If you’ve been paying any attention to the Los Angeles Rams in the last few days, you’ve probably heard that they didn’t take a single offensive lineman in the 2021 NFL draft. Shocking, isn’t it?
It’s not as if Les Snead and Sean McVay were ignorant to the fact that the Rams lost Austin Blythe in free agency, or that Andrew Whitworth could retire after this season. They simply didn’t have the right players fall to them and they weren’t going to reach for a position that already has great depth on the roster.
There’s one overlooked aspect to the entire equation that Snead and McVay are both privy to: Chandler Brewer’s return after opting out of the 2020 season. Brewer isn’t a big name and has only played a total of 17 offensive snaps in his career, but he could factor into the offensive line competition this summer.
McVay even referred to Brewer as the Rams’ draft pick this year, almost treating him as a bonus player thanks to his return in 2021.
“Chandler Brewer was our draft pick this year opting back in. A guy that we have a lot of excitement about that can play inside and outside,” McVay said. “Chandler Brewer was the guy we added to the mix that wasn’t with us last year. There you go.”
It was partly McVay trying to appease reporters and fans who are asking why the team didn’t take a lineman, but there’s also some truth to it. The Rams like Brewer’s versatility as a tackle and guard since joining the team in 2019 as an undrafted free agent.
Back in March, Snead discussed overlooked players who the Rams really like moving forward – guys such as Xavier Jones, Tremayne Anchrum and J.R. Reed – and Brewer was one of them.
“Chandler Brewer, back from an opt-out, who actually played well in our San Francisco game way back in ’19 when we went up there,” Snead said. “It was a heavyweight fight, he played well.”
Brewer is 6-foot-6 and 320 pounds with good length and size to play either tackle or guard. He shouldn’t be expected to start at any of the five spots, but he at least provides depth at multiple positions.
Don’t be surprised if he makes the 53-man roster.
