Turf Show Times
The Rams are already dealing with uncertainty on the offensive line with Alaric Jackson injury
Heading into the offseason, the Los Angeles Rams had a need on the offensive line, specifically at tackle. Rob Havenstein was getting older and on the final year of his contract. He also hadn’t played a full season without injury since 2022. While they re-signed Alaric Jackson to a three-year contract worth $57.75 million, the former undrafted free agent also hadn’t finished a season without injury or missing games in his career.
Now, in the final week of organized team activities and before the team holds mandatory mini-camp in Hawai’i, Jackson has been diagnosed with blood clots. It’s a similar health issue that Jackson dealt with in 2022.
This isn’t to say that the Rams made the wrong decision bringing back Jackson. In the midst of a Super Bowl window, it makes sense that the Rams would want the familiar player at the left tackle position. The contract is also very flexible as the Rams have an out in the deal after 2026.
That part of the equation can be true.
At the same time, given Havenstein’s age and the fact Jackson hasn’t ever played a full season, it’s worth wondering whether the Rams should have done more at the tackle position this offseason.
The Rams have signed DJ Humphries and David Quessenberry as experienced depth options. Still, Humphries isn’t the pro bowl player that he was in 2021. He played 92 snaps for the Kansas City Chiefs last season, allowing 11 pressures in two games. In his final season with the Arizona Cardinals, Humphries was the 44th rated tackle via Pro Football Focus. Meanwhile, David Quessenberry is the same player that the Rams took advantage of in both games against the Minnesota Vikings last season.
Humphries is a good depth signing at this stage of the offseason, but it’s worth noting that Cornelius Lucas signed a two-year, $6.5 million contract in the offseason as a depth tackle. Lucas was one of the best depth tackles in the NFL in 2024. Andre Dillard has shown the ability to spot-start in his career and signed a one-year deal worth $1.2 million with the San Francisco 49ers.
Heading into the draft, some thought the Rams may still go offensive line early even after signing Jackson. A lot of that was due to the uncertain future of Havenstein. Even if they didn’t go offensive line early, it made sense to get a developmental option late despite it being a weaker offensive tackle class.
It’s understandable that head coach Sean McVay wanted to add a receiving tight end to the offense. It’s also worth noting that the Rams drafted a receiving tight end in Davis Allen in the fifth-round in 2023. At 26th overall, both Josh Simmons and Josh Conerly were available.
Had Simmons been healthy throughout the draft process, he likely would have been considered the top tackle in the draft class.
Throughout the entire draft process, Oregon’s...
