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After a successful 2023 season running the ball, the Los Angeles Rams decided to bolster interior of the offensive line.
The first domino was when the Rams agreed to terms with Kevin Dotson on a three-year deal that kept him with the team. However, Los Angeles then outdid themselves when they signed former Detroit Lions guard Jonah Jackson to a three-year deal to give them more experience and talent inside.
Jackson’s arrival means that Steve Avila will move to center, though he has experience at the position as he played there while at TCU. With Dotson, Jackson and Avila starting, the Rams have arguably one of the best offensive lines in the league.
Dotson hasn’t had much time to get to know Jackson but believes he and Avila will work out just fine. “I haven’t really gotten to meet Jonah, but I know of him and how good he is,” Dotson said. “I know this is just adding to the offensive line and I feel like Steve will be able to adapt and get to learn the position.”
Dotson also explained how crucial it is for L.A. to have continuity along the offensive line. “Man, the more that you can have the same people, the better and more confidence we play with, the more belief in the person next to you, so it’s always good to have that same group or at least close to that same group so we can all have that mindset even more than we did the year prior. At offensive line, it’s one of the best things to have, that kind of continuity.”
Aside from the interior, the Alaric Jackson and Rob Havenstein are expected to resume their roles as the starting left and right tackles for the Rams, respectively. Head coach Sean McVay leaned into the physicality and strength of his offensive line last season, and it looks like that will continue for the 2024 season.
Keeping the offensive line together should also give Matthew Stafford more comfort knowing he’s got solid pass protection up front. All in all, the Rams have got the pieces in the trenches to make some serious noise later this year.
Sean McVay explains rationale for Rams signing Jonah Jackson and moving Steve Avila to center
McVay revealed that the Rams’ plan was to originally keep Avila at left guard, but after they re-signed Dotson and brought in Jackson it made the most sense for the offensive line.
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