The Los Angeles Rams have been blessed with some of the best offensive linemen in NFL history. From Hall of Famers to overlooked role players, every era of Rams football has featured trench warriors who helped define championship-caliber offenses. Whether your memories begin with Tom Mack, Jackie Slater, Dennis Harrah, Kent Hill, and Doug Smith, or you’re more familiar with the Greatest Show on Turf with Orlando Pace, Adam Timmerman, and Andy McCollum. Maybe your knowledge only extends to the McVay
era with Rodger Saffold, Andrew Whitworth, John Sullivan, and Rob Havenstein. Either way there is no shortage of great players to choose from. Even today’s group featuring Steve Avila, Kevin Dotson, Alaric Jackson, and others continues that proud tradition of physical, dependable offensive line play. The Rams have consistently built successful offenses around strong line play throughout multiple decades.
Now it’s your turn. Consider it a Turf Show Times offensive line version of “Build -A-Player”.
If you could combine the greatest traits from every Rams offensive lineman into one ultimate player, which former or current Ram would you choose for each category?
In addition, if you have not yet, be sure to do the same exercise for the following positions:
Build the perfect Rams quarterback.
Build the perfect Rams running back.
Build the perfect Rams wide receiver.
1. Toughness / Durability
Every great offensive line starts with toughness.
The best linemen don’t simply win one-on-one battles—they continue winning them deep into the fourth quarter while playing through bumps, bruises, and the physical punishment that comes with every snap. Availability matters just as much as ability. Some linemen built reputations by rarely missing games, while others became known for their willingness to battle through injuries in the biggest moments.
Just for perspective, here are some regular season durability numbers:
Jackie Slater: 259 games
Orlando Pace: 169 games
Andrew Whitworth: 239 games
Adam Timmerman: 187 games
When building your perfect Rams offensive lineman, which player best represents the combination of physical toughness and long-term durability?
2. Pass Blocking Ability
Quarterbacks often receive the headlines, but elite offensive line play makes explosive passing attacks possible.
The greatest pass protectors possess outstanding footwork, balance, hand placement, patience, and the ability to neutralize elite edge rushers without sacrificing leverage. Whether protecting a pocket passer or adapting to today’s more mobile quarterbacks, pass blocking remains one of the most valuable skills an offensive lineman can possess.
Which Rams lineman gave you the most confidence whenever the quarterback dropped back to throw?
3. Run Blocking Ability
Dominating the ground game requires a completely different skill set.
Great run blockers create movement at the point of attack, finish blocks through the whistle, climb to the second level with precision, and consistently open running lanes. Some offensive linemen excelled in power schemes, while others thrived in zone concepts that demanded athleticism and timing.
Who would you trust to clear the path on a crucial third-and-one or goal-line carry?
4. Size and Technique
While offensive linemen are among the biggest athletes on the field, size alone isn’t enough.
The truly elite players maximize every inch of their frame through flawless fundamentals. Proper hand placement, leverage, pad level, footwork, and balance often separate good linemen from legendary ones. Some players overwhelmed defenders with sheer length and power, while others consistently won because their technique was nearly perfect.
When creating your ideal Rams offensive lineman, whose combination of physical tools and technical mastery stands above the rest?
5. Leadership
Some offensive linemen lead with speeches.
Others lead simply by showing up every day and setting the standard through preparation, professionalism, and consistency.
Leadership along the offensive line extends beyond the huddle. Veteran linemen often mentor younger teammates, communicate protections before the snap, keep the group composed during adversity, and establish the culture of the entire offense. Their influence frequently extends far beyond what appears on the stat sheet.
Which Rams offensive lineman embodied the leadership qualities every championship team needs?
Your Picks
Unlike many all-time rankings, there isn’t one correct answer.
1. Strength: __________
2. Pass Blocking Ability: ___________
3. Run Blocking Ability: ___________
4. Size and Technique: ___________
5. Leadership: ___________
What does your perfect Rams offensive linemen look like?
