The Los Angeles Rams have invested plenty of resources into rebuilding their offensive line over the last two seasons, drafting four linemen in the last two drafts, as well as executing a trade for guard Kevin Dotson and luring Jonah Jackson out of Detroit in free agency this year.
Their efforts have borne fruit, as their line catapulted them into a successful 2023 season, paving the way for RB Kyren Williams to finish third in the league in rushing yards despite missing four games.
Their guard duo, armed with new, lucrative contracts, ranked as one of the best in the league by Pro Football Focus.
Here's what PFF had to say about both Jackson and Dotson.
Kevin Dotson, their 12th-ranked guard:
"Dotson is a prime example of a player having the potential to flourish in the right system. Moving to Sean McVay’s wide-zone scheme unlocked a different side of Dotson’s game in 2023, and his 85.2 PFF overall grade placed second only to Chris Lindstrom, while his 88.8 run-blocking grade led the NFL.
His performances in 2023 earned him a mega three-year, $48 million contract extension with the Rams in the offseason, and for good reason. Dotson allowed 20 quarterback pressures in pass protection, providing the perfect interior presence for Matthew Stafford.:"
On Jonah Jackson, their 30th-ranked guard:
"Jackson struggled with injuries in his four years with the Lions, but he’s been a starter in every game he’s played in. The four-year veteran earned a 61.0 PFF overall grade in 12 games this past year, including four with a pass-blocking grade of at least 80.0. Now, Jackson has signed a hefty three-year, $51 million contract with the Los Angeles Rams and will hope to help improve an improving offensive line. That can happen if he stays healthy."
The duo was ranked as the sixth-best guard duo in the NFL.
I am a little surprised at the overall ranking of the two guards. Both Dotson and Jackson had better production than most of the players listed ahead of them, according to PFF's own numbers but I digress. The Rams' investments into the middle of their line have led to a revamped offense and should keep them chugging along as the season goes on.
