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In less than one week, Los Angeles Rams players will report to training camp, getting themselves situated at Loyola Marymount University before open practices begin on July 24. With only five days until player arrivals, we've reached the top five of our 25 most important players list.
At No. 5 is the longest-tenured player on the team: right tackle Rob Havenstein.
His value to the Rams is immeasurable, both from a performance and leadership standpoint. He missed six games last season and his absence was felt. The Rams have struggled to replace him each time he's been out, particularly due to Joe Noteboom's inconsistency and unreliability as a swing tackle.
Havenstein staying healthy is a major key to success in 2025 because when he's on the field, the right side of the line is in great shape.
Havenstein has been with the Rams longer than any other player, going all the way back to the St. Louis days. He was a second-round pick by the Rams in 2015, going 57th overall after a great career at Wisconsin.
He has since signed multiple contract extensions, the most recent of which will expire after the 2025 season.
11 games (11 starts): 23 pressures allowed, 3 sacks allowed, 68.3 pass-blocking grade, 79.6 run-blocking grade (via PFF)
Havenstein will be the starting right tackle once again, his 11th season holding down that job. The Rams could have moved on from him this offseason if they wanted to but they still see him as their best option at right tackle, and understandably so.
He's still one of the best players on the team at this point in his career and while his future after 2025 is uncertain, there's no doubt he'll be a key player for the Rams this season.
With the exception of the Rams' disastrous 2019 season, Havenstein has had an overall grade of 69.6 every year, according to PFF. In the last five years, he's had an overall grade of at least 73.0 each season, including three seasons where his grade was 79.8 or higher.
It's hard to find that level of consistency from a player at any position, let alone one as challenging as right tackle. He's consistently going up against the best pass rushers in the NFL and protecting Matthew Stafford, while also opening up big running lanes for Kyren Williams and the running backs.
The Rams don't have a backup tackle who's close to the talent that Havenstein is, which makes it so important that he stays on the field. When he misses time, the O-line looks vastly different, and not in a good way. He's extremely difficult to replace, which is the ultimate sign of his importance to the team.
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This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: LA Rams' most important players for 2025 – No. 5 Rob Havenstein
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At No. 5 is the longest-tenured player on the team: right tackle Rob Havenstein.
His value to the Rams is immeasurable, both from a performance and leadership standpoint. He missed six games last season and his absence was felt. The Rams have struggled to replace him each time he's been out, particularly due to Joe Noteboom's inconsistency and unreliability as a swing tackle.
Havenstein staying healthy is a major key to success in 2025 because when he's on the field, the right side of the line is in great shape.
How he got here
Havenstein has been with the Rams longer than any other player, going all the way back to the St. Louis days. He was a second-round pick by the Rams in 2015, going 57th overall after a great career at Wisconsin.
He has since signed multiple contract extensions, the most recent of which will expire after the 2025 season.
2024 stats
11 games (11 starts): 23 pressures allowed, 3 sacks allowed, 68.3 pass-blocking grade, 79.6 run-blocking grade (via PFF)
Projected role
Havenstein will be the starting right tackle once again, his 11th season holding down that job. The Rams could have moved on from him this offseason if they wanted to but they still see him as their best option at right tackle, and understandably so.
He's still one of the best players on the team at this point in his career and while his future after 2025 is uncertain, there's no doubt he'll be a key player for the Rams this season.
Why he’s important
With the exception of the Rams' disastrous 2019 season, Havenstein has had an overall grade of 69.6 every year, according to PFF. In the last five years, he's had an overall grade of at least 73.0 each season, including three seasons where his grade was 79.8 or higher.
It's hard to find that level of consistency from a player at any position, let alone one as challenging as right tackle. He's consistently going up against the best pass rushers in the NFL and protecting Matthew Stafford, while also opening up big running lanes for Kyren Williams and the running backs.
The Rams don't have a backup tackle who's close to the talent that Havenstein is, which makes it so important that he stays on the field. When he misses time, the O-line looks vastly different, and not in a good way. He's extremely difficult to replace, which is the ultimate sign of his importance to the team.
Follow Rams Wire on X, Facebook and Threads for more coverage!
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: LA Rams' most important players for 2025 – No. 5 Rob Havenstein
Continue reading...
