After re-signing Alaric Jackson and bringing back Coleman Shelton, the Los Angeles Rams‘ offensive line appeared set for 2025. With Kevin Dotson, Steve Avila and Rob Havenstein locked in as the other three starters, the Rams were in great shape.
Then the news hit of Jackson’s health scare. He’s currently dealing with blood clots in his leg, the second time since 2022 that he’s battled this ailment. He missed the final nine games of the 2022 season so it’s unclear exactly how long he’ll be out this year, if he misses any regular-season time at all.
His uncertain future left the Rams searching for answers, quickly signing D.J. Humphries to a contract after Jackson’s diagnosis. What looked like one of the best units on the roster now could be without its starting left tackle to open the year.
Roster locks
- Alaric Jackson
- Steve Avila
- Coleman Shelton
- Kevin Dotson
- Rob Havenstein
If healthy, Jackson is clearly a lock to make the team after signing a $57.75 million contract during the offseason. However, he could start the season on the PUP or NFI list, which would cause him to miss at least four games. That would force the Rams to pivot at left tackle.
There are no questions about the other four starters making the team. They’re certain to be Week 1 starters, as long as no one gets injured between now and then. Avila will remain at left guard, Shelton will play center and Dotson and Havenstein will man right guard and tackle, respectively.
Likely to make it
- Beaux Limmer
- D.J. Humphries
- David Quessenberry
Limmer was a starter at center last season and should stick around again in 2025 after playing well in a tough spot as a rookie. He has guard-center flexibility, which only adds to his value as a lineman.
Humphries and Quessenberry are both likely to make the team, too. Quessenberry was signed before the public announcement of Jackson’s status, so it seems the Rams liked him regardless. Humphries was signed immediately after Jackson’s diagnosis was reported, making him an obvious contingency plan.
They’re the best backup tackles the Rams have, regardless of when Jackson gets on the field.
On the bubble
- Justin Dedich
- KT Leveston
- Warren McClendon Jr.
- Dylan McMahon
- A.J. Arcuri
- Wyatt Bowles
- Willie Lampkin
- Ben Dooley
- Trey Wedig
And then there are the players on the bubble. Nine of them in all, any of these nine linemen could wind up making the 53-man roster. Some have a better chance than others, including Leveston, McClendon Jr. and McMahon, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if any of them wound up making the cut.
Leveston, McClendon and Arcuri have the benefit of being former draft picks by the Rams. Dedich earned some playing time last year and McMahon is a former Eagles sixth-round pick who the Rams added last offseason.
Bowles, Lampkin, Dooley and Wedig are undrafted rookies so they have the most work to do.
Position battle to watch
- Humphries vs. Quessenberry
If Jackson is forced to miss the beginning of the season, it could be Humphries and Quessenberry competing for the starting spot at left tackle. That will obviously be an incredibly important position battle because left tackle is one of the most critical spots on the team.
Humphries might have a slight edge just based on his experience but Quessenberry should get every opportunity to win the job, too.
Potential sleeper
- Willie Lampkin
Lampkin was one of the better offensive linemen in the country last season but he has one big thing working against him: his measurables. He’s only 5-foot-10 and 270 pounds, which is tiny for an offensive lineman. He plays with great leverage because he’s so much shorter than other players but his lack of size and length will undoubtedly hurt him in the NFL.
Still, he can’t be counted out if the Rams are looking for depth on the inside.
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This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams training camp: LA’s O-line faces one big question at LT