The Los Angeles Rams have taken a few big hits to their offensive line recently, losing Brian Allen for the season and Rob Havenstein for at least one week, but possibly more. There will be a lot of shuffling up front, which already began on Sunday.
As it stands right now, Austin Blythe will move from guard to center, while Austin Corbett will likely take over at left guard. David Edwards should remain at right guard with Bobby Evans taking over for Havenstein. No matter how it shakes out, the Rams are in trouble.
Sean McVay said the Rams will look at free agents this week, so here are seven potential options for Los Angeles.
C John Sullivan
A familiar face for the Rams, Sullivan should at least be in consideration. The team moved on from him this offseason by declining his 2019 option, which was an understandable move after he struggled last season.
However, his veteran leadership would at least bring some stability to the line, and he’s obviously familiar with the blocking scheme.
C Russell Bodine
The Patriots traded a sixth-round pick to the Bills for Bodine back in August, but he only lasted a week. It was surprising that New England moved on from him so quickly, but clearly Bill Belichick saw potential in the 27-year-old center.
He was below average for the Bills last season, posting a PFF grade of 61.6, but he didn’t allow a single sack in 588 snaps and he only surrendered one in 2017.
OT Ryan Schraeder
Schraeder’s play fell off a cliff last year, which is why the Falcons moved on from him. He allowed seven sacks last season, but in 2017, he gave up just three and had a PFF grade of 72.0.
The Rams badly need help at right tackle with Bobby Evans being their best option at the moment, and it’s hard to imagine Schraeder couldn’t play better than the rookie who looked out of his element in the preseason.
OG Joshua Garnett
Garnett is a former first-round bust of the 49ers. Injuries have plagued his career, as has poor play, but he’s capable in pass protection. Though not the best run blocker, Garnett could at least provide some depth and competition at guard.
He’s worth considering as a cheap free-agent addition, getting him in the building with Aaron Kromer.
C Brandon Fusco
Fusco started seven games for the Falcons last year before suffering a season-ending ankle injury. He was waived with an injury designation this offseason, but if he’s healthy, he would likely be an upgrade over Blythe at center.
He’s been an average starter for the past few years, which would be better than what the Rams were getting from Allen.
OT Jeremy Parnell
Parnell has a lot of starting experience in the NFL, making 57 starts in the last four years alone. He struggled last year in Jacksonville, but the year prior, he had a PFF grade of 69.6 and didn’t allow a single sack.
The Rams lack experience up front, especially with Bobby Evans likely stepping in at right tackle, so Parnell would at least bring a proven commodity to the bunch.
OG Jonathan Cooper
Cooper signed with the Raiders this offseason after missing most of the 2018 season with a torn bicep, but he was released just after the season started. He wasn’t good in the four games he started for Arizona last year, but he played well for the Cowboys in 2017, allowing just two sacks in 13 starts.
As a run blocker, Cooper is fairly good, but he struggles in pass protection – which may not be a good recipe for the Rams.
