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The Los Angeles Rams have been building their offensive line for some time, with the 2025 edition being the best unit the team has had since their victory in Super Bowl LVI. The Rams have gone about building their line in a unique way. While most other NFL teams have built theirs through expensive signings and top draft selections, the Rams have developed and acquired overlooked talent, giving them a platform to emphasize their strong suits.
As a result, Sports Illustrated's Matt Verderame named Steve Avila and Kevin Dotson as the third-best offensive guard duo in the NFL.
"The Rams are the overwhelming favorite to not only reach but win the Super Bowl, and the power on their offensive interior is one reason why," wrote Verderame.
"In Avila, Los Angeles found a gem in the second round of the 2023 draft. Initially, Avila went from guard to center (his collegiate position) before sticking at guard in ’25 after the trade of Jonah Jackson to the Bears. Since making the transition, Avila has become one of the league’s top linemen regardless of position, starting 40 games over his three-year career. Last season, he allowed only two sacks and six quarterback hits.
"As for Dotson, he was a middling player in Pittsburgh before blossoming into a star with the Rams. Since coming to Los Angeles before the 2023 season, Dotson has played in 45 games, anchoring the line in front of MVP quarterback Matthew Stafford. If he’s allowed to hit free agency next winter, the 29-year-old is in line for a major payday."
Former Rams guard Jonah Jackson was also on the list. His partnership with Joe Thuney in Chicago was ranked at No. 2, emphasizing the ability of the Rams' front office to find talent on the interior offensive line.
Avila was a second-round pick in 2023, with Dotson also being added that offseason via trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Both are set to be free agents at the end of the season, along with fellow linemen Coleman Shelton and Warren McClendon Jr.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams’ guard tandem has become one of the NFL’s best
Continue reading...
As a result, Sports Illustrated's Matt Verderame named Steve Avila and Kevin Dotson as the third-best offensive guard duo in the NFL.
"The Rams are the overwhelming favorite to not only reach but win the Super Bowl, and the power on their offensive interior is one reason why," wrote Verderame.
"In Avila, Los Angeles found a gem in the second round of the 2023 draft. Initially, Avila went from guard to center (his collegiate position) before sticking at guard in ’25 after the trade of Jonah Jackson to the Bears. Since making the transition, Avila has become one of the league’s top linemen regardless of position, starting 40 games over his three-year career. Last season, he allowed only two sacks and six quarterback hits.
"As for Dotson, he was a middling player in Pittsburgh before blossoming into a star with the Rams. Since coming to Los Angeles before the 2023 season, Dotson has played in 45 games, anchoring the line in front of MVP quarterback Matthew Stafford. If he’s allowed to hit free agency next winter, the 29-year-old is in line for a major payday."
Former Rams guard Jonah Jackson was also on the list. His partnership with Joe Thuney in Chicago was ranked at No. 2, emphasizing the ability of the Rams' front office to find talent on the interior offensive line.
Avila was a second-round pick in 2023, with Dotson also being added that offseason via trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Both are set to be free agents at the end of the season, along with fellow linemen Coleman Shelton and Warren McClendon Jr.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams’ guard tandem has become one of the NFL’s best
Continue reading...
