The Los Angeles Rams’ offensive line in 2018 is a talented unit. It possesses a good mix of experience, veteran wisdom, youthful talent and the ability to keep a quarterback upright while helping a running back reach more than 1,000 yards.
Last season, the Rams were luckily to have good health at the line. It’s no guarantee the luck will continue this season. Should the luck run out, the Rams will need depth players to prove their worth.
RT Darrell Williams, however, will not need to be one of those players.
Williams has been with the team since 2015, when he was signed as an UDFA. His 2015 ended late in the season with an IR placement, followed by another IR placement the following September. In 2017, he played special teams and made one start at LT in the season finale against the San Francisco 49ers.
Roster Battle
As of now, there are five tackles on the team. Behind LT Andrew Whitworth and RT Rob Havenstein, OT Cornelius Lucas (roster preview) will battle Williams for the veteran backup role. But many fans’ eyes will be on rookie OT Joseph Noteboom, the 89th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft and the headliner from the Rams’ most recent draft class. The Rams have not kept more than four tackles on the roster in the past.
Expectations
Williams is a depth guy. That’s about all there is to say. His start at LT against the 49ers was not all that impressive. He played LT all through his college years at South Florida and was a starter the final two seasons, so I was expecting a bit more.
Expectations of making the final roster (1/10)
Williams is likely the odd man out among the tackles. Lucas had a much better showing than Williams in the Week 17 game. Williams looked timid when hitting his assignments in the running game, and was not a great pass-protector.