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Since starting 11 different offensive line combinations in the first 11 games of a disastrous 2022 season, the Los Angeles Rams have found a good level of consistency from that group. Alaric Jackson has turned into a high-end starter at left tackle, Steve Avila and Kevin Dotson are an excellent guard tandem and Coleman Shelton has solidified the center spot since returning in 2025.
Perhaps the biggest surprise has been Warren McClendon Jr.’s emergence at right tackle after replacing the injured Rob Havenstein last season.
Altogether, the Rams’ O-line looks like one of the best in football entering 2026 – at least on paper. ESPN’s Mike Clay graded every projected starting offensive line in the league and he ranked the Rams’ group fifth overall. There are no major weaknesses, either.
Here’s the rating for every player up front in L.A.
Based on Clay’s analysis, Jackson is the best lineman for the Rams, with Dotson close behind. Avila and McClendon are considered the weakest, but even their grades are above-average.
The O-lines ranked ahead of the Rams in order from 1-4 are the Broncos, Eagles, Bears and Bills. All four teams in the NFC West have offensive lines ranked 15th or better, with the 49ers coming in at No. 7, the Seahawks at No. 10 and the Cardinals 15th overall.
Health is the most important thing with this group. The Rams have decent depth on the offensive line but they’re lacking a reliable swing tackle, so it’s crucial that Jackson and McClendon stay available.
Beaux Limmer and Justin Dedich are solid options on the interior, and Keagen Trost can play any guard or tackle spot. The potential is there for Los Angeles to finish with one of the best lines in football again this season.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: LA Rams' O-line ranked in top 5 for 2026 by ESPN analyst
Continue reading...
Perhaps the biggest surprise has been Warren McClendon Jr.’s emergence at right tackle after replacing the injured Rob Havenstein last season.
Altogether, the Rams’ O-line looks like one of the best in football entering 2026 – at least on paper. ESPN’s Mike Clay graded every projected starting offensive line in the league and he ranked the Rams’ group fifth overall. There are no major weaknesses, either.
Here’s the rating for every player up front in L.A.
- LT Alaric Jackson: 7.9
- LG Steve Avila: 5.5
- C Coleman Shelton: 6.8
- RG Kevin Dotson: 7.4
- RT Warren McClendon Jr.: 5.7
Based on Clay’s analysis, Jackson is the best lineman for the Rams, with Dotson close behind. Avila and McClendon are considered the weakest, but even their grades are above-average.
The O-lines ranked ahead of the Rams in order from 1-4 are the Broncos, Eagles, Bears and Bills. All four teams in the NFC West have offensive lines ranked 15th or better, with the 49ers coming in at No. 7, the Seahawks at No. 10 and the Cardinals 15th overall.
Health is the most important thing with this group. The Rams have decent depth on the offensive line but they’re lacking a reliable swing tackle, so it’s crucial that Jackson and McClendon stay available.
Beaux Limmer and Justin Dedich are solid options on the interior, and Keagen Trost can play any guard or tackle spot. The potential is there for Los Angeles to finish with one of the best lines in football again this season.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: LA Rams' O-line ranked in top 5 for 2026 by ESPN analyst
Continue reading...
