As important as it is for the Rams to address their needs on defense with Cory Littleton and Dante Fowler Jr. hitting free agency, the offensive line might be their biggest hole. It will worsen if Andrew Whitworth retires or leaves in free agency, too, forcing the Rams to find a replacement.
That’s easier said than done, given the importance (and cost) of the left tackle position. They have time to sort it all out, but cap space and draft capital aren’t on their side.
Here are all of the Rams’ top options at left tackle in 2020.
Re-sign Andrew Whitworth
This is probably the top option for the Rams. While he is 38 years old, his play hasn’t declined enough for the Rams to be steadfast on letting him walk. He had the second-best pass block win rate of any offensive tackle last season and only allowed one sack all year on 1,097 snaps played. Whitworth did commit 14 penalties, but he can clean up that part of his game in 2020.
The biggest question with re-signing Whitworth is the cost. He was making $11.25 million per year on his previous contract with the Rams, but being 38, he’d probably have to take less next season. If Los Angeles can keep him for $9 million for one season, it’d be a wise decision.
Start Joseph Noteboom
This has seemed like the Rams’ plan all along. He’s gotten work at left tackle in practice and played there in college at TCU, so it shouldn’t be too steep of a transition. Unfortunately, his NFL experience is limited after only starting six games in his career.
Moving Noteboom to left tackle would have a ripple effect on the rest of the line. The Rams would need a new starter at left guard, which could be David Edwards. Austin Corbett could also fill in there, just as he did last season. If Edwards moves to left guard, the Rams would then need a new right guard.
This would be one of the cheapest options, but one that comes with far more risk than keeping Whitworth.
Move Bobby Evans or Rob Havenstein to LT
Evans played left tackle at Oklahoma and held his own at right tackle in place of Havenstein last season. He has the requisite length and movement skills to play left tackle, but he still has some developing to do before he can be trusted to play there full-time.
Another option comes with the combination of Havenstein and Evans at tackle, but with Havenstein on the left side and Evans staying on the right. This would be a big risk-reward scenario because if Havenstein succeeded at left tackle, his $8.125 million salary would be cheap relative to other players at his position. However, if he fails at his new position, the Rams might have a mess at left and right tackle.
Draft a rookie
This would be a much more viable option if the Rams had a first-round pick in 2020, but they don’t. Thus, they’ll have to wait until the 52nd overall pick to make their first selection. Finding a Day 1 starter in the second or third round will be extremely difficult for the Rams to do, making this one of the worst options for Los Angeles to explore.
Auburn’s Prince Tega Wanogho, Houston’s Josh Jones and USC’s Austin Jackson could all be options for the Rams, but expecting any of them to come in and start right away would be bold. They’ll need time to develop into quality starters, as most rookies do.
Trade for Trent Williams
Williams clearly isn’t happy in Washington and although the Redskins were reluctant to trade him last season, they could be open to a move this offseason. He has one year left on his deal worth $12.5 million in base salary, which the Redskins can rid themselves of by trading Williams to another team.
Williams is one of the best left tackles in the league when healthy and while an experienced veteran, he’s only going to be 32 in July. It’d be hard for the Rams to afford him long-term, but he could be a multi-year option for them if they can create enough cap space down the line.
Acquiring him shouldn’t cost more than a second-round pick for Los Angeles, either, since he only has one year left on his deal.
Sign a free agent
If Whitworth doesn’t come back and the Rams aren’t confident in any of the players currently on their roster, free agency is an option. Anthony Castonzo will be a top target if he doesn’t retire, while D.J. Humphries is a younger player (26) who should get plenty of looks in free agency.
Humphries would be a downgrade from Whitworth, but he’d also be a cheaper and younger replacement. Perhaps Aaron Kromer could help him develop into a great left tackle, but the Rams shouldn’t bank on that happening.
