One of the teams that fans are most looking forward to seeing in 2024 is the Los Angeles Rams offensive
line. Jonah Jackson’s signing, Kevin Dotson’s re-signing, and Steve Avila’s centering position will allow
head coach Sean McVay to continue utilizing the gap-style run game he implemented into the system in
the previous campaign.
What’s most intriguing about the Rams offensive line is the inside trio of Jackson, Avila, and Dotson.
Since the start of the previous season, Los Angeles’ offensive line identity has unmistakably changed.
Getting bigger up front has been that persona and idea. The Rams offensive line will actually be the
third-heaviest in the NFL going into 2024. What’s intriguing about this
is that prior to this season, Alaric Jackson was listed by the Rams as 270 pounds. That was recently
changed to 345 pounds, though. With a total weight of 1,643 pounds, the team ought to be able to engage
in physical play at the line of scrimmage.
Part 1 of the Trench Warfare Substack’s 2024 OL Almanac was recently published by Brandon Thorn.
Before the 2024 season, one of the top offensive line analysts, Thorn, saw the Rams as one of his two
breakthrough teams. Thorn said,
“With Duo as the cornerstone, head coach Sean McVay has steadily transformed his running strategy
from a zone-based scheme to a gap-heavy one. This has placed a greater emphasis on size, power, and
other skill sets than the Rams had in previous years.The Rams, who were ranked 24th going into the
2024 season, are now the third-heaviest team after adding Jonah Jackson in free agency during the off-
season, pushing rookie second-round pick Steve Avila inside to center. With Kevin Dotson, one of the
league’s most physically intimidating guards, coming off a breakout season, the Rams suddenly have a
potentially powerful interior trio that can dictate football games. Left-handed tackle Alaric Jackson’s
ability to hold up in pass protection against better competition is still in doubt, but there are no obvious
concerns with the four other starters across from him. This gives this line a “trump card” in the form of
run blockers who are cunning enough to mask their main vulnerability. The ingredients are in place for
McVay’s transition from a zone-heavy offense with a smaller, quicker line to a premier running attack in
2024. The transition should be finished this season.
Prior to the season, Thorn placed the Rams at number 11 in the “solid offensive lines” category in his
preseason offensive line rankings. Having said that, it wouldn’t be shocking to see the Rams finish in the
top seven at the end of the year.
The Rams have made significant investments in this group in recent years. They are the sixth-highest
paid unit in the NFL, while having a combined draft capital ranking of tied for 25th. After being paid
$2.1 million in 2024, Avila continues to be the Rams’ greatest center bargain. Thorn said to Avila,
Although kicking inside to center this season, Avila excelled as a rookie at left guard and has a plenty of
experience there dating back to
his time spent at TCU. Additionally, Avila is in a position to maximize his skill set.
In 2024, the performance of the offensive line will have a major impact on how well the Rams offense
plays. This offensive line, which well balances youth and experience, is a fantastic fit for the plan. This
squad has a lot of potential because of Jackson’s recent acquisition and the promise of Dotson and Avila.
The Rams offensive line is in a lot better shape going into 2024 than it was the previous season. One may
argue that there were three positions available before the 2023 season: left tackle, center, and right
guard. The only spaces left are for depth components right now. once the initial five are determined. This
is encouraging for the offensive line’s performance as well as the offense’s overall success.
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