The Los Angeles Rams’ offensive line was much improved in 2017, and the Rams are counting on that high-level performance to continue in 2018.
Unfortunately for Rams fans, this will almost certainly be the last year the Rams will be able to field this particular starting offensive line. After 2018, the Rams can move on from LT Andrew Whitworth if they so choose with little cap ramifications. In addition to that, LG Rodger Saffold, RG Jamon Brown and RT Rob Havenstein are all slated to be unrestricted free agents.
With the Rams looking at another overhaul of the offensive line, what can we expect from big #79?
Roster Battle
Nonexistent. Havenstein is going to be the starting RT from day one in camp.
Expectations
This is where things get a bit hairy for Hav. He has battled consistency issues in pass protection at times. He has shown flashes of being a dominant RT, but he has also gotten beaten badly on more than one occasion as well.
He is going to get paid next offseason, but the size of that contract largely depends on how consistent he can be throughout 2018. If he can continue to develop, the Rams are going to have a hard time retaining his services beyond the coming NFL campaign unless they’re going to be the ones forking over the dough.
Chances of Making Roster (10/10)
He’s a lock. If the Rams feel he has moved past the concerns listed above, they would be smart to extend him sooner as opposed to after the season.