The Los Angeles Rams will have more position battles than usual this offseason, which isn’t ideal considering the coronavirus pandemic has prevented teams from getting on the practice field thus far. It’s not yet known when training camp will take place or in what capacity, but at some point, players will be practicing and competing together.
There are important battles to be sorted out along the offensive line, at linebacker and in the secondary, as well as at the voids left by Todd Gurley and Brandin Cooks.
It’s still early in the offseason and the competition won’t heat up until camp, but here are our predictions for which players will win each positional battle before the 2020 season.
RT | ILB | OLB | C | LG | RG | CB3 | RB | WR3 | QB2
Right tackle
Rob Havenstein vs. Bobby Evans
Havenstein started the year at right tackle but played extremely poorly before getting hurt and missing the final few games. That thrusts Evans into the starting lineup, who appeared to be an upgrade over Havenstein.
However, Evans got a lot of help from his right guard and tight ends, rarely being left one-on-one to block pass rushers. Considering Havenstein’s salary of more than $8 million, it’s hard to imagine him remaining on the roster as a backup.
In all likelihood, unless he’s traded, Havenstein will be the Week 1 starter at right tackle.
Winner: Havenstein