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The Los Angeles Rams were tied for the fewest sacks allowed in the NFL last season, which played a big part in Matthew Stafford's MVP campaign. Steve Avila was outstanding at guard after battling an injury earlier in the season, turning things around once he returned to his normal role.
He's back in the mix for 2026 as he enters a contract year, attempting to prove his worth to not only the Rams, but other teams that could be interested in him during free agency next spring. It's an important season for the fourth-year guard from TCU, and he ranks 23rd on our list of the Rams' 26 most important players.
Avila was the top pick in the Rams' standout 2023 draft class, being selected in the second round at No. 36 overall. He finished his career at TCU, playing in the national championship game in his final season and also earning two first-team All-Big 12 selections in 2021 and 2022.
15 games (13 starts): 74.1 run-blocking grade, 70.6 pass-blocking grade, 14 pressures allowed, 1 sack allowed
Avila will once again be the Rams' starting left guard, which has proved to be his best position after the team tried him at center briefly in 2024 following the addition of Jonah Jackson. He's been rock solid on the left side of the line next to Alaric Jackson, as evidenced by his impressive stats from Pro Football Focus above.
He allowed only one sack in the regular season and gave up just 14 total pressures, which are outstanding numbers for a guard – especially given the level of competition he faced in the NFC West.
Avila's one sack allowed was tied for the fewest of any Rams lineman last season, matching Warren McClendon Jr.'s total at right tackle.
The Rams love to run the ball inside and having a guard like Avila on the interior makes that much easier to do. He's a physical, mauling guard who clears big running lanes on the left side and holds up well in pass protection.
The offensive line doesn't look the same when he's out of the lineup due to injury, as it performs much better when he's healthy and playing at a high level. And even with the quality depth Los Angeles has at guard, Avila is difficult to replace.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams' 26 most important players for 2026 – No. 23: LG Steve Avila
Continue reading...
He's back in the mix for 2026 as he enters a contract year, attempting to prove his worth to not only the Rams, but other teams that could be interested in him during free agency next spring. It's an important season for the fourth-year guard from TCU, and he ranks 23rd on our list of the Rams' 26 most important players.
How he got here
Avila was the top pick in the Rams' standout 2023 draft class, being selected in the second round at No. 36 overall. He finished his career at TCU, playing in the national championship game in his final season and also earning two first-team All-Big 12 selections in 2021 and 2022.
2025 stats
15 games (13 starts): 74.1 run-blocking grade, 70.6 pass-blocking grade, 14 pressures allowed, 1 sack allowed
Projected role
Avila will once again be the Rams' starting left guard, which has proved to be his best position after the team tried him at center briefly in 2024 following the addition of Jonah Jackson. He's been rock solid on the left side of the line next to Alaric Jackson, as evidenced by his impressive stats from Pro Football Focus above.
He allowed only one sack in the regular season and gave up just 14 total pressures, which are outstanding numbers for a guard – especially given the level of competition he faced in the NFC West.
One thing to know
Avila's one sack allowed was tied for the fewest of any Rams lineman last season, matching Warren McClendon Jr.'s total at right tackle.
Why he's important
The Rams love to run the ball inside and having a guard like Avila on the interior makes that much easier to do. He's a physical, mauling guard who clears big running lanes on the left side and holds up well in pass protection.
The offensive line doesn't look the same when he's out of the lineup due to injury, as it performs much better when he's healthy and playing at a high level. And even with the quality depth Los Angeles has at guard, Avila is difficult to replace.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams' 26 most important players for 2026 – No. 23: LG Steve Avila
Continue reading...
