Los Angeles Rams: Offensive line biggest key to 2017 improvement
An improved Los Angeles Rams offensive line marks the blueprint for the franchise’s success in 2017
The link between a more prosperous 2017 season and a stronger Los Angeles Rams offensive line seems simple. The days before the start of NFL training camps often feature articles that focus on areas of improvement a team must make to achieve success during the upcoming season.
Turf Show Times recently pondered which Rams must excel for the Sean McVay era to start strongly. Cornerback Kayvon Webster is a potential breakout player for Los Angeles this season, NFLMocks.com suggests. Additionally, rookie wide receiver Cooper Kupp is a potential draft-day steal, according to Bleacher Report.
Certainly individual improvement would benefit Los Angeles considerably (Jared Goff, anyone?). But to eye more than the four wins the team achieved in 2016, the strides must start with the Rams offensive line.
The team added three-time Pro Bowl left tackle Andrew Whitworth to replace draft bust Greg Robinson. Whitworth had the highest pass-blocking efficiency rating of any lineman last season, according to Pro Football Focus. The Rams also added center John Sullivan and shipped Robinson to the Detroit Lions in a trade.
More from NFL Spin Zone
- Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
- Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
- Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
- Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
- Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens
Jamon Brown’s play at right tackle during the offseason made Robinson expendable. The Rams return starters in left guard Roger Saffold and right guard Rob Havenstein. An intangible benefit of the Rams not having to force Robinson, the No. 2 overall draft pick in 2014, into the lineup also could happen.
Together, they rank rank as the No. 18 unit among the 32 teams heading into next season, another Pro Football Focus report indicates. The Rams allowed 49 sacks to rank 31st in the league in 2016. They also were 31st in rushing yards (1,252) and passing yards (2,951) and last in total yards and scoring (14.0 points per game).
That means Los Angeles has to consider a No. 18 ranking as the 2017 season approaches a huge compliment.
The former coaching staff made the Rams offensive line an emphasis, drafting seven players in 2014 and 2015 combined. None of the three 2014 draftees — Robinson, Mitchell Van Dyk or Demetrius Rhaney — are left. But if the unit as constructed can protect effectively, running back Todd Gurley should return to early 2015 form.
Related Story: Expectations on Rams rookie WR Cooper Kupp unfair?
Also, the new staff under McVay can adequately evaluate Goff to determine whether he is the quarterback of the future. The team enters 2017 with few expectations. So the staff has some time to study Goff. Primarily because the line should give Goff time this season to show off his game.