Los Angeles Rams: 3 players to target in 2021 NFL Draft

The Rams will always have needs on defense despite posting promising numbers for the future. The reality is, they’ll soon be living in a world without their franchise tackle Andrew Whitworth due to retirement.

Whitworth has been the “it guy” thanks to his leadership in the locker room and production on the field. However, he’ll be 39 this offseason and is coming off a serious knee injury. Even if he were to return for 2021, that would have to be his final season.

Due to the cap space, there’s little chance the Rams will be able to spend money in free agency on finding their next blindside blocker. Alex Leatherwood technically played right tackle season due to Tua Tagovailoa being left-handed. This year, he transitioned fine to blocking for Mac Jones at his natural position.

Leatherwood does a great job excelling off the edge to keep defenders from reaching the outside. He also stands tall in the pocket and delivers a powerful first punch that could throw a defender off track. Although he could eventually move inside, any team would love to see his potential at protecting a quarterback who needs plenty of help staying upright.