What is the true offensive tackle Rams draft priority?

Does the Los Angeles Rams need a true offensive tackle Rams draft priority this spring? The question matters because pass rushers exploit short arms. Los Angeles currently starts Alaric Jackson at left tackle and Warren McClendon at right tackle. Jackson measured 33 7/8 inches of arm length, while McClendon brings a similar size and length profile. Backups David Quessenberry and AJ Arcuri offer depth, but neither fits the long armed prototype.

Therefore, the Rams face a simple scouting question. Should they draft a tackle with 34 inches or more of arm length because that threshold defines a true tackle? This article will analyze prospects, combine measurables, and value by round to answer that question. We will examine long armed prospects like Monroe Freeling and Demetrius Crownover. Freeling measured 34 3/4 inches and posted an elite 9.99 Relative Athletic Score at the Combine. Crownover checked in at 35 3/8 inches, making him an intriguing later round target. Ultimately, the piece weighs the risk and reward of drafting a prototype tackle early.

Why the 34 inch cutoff matters

The phrase true offensive tackle Rams draft centers on one simple measurable. Teams use a 34 inch arm-length threshold to separate prototype tackles from swing linemen. Because edge rushers gain leverage with length, tackles with longer arms can control rushers earlier and widen passing lanes. Therefore, the 34 inch cutoff remains a key scouting filter.

Let’s meet the long-armed group.

Who clears the arm-length threshold

Below are prospects who meet or exceed the 34 inch benchmark. I list their reported measurables, rough draft grade, and notable athletic notes.

• Monroe Freeling 34 3/4 inches; 6 foot 7; 315 pounds; elite 9.99 Relative Athletic Score; early first round, Top 10 potential. “Quietly climbed draft boards and is now considered by many to be OT#1.”
• Demetrius Crownover 35 3/8 inches; 6 foot 7; 319 pounds; mid to late round value, excellent length and upside.
• Markel Bell 36 3/8 inches; 6 foot 9; 346 pounds; towering prototype, later round developmental profile.
• Aamil Wagner 34 1/2 inches; 6 foot 6; 306 pounds; round 5 to 6 value, strong tape vs power rushers.
• Blake Miller 34 1/4 inches; 6 foot 7; 317 pounds; projected round 2, looks like a plug and play tackle.
• JC Davis 34 1/4 inches; 6 foot 4; 322 pounds; swing tackle/guard profile, mid rounds but versatile.
• Travis Burke 34 1/4 inches; 6 foot 9; 325 pounds; sleeper with rare length for later rounds.
• Micah Pettus 34 1/4 inches; 6 foot 7; 346 pounds; developmental late round target.

Context and draft implications

Notably, Rob Havenstein and Alaric Jackson measured 33 7/8 inches. Meanwhile Warren McClendon shares a similar length profile. As a result, the Rams currently start tackles slightly under the prototype ceiling. That fact raises the question of whether the team should target a “true offensive tackle Rams draft” priority in 2026.

Scouts love bust risk mitigation, so they also weigh athletic testing. For example, Freeling’s 9.99 RAS boosts his floor and justifies an early pick. For more context on combine measures and the Relative Athletic Score, see NFL resources at NFL.com and the Relative Athletic Score overview at Wikipedia.

Where value sits by round

• Early first round: Freeling and other five-star graded tackles.
• Round 2: Blake Miller and similar profiles.
• Rounds 4 to 6: Wagner, Crownover, and Burke as upside values.
• Late rounds: Pettus and developmental big men.

For deeper Rams draft needs and board context see this RamsNews primer and this piece on post-free agency priorities RamsNews. Also consider how different fits compare to tackle options discussed at RamsNews.

Rams current tackle picture

The Rams must answer whether to prioritize a true offensive tackle Rams draft pick. Their current starters create a clear context. Alaric Jackson measured 33 7/8 inches of arm length. Warren McClendon shows a similar length profile. Because both starters sit just under the 34 inch cutoff, Los Angeles lacks a prototypical long-armed tackle on the roster.

Practical implications on the field

Shorter arm length changes leverage and reach in pass protection. As a result, edge rushers can convert inside on shorter-armed tackles more easily. However, technique and footwork still matter. Jackson and McClendon can win with sound mechanics. Yet when elite speed or power rushers arrive, the lack of length becomes more visible. Therefore, adding a truly long-armed tackle would reduce specific matchup risk.

Draft strategy and value considerations

The Rams should weigh immediate need against draft capital. If a top prospect like Monroe Freeling remains available early, they must evaluate moving up. Freeling offers prototype length and rare athletic testing. Conversely, they can chase value later. For example, Demetrius Crownover and Aamil Wagner represent Round 6 targets with high upside. In short, the front office can address tackle through three paths:

• Invest high for a plug and play long-armed starter.
• Draft a swing tackle/guard in rounds two to three.
• Roll the dice on late-round developmental types such as Travis Burke or Micah Pettus.

Late-round sleepers and roster fit

Travis Burke stands out as a potential sleeper. He pairs rare length with developmental polish. If he falls to rounds six or seven, he becomes an appealing dart throw. Similarly, Crownover offers length and upside at a cheaper pick. Therefore, the Rams can take a low-cost flier and hope technique and coaching unlock starter traits.

Conclusion and recommendation

I believe the Rams do not need to force an early pick solely for arm length. However, they should value length highly when it fits draft capital. Consequently, targeting a long-armed tackle in rounds two to six makes sense if top options cost too much. Overall, the team should balance prototype measurables with scheme fit, coaching, and roster flexibility.

Bottom line, the Rams must balance prototype measurables with practical roster needs and draft capital. The 34 inch arm length threshold matters but does not decide everything. Monroe Freeling represents the pure prototype with elite athletic testing. Blake Miller looks like a near term plug and play option. Demetrius Crownover and Aamil Wagner provide depth and late round upside. Travis Burke and Micah Pettus are sleepers who could develop into useful backups.

Therefore, the smart path is flexible. Do not force an early pick solely for arm length. Instead, target a long armed tackle when value matches the pick range. In rounds two to six the Rams can find both starters and high upside projects. If a top tier prospect falls to the team, trading up is justified.

In final analysis, the Rams probably will shop value. They will favor scheme fit and coaching ability along with length.

Source Rams News LLC Follow our coverage on Twitter at @ZachGatsby for updates and deeper draft analysis.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)