Turf Show Times
This season, the Los Angeles Rams have made it clear that they value a high floor over a high ceiling. It’s why they approached the cornerback position in the way that they did. It’s also why they brought back Coleman Shelton and opted to play him over Beaux Limmer. This approach may also explain why rookies such as Terrance Ferguson and Jarquez Hunter haven’t played as much as some would like.
At some point, the Rams may need to take the risk of playing a younger player and side with the higher ceiling. As I wrote last week,
‘With so much on the line in the NFL, it makes sense that a coaching staff would want younger players to prove themselves before giving them opportunities. Still, over the last two seasons, the Rams have been a beneficiary of younger players outperforming expectations and proving themselves on the field on Sundays. However, in raising the floor, the Rams also lowered their ceiling in some ways. While young players can bring inconsistency, that variation in outcomes may also be what the Rams need to take the next step.“
Opting for experience and a high floor has been a consistent theme for the Rams in 2025 and it is likely the way they will continue to approach the season. However, if the Rams are going to hit their ceiling, they may need to make some difficult decisions. One of those decisions comes at right tackle.
Over the past two weeks, Warren McClendon has been the team’s starting right tackle as Rob Havenstein manages an injury. With Havenstein in the final year of his contract and McClendon in year three, there has been some speculation on whether or not he is the replacement at right tackle. McClendon has never gotten a consistent run of games at the position, filling in as a spot starter. At the same time, the Rams also haven’t drafted anybody else despite plenty of opportunities to do so.
At the very least, the Rams have gotten a strong look at McClendon over the past two weeks. Still, it’s worth asking the question of whether or not Havenstein should take the starting right tackle spot back when he returns. Pro Football Focus should not be taken as gospel by any means. With that said, PFF and the eye test would suggest that Havenstein has dropped a level this season.
This season, Havenstein has allowed 16 pressures on 154 pass-blocking opportunities. That’s one pressure once every 9.63 snaps. That’s by far the worst in his career as is his 94.1 pass-blocking efficiency. Throughout his career, Havenstein has consistently been good in the run game. His 58.1 run-blocking grade is his worst since 2019.
There’s no questioning that Havenstein has been a stable presence for the Rams at right tackle over the past decade. However, it’s worth wondering if he is still the best option. A few things can be true over the last two weeks. McClendon has played well on the...
