Rams $9 million investment named biggest make-or-break player in 2025

Jarrett Bailey

Rams $9 million investment named biggest make-or-break player in 2025 image

Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Rams were on the cusp of an NFC Championship appearance last season, but came up just a few plays shy of defeating the Philadelphia Eagles. They spent the offseason getting better offensively, specifically signing future Hall of Fame wide receiver Davante Adams. However, the Rams' offensive line does face a lot of questions.

PFF labeled guard Steve Avila as the biggest X-Factor for the Rams, as they'll need him to have a bounce-back year following an injury-filled 2024 that hurt his production.

"After posting a solid 65.0 PFF pass-blocking grade in 2023, left guard Steve Avila saw his 2024 season marred by an early injury," PFF writes. "He also lost valuable preseason reps at guard while going through a temporary trial at center. The Rams will need Avila to greatly improve upon his 50.6 PFF pass-blocking grade from last season in order to protect their aging quarterback."

The pass protection as a whole is a big question mark for the Rams. Should they want to repeat as NFC West champions and make a run at their second Super Bowl of the Matthew Stafford era, they will need to keep the veteran quarterback upright.

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Jarrett Bailey

Jarrett Bailey is a freelance NFL writer for The Sporting News. He previously wrote for USA TODAY Sports Media Group, The 33rd Team and Pro Football Network. Enjoyer of chocolate milk, metal music, Batman, pasta salad, and pro wrestling. There is nothing more breathtaking than a Jeff Hardy swanton bomb.