These offensive linemen impressed at the NFL Combine

Which offensive linemen stood out at the NFL Combine and who could Rams target?

While the Los Angeles Rams have re-signed left tackle Alaric Jackson, they still have a need for offensive linemen in the upcoming draft. They certainly need depth, but a tackle at the 26th overall pick also shouldn’t completely be ruled out. At some point the Rams will need to replace Rob Havenstein and if a tackle is the best player on the board, the idea would have to at least be considered.

The offensive linemen wrapped up the final day of testing in Indianapolis as two groups took the field on Sunday. Here were the top standouts.

• Day 1: Which Linebackers Stood Out on Day 1 of Athletic Testing?
• Day 2: Biggest Winners Among TEs and DBs on Day 2 of NFL Combine Testing
• Day 3: Rams Will Have Lot of Explosive Options at RB and WR

OL Armand Membou, Mizzou

There was some thought that the Rams may consider Armand Membou at 26 as he was a two-year starter at right tackle in Columbia. However, Membou is getting more traction as a potential top-10 pick than he is sliding outside of the top-20. His performance at the Combine only helped his case.

While the 40 isn’t necessarily important for offensive linemen, he did have the second-fastest at 332 pounds. His 10-yard split, which is more important, was the third-fastest among tackles. He also had a 34-inch vertical and had the best broad jump at 9’7. With those athletic traits paired with his already very good tape, Membou isn’t making it outside the top-15.

iOL Tate Ratledge, Georgia

Ratledge is more of a starting guard than a depth piece. However, if the Rams were to trade back out of the first and want to explore Steve Avila at center, Ratledge could be an option. Ratledge also stayed after his workout and took snaps at center. If the Rams want Beaux Limmer as more of a depth piece, Ratledge could potentially move into the middle of the offensive line. Along with his play on the field, Ratledge also fits the offensive line vibe check with his mullet. He’s 6’6, 320 pounds and is a tone setter at guard. He’s likely a little bigger than the Rams prefer inside, but will be a Day Two selection.

The Georgia guard had the second-fastest 10-yard split at a 1.72, posted a 9’5 in the broad jump, and his 7.38 3-cone drill put his quick feet on display. The next closest was a 7.43 done by Kaleb Rodgers of Texas Tech. Ratledge was on the verge of a later second-round pick heading into the weekend. He may have solidified himself there on Sunday. It’s also worth mentioning Ratledge’s teammate Jared Wilson who also had a strong day.

OT Jalen Travis, Iowa State

The pool of starting tackles in the first round is going to be slim. Once teams get past the first four or five, they’ll either be forced to reach on one or wait until later in the draft. A player that could be worth waiting on is Jalen Travis from Iowa State. The Princeton transfer has all of the traits and developmental tools for a starting tackle. However, he is a developmental prospect and will need a lot of coaching at the next level.

Still, Travis has the athleticism and traits that are worth betting on. He was one of the more explosive offensive linemen on Sunday, putting up a 9’4 broad jump and 35-inch vertical. Travis’ explosiveness can be seen in his pass sets. Travis put up some really good numbers in Indianapolis and it wouldn’t be surprising to see a team take a chance on him in the third round.

iOL Eli Cox, Kentucky

It’s going to be a good year for the Rams to need some depth on the interior. There should be plenty of options on day three of the draft. This may not be the deepest center class, but there are a lot of versatile players. One of those players is Eli Cox from Kentucky who has experience both at right guard and center. The Rams drafted an extremely athletic center last year in Beaux Limmer. Adding Cox to the mix would provide some good depth behind him.

Cox showed off his quick feet in the 3-cone with a 7.63 which was the fifth-best among participating offensive linemen to go with an impressive 20-yard shuttle. Combined with his good explosive testing, Cox is sneaky athletic. The Kentucky center looked smooth throughout position drills and was one of the big winners of the day.

OT Logan Brown, Kansas

Another player worth mentioning here is Logan Brown out of Kansas. The depth at tackle is pretty thin in this class and Brown only had one year of starting experience. Brown is going to be a developmental option at right tackle, but as shown on Sunday, he has the athleticism to end up working out.

Brown put up fantastic scores in the explosive testing with a 32-inch vertical and a 9’3 broad jump. His 10-yard split is also a testament to that explosiveness. Additionally, Brown had the second-fastest time in the 20-yard shuttle. The Kansas tackle is likely still a day three developmental option at tackle. However, he has the traits and athleticism that are worth a dart throw in the fifth round.