The Los Angeles Rams look stout in all phases of the field, but one potential area of concern is the offensive line.
The Rams saw All-Pro left tackle Andrew Whitworth retire, but they also lost Austin Corbett in free agency. Los Angeles had Whitworth’s successor in Joseph Noteboom developing in the background and he’s slated to take over, but the team has an opening at right guard still.
In the 2022 NFL Draft, the Rams took Logan Bruss, who most expected to start but head coach Sean McVay has been impressed with Coleman Shelton during training camp, via Greg Beecham of the Associated Press:
Coleman Shelton is “really starting to separate himself” in the right guard competition, Rams coach Sean McVay says.
— Greg Beacham (@gregbeacham) August 8, 2022
Shelton has been with the Rams the past few seasons as a depth piece along the interior and he re-signed with the team this past offseason. Shelton has the ability to play either guard spot as well as center and it sounds like his years of experience in the program have helped him gain an edge over Bruss.
McVay has historically leaned on more veteran players rather than rookies like Bruss, so it’s not too surprising to hear that Shelton looks like the favorite to start at right guard during Week 1. However, the Rams have previously expressed that they’re not in a rush to name a starter, so perhaps there’s a chance Bruss can make up ground during the preseason.
The competition at right guard will be a situation worth monitoring over the next few weeks, but the good news for Los Angeles is the rest of the offense seems to be humming along.
