As the Los Angeles Rams gear up for what they hope is a championship run in 2026, many of the headlines naturally center around the team’s biggest stars. From the arm of quarterback Matthew Stafford and the defensive dominance of Myles Garrett to the explosive playmaking of wide receiver Puka Nacua, there is no shortage of household names who will dictate the team’s postseason success.
However, The Athletic’s Dave Helman believes the ultimate key to the Rams’ season sits on the shoulders of a much less heralded player on the offensive line: right tackle Warren McClendon.
“The Rams’ Super Bowl hopes could hinge on Warren McClendon. McClendon,” Helman said. “If he plays well, [he] could be the most desirable offensive tackle that hits free agency in 2027. He could be the rare young ascending offensive tackle that hits free agency in 2027.”
The spotlight on McClendon has intensified following the retirement of longtime captain and right tackle staple Rob Havenstein. Stepping into Havenstein’s shoes is a massive task, but McClendon proved he was up to the challenge last season. Filling in beautifully, he finished the year with a stellar 83.5 PFF offensive grade, ranking seventh among all qualified tackles in the NFL.
His standout performance gave general manager Les Snead all the confidence he needed. Despite entering a pivotal season, the Rams raised eyebrows by choosing not to address the tackle position directly in either free agency or the NFL Draft. Instead, they opted to hand the keys entirely to the former Georgia Bulldog.
The gamble is not without its risks. For all of McClendon’s talent, he is still a relative unknown with limited playing time under his belt. He enters the 2026 season with just 776 career offensive snaps—fewer than many starting tackles play in a single season.
But if McClendon can replicate his high-end play over a full 17-game slate, he won’t just secure the Rams’ pocket; he will set himself up for a massive payday.
“He was excellent, like all the way to the NFC title game,” Helman added. “And don’t get me wrong, there’s stuff to work on. He needs to be better in space. He’s not always like confident and as athletic as you would prefer in space, but the anchor’s good. His wherewithal is really good. I was so impressed by what he did playing … And so if that’s the baseline, then there’s just there’s so much out in front of him if this season goes well.”
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Analyst says Rams’ 2026 Super Bowl hopes could hinge on this player
