This Rams Starter Will Be the First to Lose His Job in 2020
By Max Smith
After a disappointing 2019 season, the Los Angeles Rams will have a lot to prove heading into the 2020 NFL season. Their offseason has been tough so far, which has featured the loss of starters Cory Littleton, Dante Fowler, Greg Zuerlein and Todd Gurley. However, the Rams still have a ton of talent on their roster.
That's why this starter will be losing his job to a very capable backup in 2020.
Last season, right tackle Rob Havenstein was the offensive line's worst performer. Although he only played nine games due to a meniscus injury, he finished with a PFF grade of 50.9, the worst of his career. In those nine games, Havenstein allowed five sacks and racked up nine penalties. When rookie Bobby Evans stepped in for seven games, he performed much better, allowing only one sack and while not committing a single penalty. The Rams could have a rising star at right tackle, and the last thing they want to do is leave him on the bench.
Looks like Bobby Evans has earned himself an open competition against Rob Havenstein for the RT position.
— LTR? (@LetsTalkRams) May 22, 2020
If anything this seems like a positive to me; iron sharpens iron and both guys will come out better from it.
Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/h6mfBkpwRW
Sean McVay has indicated that Havenstein will keep his job to start the season, but it's evident he'll have to work very hard to hold off Evans.
The problem with Havenstein losing his starting job is his salary. Despite restructuring his contract this offseason, he's still due to make $7 million this season, which would weigh heavy on the bench.
Along with #Rams QB Jared Goff, Los Angeles also restructured the contract of RT Rob Havenstein to create more cap space. He’s still due about $7M, but it gave them room for FA signings and other business.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 27, 2020
However, McVay will always do what's best for his team. At some point this season, he'll make the move to Evans at right tackle if there's any inclination Havenstein isn't performing up to expectations.