The Los Angeles Rams’ starting offensive line has pretty much been set since Jonah Jackson, Kevin Dotson and Alaric Jackson all signed their contracts this spring. The team has assembled a terrific starting five but the first-team unit has been banged up all summer.
Both Jacksons are rehabbing injuries at the moment, as is Rob Havenstein. And while the hope is that all five starters will be healthy for Week 1, the Rams have to feel good about the depth up front – which includes sixth-round rookie Beaux Limmer.
Amid all the shuffling along the offensive line, Limmer has quietly gotten first-team reps at center, which was the case on Thursday during the team’s practice with the Texans. It’s not that he’s going to unseat Steve Avila as the starting center. It’s that the Rams want to be prepared in case they suffer an injury up front that forces Avila to play guard and thrusts Limmer into a starting center role.
Sean McVay continues to be impressed by Limmer’s play this offseason, complimenting him once again after Thursday’s practice.
“I like the command. I like the communication. I think you see a lot of the physical traits where he can come out of his hips and get good removal,” McVay said. “I think he’s getting more and more comfortable in the protection element of it, but Beaux has made some really good strides. I think that’s a credit to the guys around him, but also Ryan Wendell and Zak Kromer. To be able to have some versatile pieces like what we do and then being able to get Jonah back, that’ll be really big for us.”
Matthew Stafford works closely with the center and has developed a good rapport with Avila, but he also likes what he’s seen from the rookie Limmer.
“He’s done a nice job. Good command,” Stafford said. “Obviously, he’s played the position for a long time, understands it. Professional snapper of the football and again, he’s a rookie. It’s learning constantly. These kinds of practices are great for him. He goes against our defense, gets looks at our guys over and over again. You have to come out here and block some of these guys and different looks and jet techniques and all that kind of stuff so it’s good for him.”
Sixth-round rookies are never a lock to make the 53-man roster, but there’s no question Limmer is going to make the team. His versatility as a center and guard makes him valuable to the Rams, particularly with all of the injuries they’ve suffered up front.
With Limmer and Zach Thomas playing well, along with Logan Bruss at guard, the Rams have plenty of depth heading into the regular season.