OL Austin Blythe
Joseph Noteboom, Austin Corbett, David Edwards and Brian Allen all have to step up next season, too, but Blythe is the likeliest of that group to be a starter. Whether it’s at center or guard, Blythe has to play at a much higher level than he did last year – especially after the Rams gave him a new contract this offseason.
Blythe’s versatility is valuable, but more importantly, he needs to improve his pass blocking and become stronger in the running game. Too often, he was bullied by more powerful defensive linemen, which collapsed the pocket on Goff and closed up running lanes.
If Blythe can’t maintain a starting job next season, it’ll be a bad sign for the state of the Rams’ offensive line because Allen isn’t a better option at center, nor is Noteboom an upgrade at guard.