Los Angeles Rams 90-Man Roster Preview: Offensive Tackle Rob Havenstein

What was once a second-round pick with upside, is now the Los Angeles Rams’ future at right tackle. Rob Havenstein is only 27-years old and has made an enormous impact over the last few years on the offense. Having started 59 games, Havenstein has been every bit reliable and dependable on the edge. The Rams went ahead and paid Havenstein, extending his contract through the 2022 season. Havenstein is next in our roster preview series.

2018 Season

The season started with a bang for Havenstein, as the Rams officially inked the offensive lineman to a four-year contract right. According to Pro Football Focus, Havenstein ranked as the No. 3 overall offensive tackle last year and furthermore was the highest-ranked right tackle.

He has room to improve in pass protection, but his run-blocking is among the league’s best. It is also worth mentioning that Havenstein took the most snaps at right tackle in the NFL last season.

Havenstein is a long-term piece for the Rams offensive line, and he continued to display that throughout the year, which needed some patience and belief that he was going to continue to get better on his all-around game. Havenstein is not only one of the more underrated players on the Rams but in the entire league.

Roster Battle

Havenstein is not losing his spot, and he’s one of the safest bets going into camp as he was given a long-term extension last offseason. The only roster battle at right tackle going on during camp will be behind Havenstein at the backup role.

Three Plays on tape

This play we are going to start with is the biggest issue in Havenstein’s game because he’s so close to being an elite-level player. However, this is Havenstein’s weakness.  Khalil Mack is one of the league’s best, but Havenstein’s lack of athleticism and lateral quickness is on full display. Due to those two things, plays like this tend to happen. Havenstein against athletic edge rushers that are speedy and can bend remain a big problem for Havenstein.

This next play comes in the biggest regular-season game of the year. This is excellent work by Havenstein getting to the next level and pancaking the defender in the way of Cooks. Havenstein’s ability to get to the second-level should scare everyone in the NFL when you look at what he can do and his overall size.

Now, this kind of breaks a rule because it’s more than just one play on this one. However, you get an excellent idea of what Havenstein brings to the table against one of the best young pass rushers in the NFL – Jadeveon Clowney. While Clowney wins a couple of times in this game, Havenstein gets his fair share of wins as well. The technique used by Havenstein here was able to hold Clowney’s athleticism in check.

Biggest Question

Can Rob Havenstein hit another level?

He’s good…Realy good. But will he hit the next level? I listed him in the top ten of all tackles in the NFL and due to limitations with athleticism that might be where he stays. That’s not a bad standing, but he certainly can get into the top-5.

2019 Outlook and Role

Rob Havenstein is looking to anchor the right side of the offensive line as he has been doing in his career. He needs to remain consistent, stay healthy, and continue to hold down the right side. The Rams enter 2019 with two new pieces on the offensive line and Austin Blythe who is looking to regain his form. It’s crucial for Havenstein to step up and be a veteran presence.

Chance of Making the Final Roster

Rob Havenstein made the 2019 final roster two years ago. This is a player that is in the Rams’ long-term plans. It’s that simple. He’s not going anywhere.

About Post Author

Jake Ellenbogen

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Jake is a 24-year old sportscaster from Upstate New York that co-hosts the Downtown Rams podcast, is the founder of Downtown Rams and Downtown Sports Network LLC. He covers the Rams and NFL Draft for the website.

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