One of the Rams’ biggest moves this offseason was re-signing Andrew Whitworth to a three-year deal. The length of his new contract came as a surprise, but the Rams aren’t exactly tied to Whitworth for the entire duration of the deal.
Being 38 years old, Whitworth could very possibly retire after the 2020 season. That would leave the Rams in a tough spot at left tackle, considering how few quality options they have currently on the roster.
There are future starters to be had in the draft, but the Rams don’t pick until No. 52 overall, where the talent will have already dropped off from the top tackles in the draft. That being said, Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network named two prospects who could fit with the Rams in the second round: Saahdiq Charles of LSU and Josh Jones out of Houston.
“Now, I think they need to keep an eye on the tackle position. Obviously it was great to get Andrew Whitworth back for another year, but I think you can keep an eye on that, and some guys in the 50s at that point in time,” he said on a conference call this week. “An interesting player for me is Saahdiq Charles, the big tackle from LSU who is ultra-talented, has some suspensions there due to some marijuana, but that’s a challenge now for the league, and you’re scouting with the way this has changed and the new CBA, I don’t know that you penalize him as much. He’s a very talented player who kind of factors into that portion of the draft. That would be an interesting player there at the tackle position.
“I think Josh Jones, if he was to be there, would make some sense from Houston as a tackle. But those are a couple guys I’d keep an eye on.”
Jones is considered the better prospect than Charles among draft analysts, and is even viewed as a potential first-round pick. Charles’ name hasn’t been mentioned in the first round, but more frequently in the middle rounds on Day 2 and 3.
Both players could use some time to develop, which they would have if they were drafted by the Rams. Whitworth will be the starter for at least one more year, allowing the younger players to sit for a season and learn from the veteran.