The Rams’ intent on keeping young OT

[Memphis Ram]

The Rams’ intent on keeping young OT​

The prevailing belief outside league circles is that offensive tackle is a position of need for the Los Angeles Rams, who battle the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday in the NFC title game. It’s a narrative I bought into, as I had the team selecting Max Iheanachor in the second round of my recent two-round mock draft.

Yet sources tell me this is untrue and the team is happy with both offensive tackles, including right side blocker Warren McClendon Jr., their fifth-round pick from the 2023 draft. In fact, I’m told the Rams will look to extend McClendon, who will be entering the final year of his rookie contract in 2026, during the offseason. Locking him up in the future is expected to cost the Rams around $20 million annually.

McClendon was a terrific tackle in college for the Georgia Bulldogs, though questions about his size and ability to hold up at right tackle were red flags. After playing just five games as a rookie, then starting five the following season, McClendon started 10 games this year.

The team’s left tackle, 2021 undrafted free agent Alaric Jackson, signed a three-year, $57 million contract with the franchise prior to the start of this season.

Sources: Supplemental Draft in Play for Darian Mensah, Rams to Extend Warren McClendon Jr., Texans Eye OL Help in FA

Legal drama, quiet contract plans, and free-agency whispers are heating up the Shrine Bowl, with insiders buzzing over a quarterback standoff

www.essentiallysports.com

 

[methomas50]

He has played well. The scouting dept has found so many mid to late round gems. One of the best scouting departments in the league IMO. Still I hope they bring in another OT in this 2026 draft.

 

[Allen2McVay]

I hope the comments by author Tony Pauline play out to be true, as McClendon has played very well.

This article is another example that national media and analysts simply do NOT know teams as well as die-hard fans that closely and objectively follow their teams.

 

[OnceARam]

I hope the comments by author Tony Pauline play out to be true, as McClendon has played very well.

This article is another example that national media and analysts simply do NOT know teams as well as die-hard fans that closely and objectively follow their teams.

I am sick and tired of the national media talking about how great Sam Darnold is. Have they watched football??????

 

[TheTackle]

No brainer other than he will be sought after especially after his playoff performances. How about Jackson? How he is not a pro bowler is a joke! That whole process is now laughable. It should be purely coaches deciding, not even players, let alone fans!

 

[OntarioRam]

We still need a tackle even if Jackson and McClendon appear to be good starters going forward.

We have no depth at LT. At all. 1 LT injury and we are screwed. Humphries is not NFL caliber. He won't be back.

At RT, Havenstein is great depth, but will not be around next year, so we have 0 depth there too. That is a really dangerous situation to be in - no backups at either tackle position. No way the Rams keep Havenstein around at that price tag to not start. Plus, with age, he is proving unable to stay healthy. I have doubts he'd be available as RT2 anyway.

Warren is also still somewhat untested, in that although we now have a good sample size with a full year under his belt, it is also not at all uncommon for players to have 1 good year and then struggle to replicate it, particularly as teams get more tape on them.

The emergence of McClendon let's us use our 1st round picks on other positions. But I would love a tackle in round 2 or 3. Particularly one that can kick inside and not miss a beat, like Rodger Saffold. That is invaluable when injuries strike on the o-line. I wouldn't mind a tackle even in round 1 if a cornerstone player, you don't pass up on a player like Orlando Pace, but there won't be any around by the time we pick.

 

[OldSchool]

He's played very well we just need depth.

 

[Ramstien]

More SEC players in this draft, please.

 

[Allen2McVay]

No brainer other than he will be sought after especially after his playoff performances.

The advantage the Rams have with McClendon (and a few others) is that he still has another season on his rookie contract. So he can not hit free agency until 2027.

That 2023 Draft was insane. Five top-tier starters; and only one was selected before pick #76.

The Rams don't HAVE TO move on anyone but I think they will.

Now Nacua, I'm guessing has to get a new (HUGE) contract prior to the start of the 2026 season just because he has been too damn good.

Turner is a possibility. Avila and Young, I am guessing not but hope so.
Allen and Johnson, no. Evans ... a punter!?! ... no idea

 

[PARAM]

What does it mean for Big Rob? I think we all saw this coming when they kept him on IR, even though he was eligible and healthy enough to come off (reportedly). There were 3, then there was 2, back up to 3 and if Big Rob is done, back down to 2 (here prior to McVay).

McQuaide (2011)
Havenstein (2015)
Higs (2016)

I think they could still go OT somewhere in the draft. Alaric has that freaking blood clot issue which has come to the forefront in 2 of the last 3 (or is it 4?) years. Definitely need a viable option for both LT and RT. A great swing guy would be awesome. Know any?

 

[Allen2McVay]

What does it mean for Big Rob? I think we all saw this coming when they kept him on IR, even though he was eligible and healthy enough to come off (reportedly). There were 3, then there was 2, back up to 3 and if Big Rob is done, back down to 2 (here prior to McVay).

McQuaide (2011)
Havenstein (2015)
Higs (2016)

As with Havenstein, both Higbee and McQuaide are free agents.

 

[snackdaddy]

McClendon is going nowhere. He's the right tackle of the future. With him and Jackson we have a nice pair of bookend tackles. With Dotson, Shelton and Avila the interior is in good shape too for next year. Its a solid offensive line. What we will need is quality depth.

 

[OldSchool]

As with Havenstein, both Higbee and McQuaide are free agents.

And could all retire, aside from McQuaide there's a lot of recent injuries there.

 

[rdlkgliders]

How about Jackson? How he is not a pro bowler is a joke!

A lot of great Tackles in the NFC
Mailata, Wirfs, Sewell, Williams,Tom

 

[Ram Ts]

No need to spend a 1st on an OT this draft. But we need to pick one as depth somewhere in rounds 2-3 (maybe 4 if we drop back).

 

[majrleaged]

The advantage the Rams have with McClendon (and a few others) is that he still has another season on his rookie contract. So he can not hit free agency until 2027.

That 2023 Draft was insane. Five top-tier starters; and only one was selected before pick #76.

The Rams don't HAVE TO move on anyone but I think they will.

Now Nacua, I'm guessing has to get a new (HUGE) contract prior to the start of the 2026 season just because he has been too damn good.

Turner is a possibility. Avila and Young, I am guessing not but hope so.
Allen and Johnson, no. Evans ... a punter!?! ... no idea

The rams don't have to make a move on McClendon, but they can get him for a lot less than 20 mil by signing him to an extension this off season. I think the same goes for any of these guys they have decided are key. They won't need to hit top dollar on any of those guys if they lock them up this off season. If they haven't made up their minds on these guys that is different. I think they have seen enough though. So like I have said before, non are top of the league elite, but fit the team and should be had for reasonable dollars.

Puka though will break the bank and it won't get any better if they wait a year. Of course there is the injury threat that always exists, but it has to be done.

 

[den-the-coach]

And could all retire, aside from McQuaide there's a lot of recent injuries there.

Long Snappers in the NFL seem to last a long time. The average age of the top ones are about 36-38 years of age. Warren McClendon's light came on this year, DeMarco Farr made reference to it early in a podcast stating that McClendon now carries himself like a starter. I was pleased with his selection and there were some growing pains, but he has been special at the right time.

 

[Psycho_X]

I'd say McClendon is by far the biggest surprise for me this season. Took huge steps this season because he was not good in his previous years. Big guy put the work in and I hope the Rams sign him long term. But as others have said we still need to draft a tackle or two for depth and possibly as successors in a few years if health issues or free agency causes us to lose Alaric.

 

[PhillyRam]

We still need a tackle even if Jackson and McClendon appear to be good starters going forward.

We have no depth at LT. At all. 1 LT injury and we are screwed. Humphries is not NFL caliber. He won't be back.

At RT, Havenstein is great depth, but will not be around next year, so we have 0 depth there too. That is a really dangerous situation to be in - no backups at either tackle position. No way the Rams keep Havenstein around at that price tag to not start. Plus, with age, he is proving unable to stay healthy. I have doubts he'd be available as RT2 anyway.

Warren is also still somewhat untested, in that although we now have a good sample size with a full year under his belt, it is also not at all uncommon for players to have 1 good year and then struggle to replicate it, particularly as teams get more tape on them.

The emergence of McClendon let's us use our 1st round picks on other positions. But I would love a tackle in round 2 or 3. Particularly one that can kick inside and not miss a beat, like Rodger Saffold. That is invaluable when injuries strike on the o-line. I wouldn't mind a tackle even in round 1 if a cornerstone player, you don't pass up on a player like Orlando Pace, but there won't be any around by the time we pick.

Yeah, I am thinking that pick around 93ish, at end of rd 3, will be an OT. There is depth at that position in the draft.

I am hoping the first 3 picks, maybe 4, if they add one on a trade down or a comp pick for Scheelhaase, will be WR, CB, DT (325 lb type) Then maybe another CB or S, depending if either Curl or Durrant is re-signed.

Wild cards would be QB Simpson, a top edge that drops, or maybe the TE Sadiq might be tough to pass up. Also Styles, the off the ball LB would be tempting.

Then for picks 160ish and beyond beef up the depth at OL, Edge/DL, S, LB, WR.

 

[OnceARam]

We are all so hard up for this damn game to start we are literally talking about our lack of backup tackles and waxing poetic on how much we miss Saffold.

Would someone please provide a list of mid to late round OT selections that are capable of playing on the interior, before I hear another expert sports announcer talk about how good Sam Darnold smells...