Andrew Whitworth’s retirement didn’t just leave the Rams with a void at left tackle. It also caused them to lose a valuable leader in the locker room. They have other guys who will step up and continue to lead – Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp, Jalen Ramsey – but one player who could take on an even bigger leadership role is Rob Havenstein.
Sean McVay talked about Havenstein’s steady play and impressive bounce-back from a disappointing 2019 season, in which he battled an injury that hindered his play. McVay sees Havenstein as a leader in the offensive line room, just as he has been when Whitworth was out.
“I think he’s been outstanding the last two years,” McVay said. “He’s taken over a leadership role, which really, he’s been leading. When you look at when Big Whit’s missed a handful of games the last couple of years, Rob has seamlessly asserted himself as that leader in addition to guys that we’re really counting on.”
Havenstein is one of the more underrated players not only on the Rams, but in the NFL. He’s an outstanding right tackle, far outplaying the four-year, $32.5 million contract he signed back in 2018.
Last season, he had an 83.4 overall grade, according to PFF, which was good for fourth-best of any Rams player on offense. In fact, he’s had a grade of 80-plus in three of the last four years, showing what a good player he’s been for Los Angeles.