Brandon Thorn ranks every starting offensive lineman in the league

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Not sure I can agree with the assessments of our guys. But ranking McClendon as backup/developmental guy reinforces my thought that he should be extended earlier. Right now he's not viewed as a solid right tackle. I'm pretty sure he's gonna ascend this year. Which will make him more expensive if they wait till after the season. Extend him now and it will be cheaper than later.

Out interior is graded pretty good. Tackles not so much. No one can have 5 all pros. But if you have 5 guys who are capable and have good chemistry you will have a good offensive line.
 
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snackdaddy said:
Out interior is graded pretty good. Tackles not so much. No one can have 5 all pros. But if you have 5 guys who are capable and have good chemistry you will have a good offensive line.
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Both tackles are supported quite a bit by what the guards can do next to them, chipping, pocket movement, basically our offensive system, the play-action and Stafford's quick release (Thorn says as much about the last two in his write ups) so I understand that they're not that great.
 
That is a HORRIBLY INEPT List.

Apparently, just the other day, Atlanta gave a contract that averages $24M-per-year (4 years / $96M) to the 27th best Left Guard in the NFL.
 
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Lists like these always seem like they've been assembled by people who couldn't name more than a handful of linesmen and who don't really understand how playing on the o-line works.
 
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I’m cool with being Underdogs with a chip on our shoulder before the season. Followed by Accolades and awards after this season.
 
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WestCoastRam said:
Both tackles are supported quite a bit by what the guards can do next to them, chipping, pocket movement, basically our offensive system, the play-action and Stafford's quick release (Thorn says as much about the last two in his write ups) so I understand that they're not that great.
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The guards don't help the Rams' OTs much in pass protection; and the Rams rarely keep TEs in to block.

Jackson has been excellent in pass pro the past two seasons; and McClendon (who still has much to prove) was excellent during the regular season.

Based on 2025 performance, Jackson and McClendon are both ranked far too low in my opinion.
 
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Allen2McVay said:
The guards don't help the Rams' OTs much in pass protection; and the Rams rarely keep TEs in to block.

Jackson has been excellent in pass pro the past two seasons; and McClendon (who still has much to prove) was excellent during the regular season.

Based on 2025 performance, Jackson and McClendon are both ranked far too low in my opinion.
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A lot of modern NFL offense don't keep TE's in that much to block but like the Rams use TE's, RBs and WRs to chip on the way out into pattern (Rams tend to use WRs more than others due to condensed formations).

The Rams guards help the tackles a good amount with bracket blocks, combo blocks on PA, cheating for inside moves on elite edges so the tackles can set with more width, and superior pass off with stunts.

The scheme helps out Jackson and Warren a good bit.

And Dotson, Avila and even Shelton are a big reason why.
 
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