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The Los Angeles Rams saw an opportunity to upgrade at center last year after Beaux Limmer struggled late in the 2024 season. Coleman Shelton was available in free agency and they took another swing on the veteran center, signing him to a two-year deal.
The difference was clear, as he proved to be an upgrade over Limmer in the middle of the line. The Rams were great in pass protection, allowing the fewest sacks in the NFL. And Shelton played a big role in that, giving up just two himself.
He's the Rams' 22nd-most important player of 2026.
Shelton originally joined the Rams in 2019 after they signed him as a free agent just before the season, eventually signing an extension in 2022. He left in free agency in 2024, signing with the Bears, before returning to Los Angeles last offseason on a two-year contract.
He's once again taken over as the Rams' starting center and performed at a high level last season, replacing Beaux Limmer in that role.
17 games (17 starts): 77.6 run-blocking grade, 49.6 pass-blocking grade, 20 pressures allowed, 2 sacks allowed.
Shelton will return as the Rams' starting center this season, facing no real competition from Limmer or anyone else. He has a $9.5 million cap hit, too, so he's in no danger of losing his job. He had a strong connection with Matthew Stafford last season, diagnosing plays pre-snap and communicating with the rest of the line to set up blocking assignments.
Shelton's 77.6 run-blocking grade was the eighth-best among all qualified centers last season, according to Pro Football Focus.
It's not a coincidence that the Rams' offensive line made major strides last season after Shelton returned and took over at center. He was an upgrade over Limmer, who struggled down the stretch in 2024 and was a liability in pass protection.
Shelton could still stand to improve as a pass blocker, but in the run game, he was terrific last season. He pairs well with Steve Avila and Kevin Dotson on the interior, helping open up running lanes down the middle.
His communication and chemistry with Stafford were critical, too, with minimal missteps by the O-line in protection.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams' 26 most important players for 2026 – No. 22: C Coleman Shelton
Continue reading...
The difference was clear, as he proved to be an upgrade over Limmer in the middle of the line. The Rams were great in pass protection, allowing the fewest sacks in the NFL. And Shelton played a big role in that, giving up just two himself.
He's the Rams' 22nd-most important player of 2026.
How he got here
Shelton originally joined the Rams in 2019 after they signed him as a free agent just before the season, eventually signing an extension in 2022. He left in free agency in 2024, signing with the Bears, before returning to Los Angeles last offseason on a two-year contract.
He's once again taken over as the Rams' starting center and performed at a high level last season, replacing Beaux Limmer in that role.
2025 stats
17 games (17 starts): 77.6 run-blocking grade, 49.6 pass-blocking grade, 20 pressures allowed, 2 sacks allowed.
Projected role
Shelton will return as the Rams' starting center this season, facing no real competition from Limmer or anyone else. He has a $9.5 million cap hit, too, so he's in no danger of losing his job. He had a strong connection with Matthew Stafford last season, diagnosing plays pre-snap and communicating with the rest of the line to set up blocking assignments.
One thing to know
Shelton's 77.6 run-blocking grade was the eighth-best among all qualified centers last season, according to Pro Football Focus.
Why he's important
It's not a coincidence that the Rams' offensive line made major strides last season after Shelton returned and took over at center. He was an upgrade over Limmer, who struggled down the stretch in 2024 and was a liability in pass protection.
Shelton could still stand to improve as a pass blocker, but in the run game, he was terrific last season. He pairs well with Steve Avila and Kevin Dotson on the interior, helping open up running lanes down the middle.
His communication and chemistry with Stafford were critical, too, with minimal missteps by the O-line in protection.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams' 26 most important players for 2026 – No. 22: C Coleman Shelton
Continue reading...
