The Los Angeles Rams find themselves in a delicate situation with their offensive tackle depth, and the need to address this issue sooner rather than later is becoming increasingly apparent. The team's success in the upcoming season hinges on their ability to make strategic moves, and the recent legal troubles surrounding Alaric Jackson have thrown a wrench in their plans. While the Rams may not need Taylor Lewan to start at left tackle in Week 1, the potential suspension of Jackson has created a sense of urgency that cannot be ignored.
Personally, I think the Rams should not treat this as a problem for August. The uncertainty surrounding Jackson's availability entering the season is a significant concern, and the team cannot afford to gamble with their Super Bowl aspirations. The Rams have consistently shown a willingness to make aggressive moves when the roster is close, and offensive line depth should be treated with the same urgency. If Jackson avoids suspension, the acquisition of Lewan still makes sense, as it provides a stable roster structure with options at both left and right tackle.
What makes this situation particularly fascinating is the potential for Lewan to step in and provide a reliable backup plan. Jackson's experience moving around the line could be an asset, and the team's depth at tackle is strengthened by the addition of Lewan. This allows Warren McClendon Jr. to take on a swing tackle role, which may be his best fit. The Rams learned in 2022, 2024, and 2025 that offensive line depth can completely alter a season's trajectory, and this is a lesson they cannot afford to forget.
From my perspective, the Rams need to act sooner rather than later. The team cannot afford to gamble with their Super Bowl-caliber season on the need for a long-term blindside protector like AJ Arcuri. Arcuri has limited NFL game experience, and asking him to step up in a crucial role is a risky move. The Rams may not have the luxury of waiting, as other tackle-needy teams around the league could explore veteran options over the summer if injuries occur or competitions fail. Waiting could shrink the market, and the Rams cannot afford to be caught off guard.
One thing that immediately stands out is the importance of addressing this issue before training camp. The Rams cannot allow themselves to enter the season with hope as their contingency plan. If they believe Lewan still has football left, acting sooner rather than later may be the difference between adding a premium insurance policy and entering the season with a sense of uncertainty. The Rams have the opportunity to strengthen their roster and provide a stable offensive line, but they must act quickly to ensure their success in the upcoming season.
