The Los Angeles Rams have done well to rebuild their offensive line over the last three years. Players such as Steve Avila, Kevin Dotson and Alaric Jackson have righted the ship, while Coleman Shelton’s return in 2025 also got this unit back on track.
Warren McClendon Jr. is the latest gem uncovered by the Rams, as he’s set to be the successor to Rob Havenstein at right tackle. On paper, this looks like one of the best lines in football, but there’s one major question still looming: Will Jackson be suspended?
Any potential suspension for Jackson’s recent arrest would shake up the O-line in a significant way, either forcing Los Angeles to find a new left tackle or creating two holes by having McClendon flip sides. No matter what, any potential ban for Jackson would be costly for Los Angeles, and it could be for as many as six games.
Roster locks
The first five players listed are all projected to be starters, with Trost being a third-round rookie who’s guaranteed to make the team as a backup. Jackson is a lock to be on the Week 1 roster, so long as he isn’t suspended, which would then put him on the suspension list. That would open up a roster spot for however long he is suspended.
Likely to make it
All three of these players are close to being locks, but they’re not quite certain to make the team. There’s no scenario where none of them make the 53-man roster, especially between Limmer and Dedich.
If the Rams cut Quessenberry, who they just extended this offseason, they would take on $1.2 million in dead money. It’d be a net savings of only $225,000, so they’re likely to keep him as one of their backup tackles.
Limmer and Dedich will compete to be the primary backup on the interior, whether it’s at center or guard. Again, they’re both likely to make the team, but if the Rams go light on the O-line to start the year, one of them could potentially be cut.
On the bubble
If the Rams feel they need more depth on the interior, they could keep someone like McMahon. However, that may only happen if one of Limmer or Dedich is cut, especially given Trost’s ability to play inside. Arcuri will likely need to overtake Quessenberry, somehow, in order to make the team.
Bowles, Blaske and Henderson are all former undrafted free agents, with Bowles joining the Rams last year. Blaske and Henderson both have serious uphill climbs.
Position battle to watch
There could be a competition brewing between Trost and Quessenberry for the No. 3 tackle position behind Jackson and McClendon – which could wind up being a starting job if Jackson is suspended. Trost is the promising rookie with terrific position flexibility, while Quessenberry is the veteran who saw minimal playing time last year as the fourth tackle.
It was somewhat surprising that the Rams re-signed Quessenberry after he couldn’t beat out D.J. Humphries last year, but they felt they needed some veteran depth at a key position.
Training camp will give us a better idea of what the Rams believe Trost’s best position is, whether it’s at tackle or guard. They believe he can play all five positions, but after being a dominant tackle in college, that could be where he stays.
Potential sleeper
Speaking of Trost, no one should be surprised if he ends up playing meaningful snaps this season. In addition to Jackson’s uncertain situation off the field, Avila and Dotson both dealt with injuries last year. Trost is a viable candidate to replace anyone but Shelton if there’s an injury, so his value is high already.
It’s unlikely that he’ll beat out McClendon at right tackle but the Rams are a meritocracy where the best players play.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams training camp preview: One big question for offensive line
Reporting by Cameron DaSilva, Rams Wire / Rams Wire
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By Cameron DaSilva, Rams Wire | USA TODAY Network
