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Clemson offensive lineman Blake Miller
After 11 seasons in the NFL, Los Angeles Rams offensive lineman Rob Havenstein has called it a career.
Havenstein was one of the last pieces of the St. Louis days, having started over 150 games in his career.
The tackle was sidelined in the latter half of the 2025 season and for the Rams’ playoff run due to an ankle injury.
Stepping up to replace Havenstein was third-year Warren McClendon Jr., who was able to fill in the right tackle spot well, being graded as one of the best RT’s in the league by PFF.
While LA might have found a replacement for the former 11-year veteran, McClendon Jr. is entering the last season of his rookie contract, which may force the Rams to find a new long-term option.
Selecting All-ACC Talent
GettyRams predicted to land reinforcement in the offensive front
The Los Angeles Rams have two first-round selections after trading out of last year’s first round with the Atlanta Falcons, leading them to plug in some holes on the roster.
Some positions in the 2026 NFL Draft are loaded with talent, which allows LA to take a highly valued player later in the draft.
ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper released his latest mock draft, which has the Rams selecting Clemson Tigers offensive tackle Blake Miller with the 29th overall pick of the draft.
“Rob Havenstein retired, and Warren McClendon Jr. is entering the final year of his deal. That means there could be a big hole at right tackle. Miller has 54 career starts, and his game just keeps growing on me,” the draft analyst wrote. “In pass protection, he stays square and handles most pass-rush moves with ease. And as a run blocker, he can get to the second level to spring big gains. The blocking is so important to the Rams’ excellent run game, and having a savvy right tackle is key.”
“The Rams’ first pick in this mock draft went to the defense, but I really like the idea of L.A. adding to the offensive line with its second one.”
Pro Football Focus gave Miller an 81.6 pass block grade and 72.4 run block grade for the past collegiate season, one of the highest in the country in both metrics.
The tackle was a first-team All-ACC selection for the last two seasons and earned third-team All-ACC honors in the 2023 season.
If the Rams are unable to lock down Warren McClendon Jr., as the team also has other players eligible for contract extension, selecting Miller could be a good option for the next four seasons.
Kiper ranked Miller as the eighth-best offensive tackle in his top prospect rankings. The draft analyst had the Rams selecting a different tackle in his first mock.
Selecting Cornerback with First Selection of the Draft
GettyThe secondary is a priority for the Rams in the offseason
The cornerback position is a high priority for the Los Angeles Rams, as the team had no true CB1 in the 2025 season.
Mel Kiper, in his original mock draft, had the Rams selecting Tennessee Volunteer cornerback Jermod McCoy with the 13th overall pick (from Atlanta) and continues to predict LA will select the CB with his latest mock.
“McCoy didn’t play at all in 2025 after tearing an ACL last January, and the medical checks this week in Indianapolis will be key for him,” Kiper wrote. “But there’s no arguing his on-the-ball production. He had four picks and nine pass breakups in 2024.”
“The Rams have the sort of roster that can go to the Super Bowl… But cornerback is a definite weak spot; GM Les Snead has to make that position a priority this offseason.”
Los Angeles defense is well-rounded with key pieces across, with the main concern being the cornerback group.
McCoy gives the defense a CB1-caliber player who can play some plays on the ball, who has recorded 16 pass deflections and 6 interceptions in his collegiate career.
Jason Garcia Jason Garcia is a sports contributor for Heavy Sports who joined the team in 2025, covering the New England Patriots, Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers. More about Jason Garcia
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