Andrew Whitworth gave the Los Angeles Rams a boost this offseason by putting off retirement for another year and returning for the 2019 season. He brings stability and Pro Bowl play at left tackle, but he’ll be missing the guy who’s lined up next to him the last two years.
Rodger Saffold left in free agency to sign with the Titans, while John Sullivan had his option declined for 2019, making him a free agent. Those two departures signal a changing of the guard on the Rams’ offensive line with at least two new starters expected in the lineup come Week 1.
Joseph Noteboom and Brian Allen are the front-runners to start at left guard and center, respectively, but don’t forget about Jamil Demby. He’s been overlooked in this O-line shakeup after the Rams added David Edwards and Bobby Evans in the draft.
Demby was drafted by the Rams in the sixth round a year ago, but he was surprisingly waived before the season started. The Lions quickly scooped him up and stashed him on their practice squad, but Los Angeles poached him in December, signing him to the active roster.
Demby provides excellent versatility up front, displaying the ability to play guard and tackle, including left tackle. In practice this week, he appeared to be the first guy behind Andrew Whitworth, filling in at left tackle with the rest of the perceived first-team offense.
This can be viewed as a vote of confidence for Demby as Whitworth’s potential backup, or a sign that the team really likes Joseph Noteboom at left guard – more so than it does Demby. Regardless, it’s a good sign that Demby is getting work at left tackle in addition to playing guard. He played left tackle in college, so it’s not as if the position is foreign to him.
He still has a lot to overcome in order to be a starter at any spot on the offensive line, but Demby shouldn’t be forgotten. He should have a leg up on Edwards and Evans, despite their higher draft pedigree. Demby has a chance to play any position but center on the offensive line and a strong training camp will go a long way toward him emerging as an option.
