The center position was a troublesome spot for the Los Angeles Rams last season, switching between Steve Avila and Jonah Jackson in the summer before eventually rolling with rookie Beaux Limmer to close out the year.

They brought back a familiar face this offseason by signing Coleman Shelton in free agency, reuniting with the lineman who started 32 games for them from 2021-2023. The hope is that he’ll be a more experienced center who can work seamlessly with Matthew Stafford, while also improving the protection on the interior.

With 12 days until players report to camp, Shelton lands at No. 12 on our list of the Rams’ most important players for 2025.

How he got here

Shelton originally joined the Rams in 2019 as a free agent after brief stints with the 49ers and Cardinals. He remained in Los Angeles through 2023 before leaving to sign with the Bears in free agency last offseason.

The Rams signed him to a two-year, $12 million contract this offseason.

2024 stats

17 games (17 starts): 26 pressures allowed, 3 sacks allowed, 68.4 pass-blocking grade, 66.7 run-blocking grade (via PFF)

Projected role

Rams GM Les Snead confirmed at the end of March that Shelton was signed to be the team’s starting center, but he’ll likely still have to earn it in training camp by beating out Limmer. Considering he’s making $6 million per year, the Rams will give him the first chance to start out of the gate.

Assuming he wins the starting job, he’ll play alongside Steve Avila (LG) and Kevin Dotson (RG) on the interior. Shelton was in L.A. in 2023 when Avila and Dotson were both in their first year with the Rams, so he has some familiarity with the two guards he’s expected to start next to.

Why he’s important

The Rams’ final drive against the Eagles in the divisional round came to a screeching halt when Jalen Carter blew up two plays by beating Limmer rather quickly. It disrupted two key plays for the Rams, leading to a stalled drive that could’ve ended with a game-winning touchdown.

This isn’t to say Shelton would’ve blocked Carter but even Snead acknowledged there was room for improvement when it comes to communication and pre-snap adjustments. Shelton’s experience should make the Rams better in those departments, while also potentially being an upgrade in pass protection.

Center is an incredibly important position and the starter has to be in constant communication with the quarterback before the snap. The Rams seem to have missed Shelton’s knowledge and chemistry with Stafford, so his return will be welcome up front.

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This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: LA Rams’ most important players for 2025 – No. 12 C Coleman Shelton