Rams' Guard Duo Overlooked in ESPN Interior Lineman Rankings

While the Los Angeles Rams boast what many consider one of the league's most formidable interior offensive line pairings, a recent ESPN ranking suggests a differing perspective. Kevin Dotson and Steve Avila, both key contributors to the Rams' success in the trenches during the 2025 campaign, did not crack the network's list of the top 10 interior offensive linemen for the upcoming 2026 season.

Dotson and Avila formed a crucial partnership for the Rams, providing consistent protection and paving the way for their offensive schemes. Their individual efforts were widely praised for their effectiveness and impact on the team's overall performance. However, when ESPN tabulated their rankings based on a survey of league personnel, their names did not appear among the elite group.

The omission raises questions about the perception of the Rams' offensive line unit outside of their immediate fanbase and coaching staff. Despite the strong on-field results and individual accolades that could be inferred from their 2025 performances, the survey results indicate a lack of wider consensus on their status among the NFL's absolute best at their positions.