The Los Angeles Rams have a lot of stars on the roster in 2025. Matthew Stafford is the kingpin of the offense with Puka Nacua, Kyren Williams and Davante Adams, while second-year edge rusher Jared Verse leads the defense alongside Braden Fiske, Kobie Turner and Byron Young.

But there are other important players on this squad. Pro Football Focus’ Max Chadwick and Dalton Wasserman went through each team to find an “X-factor” and, rather than pick an obvious name, actually tabbed Rams’ left guard Steve Avila for the accolade heading into 2025.

“After posting a solid 65.0 PFF pass-blocking grade in 2023, left guard Steve Avila saw his 2024 season marred by an early injury. He also lost valuable preseason reps at guard while going through a temporary trial at center. The Rams will need Avila to greatly improve upon his 50.6 PFF pass-blocking grade from last season in order to protect their aging quarterback.”

The offensive line is an incredibly important element of the Rams in 2025 because of how important it is to keep Stafford upright to operate the offense. Alaric Jackson and Rob Havenstein are good bookends at tackle, while Kevin Dotson is a quality right guard and Coleman Shelton is an experienced center. But Avila is a bit of an unknown after his injury-riddled 2024 campaign and temporary switch to center.

So while other players have important contributing roles to play, Avila’s presence will be a stabilizing force on the offensive line that could dictate how good this unit operates in 2025.

This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: This unheralded Rams starter could an X-factor in 2025