, but the year before was at left guard. During the Senior Bowl in Mobile, he was a guy that played all five positions along the offensive line and had some success at each of those positions. Said Jeremiah on Puni,
2. Brandon Coleman, TCU
The Rams have been a frequent flyer when it comes to the TCU talent pool in recent years. They drafted Avila from TCU last year and Joe Noteboom played at TCU as well. That also doesn’t mention Tre Tomlinson on defense who they drafted last season. The Rams could look to pair Avila with his Horned Frogs teammate in the draft. Brandon Coleman has primarily been a left tackle, but has almost 700 snaps at left guard in his college career. When talking about Coleman, Jeremiah said,
3. Any of the Top Centers
It’s a good year for the Rams to need a center. They just cut Brian Allen and Coleman Shelton is set to potential opt out of his contract and become a free agent. This is a position where the Rams could upgrade at even if Shelton were to come back on a cheap deal. On the center class, Jeremiah said,