Is a true offensive tackle the Rams’ best upgrade?

Do the Rams need a true offensive tackle?

The Los Angeles Rams face a clear question this offseason because their line looks thin at tackle. A true offensive tackle matters in both pass protection and run blocking, and here we ask whether the Rams should invest in one. In scouting terms a true offensive tackle usually combines size, mirror footwork, and length. Crucially, scouts use a 34 inch arm length threshold as a quick filter for tackle viability, because longer arms improve reach and anchor against speed rushers.

What defines a true offensive tackle in practice is more than a tape label. First, he must have enough arm length to control edge rushers. Second, he needs NFL level lateral quickness and hand placement. Third, he should show consistent play strength and situational awareness. Moreover, the 34 inch arm length threshold matters because it gives blockers a mechanical edge. As a result, teams value prospects who clear that mark on measurables and film.

For context the Rams currently list Alaric Jackson and Warren McClendon as starting tackles. Their primary backups are veteran David Quessenberry and AJ Arcuri. Notably, Rob Havenstein and Alaric Jackson measured 33 7 8 inches in arm length, which sits just under the conventional threshold. Given that depth and those measurements, the roster raises a real question about long term tackle security.

In this piece we will scout draft fits and trade options, weigh arm length against technique, and recommend pragmatic paths forward. Therefore expect a mix of film notes, combine metrics, and opinionated evaluation that fans and decision makers can use.

true offensive tackle: how the Rams stack up at tackle

The Rams list Alaric Jackson and Warren McClendon as their starting tackles. Behind them the depth chart names David Quessenberry and AJ Arcuri as backups. That quartet sets the roster context heading into offseason work. However the underlying measurables complicate the picture.

Rob Havenstein and Alaric Jackson measured 33 7/8 inches in arm length. Therefore both sit just below the commonly used 34 inch arm length threshold for a true offensive tackle. Because length matters at the line, that shortfall deserves attention. Longer arms help keep speed rushers at the chest. They also allow tackles to strike earlier and recover against counters.

Technique and scheme can offset a lack of length. For example, mirror footwork, quick hands, and leverage mitigate short arms. However those traits require consistent coaching and high-level processing ability. The Rams will need both to extract top performance from Jackson and McClendon. Moreover backups matter. Quessenberry is a veteran retread with starting experience. Arcuri remains a developmental depth piece. As a result the team lacks a proven long-armed swing tackle ready to start.

This thin depth increases risk on gamedays. If an injury occurs, the Rams might face a starter who falls short of the ideal 34 inch arm mark. That could lead to increased pressures and negative pass rush win rates. Conversely, the Rams can lean into technique and scheme to limit those weaknesses. Still, relying solely on coaching is an imperfect hedge.

Given the measurements and depth, adding a true offensive tackle would reduce risk. The roster currently mixes competent players and developmental projects, but not an obvious long-armed bookend. “The Rams have flexibility in the 2026 NFL Draft, but one mistake could derail their Super Bowl window.” That reality pushes for assurance at tackle, whether via draft capital or a low-cost trade.

Practical takeaways

• Starters: Alaric Jackson, Warren McClendon
• Backups: David Quessenberry, AJ Arcuri
• Key measurable: Jackson and Havenstein at 33 7/8″ arms, under the 34″ threshold
• Impact: shorter arms raise matchup risk versus elite edge speed, especially on island reps
• Conclusion: The Rams can mask some issues with scheme and coaching, but they should still pursue a long-armed tackle to minimize risk and protect their Super Bowl window

Relevant Rams pieces for roster context:

• Can Caleb Lomu Solve Rams’ Right Tackle Need?
• Rams biggest needs after first wave of free agency—now?
• Los Angeles Rams 2026 free agency roster changes explained?

true offensive tackle scouting breakdown

Monroe Freeling — Georgia

Monroe Freeling is the most polished long-armed prospect. He measures 6 foot 7 and 315 pounds, with 34 3/4 inch arms. Moreover he posted a 9.99 Relative Athletic Score, which signals elite athleticism for his size. Therefore Freeling projects as an immediate starter. He fits the Rams in pass protection and zone run schemes because he combines length with mirror quickness. In short, he is a true offensive tackle who can anchor the edge and finish blocks in space.

Blake Miller — Clemson

Blake Miller offers prototype size at 6 foot 7 and 317 pounds. His arm length sits at 34 1/4 inches, so he clears the 34 inch mark. However his hand size measures smaller at 9 3/4 inches, which scouts watch on contact control. Miller fits teams needing a Day 1 or early Day 2 swing with starter upside. For the Rams, he would bring length and developmental polish to shore up the right or left side.

JC Davis — Illinois

JC Davis checks in at 6 foot 4 and 322 pounds with 34 1/4 inch arms. Although shorter in height he clears the arm length threshold. As a result he projects as a versatile swing tackle and interior option. Davis can play tackle in obvious pass sets and slide inside on heavy run downs. That versatility suits a Rams roster that values multi position linemen.

Demetrius Crownover and Aamil Wagner

Demetrius Crownover stands out for rare length at 35 3/8 inch arms. He offers a clear matchup advantage against speed rushers. Conversely Aamil Wagner measures 34 1/2 inch arms and plays with good hand strength. Both project as developmental picks with late round value. The Rams could add either as high upside depth with starter traits on tape.

Markel Bell, Travis Burke, Micah Pettus

Markel Bell brings massive size and 36 3/8 inch arms, but he needs polishing. Travis Burke and Micah Pettus both measure 34 1/4 inch arms and offer projectable traits. Therefore each could develop into long term starters after coaching. They fit a Rams plan that seeks cheap, moldable pieces.

Scouting context and analyst perspective

Scouts frequently flag arm length and RAS when grading tackles. Analysts such as Todd McShay and Brian Baldinger emphasize length for edge control. Likewise Ian Cummings and Omar Cooper note athletic scores and technique. In practice the Rams must weigh measurables versus film. The best-case path is landing a high RAS, long-armed tackle like Freeling. Otherwise the team should target Day 2 talents who clear the 34 inch arm threshold.

Practical fit for the Rams

• Priority one: secure a long-armed starter or swing who can win on island reps
• Priority two: draft a developmental tackle with starter traits and length
• Priority three: retain coaching emphasis on technique to mask shorter arms

Overall, the 34 inch arm rule remains a useful filter. Still, film and athleticism complete the picture when choosing a true offensive tackle.

The Rams’ tackle picture balances competence and risk. Alaric Jackson and Warren McClendon provide starting experience, yet both fall short of the conventional 34 inch arm threshold. Because of that measurable gap, the front office must weigh whether to prioritize a true offensive tackle in the draft or on the trade market. In short, adding a long-armed starter or high-upside swing tackle would reduce matchup risk against elite edge rushers.

Monroe Freeling stands alone as the clear long-armed blue chip. With 34 3/4 inch arms and a 9.99 Relative Athletic Score, he represents an immediate upgrade in both pass protection and zone run fit. Blake Miller and JC Davis offer Day 1 and Day 2 upside. Meanwhile Demetrius Crownover, Aamil Wagner, Markel Bell, Travis Burke, and Micah Pettus present developmental traits and exceptional length in places. Therefore the Rams can find a fit at multiple draft price points.

Given roster depth and scheme flexibility, the team could mask shorter arms with technique and coaching. However the simplest way to protect the Super Bowl window is to secure measurable length. For more Rams roster analysis and draft coverage, see Rams News LLC and follow @ZachGatsby on Twitter. Looking ahead the Rams retain draft flexibility, and the choice at tackle will matter to their championship timeline.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)