Warren McClendon Jr. ripped the Los Angeles Rams’ right tackle job away from entrenched veteran Rob Havenstein in Week 12 last season and he absolutely never looked back. That’s a huge move for a young lineman, especially when you look at the numbers. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), McClendon finished last season ranked 15th among all tackles who hit at least 647 blocking snaps. Think about it: every NFL team needs two starting tackles, so 15th overall? That squarely puts him in the top 10 at his position. This guy isn’t just good, he’s among the league’s elite protectors.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: Elite Run Blocker, Room to Grow
McClendon’s PFF grades from last season tell the real story of his performance and potential. His overall Offensive grade was 78.7, placing him 15th among tackles. But here’s where it gets wild: his Run blocking grade was a phenomenal 81.9, good for 13th in the league. That’s a serious road-grader right there. His Pass blocking grade was 69.1, putting him at 35th. Look, there’s a clear gap between him and the absolute top-tier pass protectors right now, but for a guy who just seized a starting role mid-season, that’s incredibly promising. He’s already established himself in the upper echelon of tackles, and the fact that he’s entering his first full season as a starter means there’s a ton of room for him to improve. We could absolutely be talking Pro Bowl considerations for him in 2026.
A Contract Headache Is Already Brewing in L.A.
Here’s the kicker: with McClendon hitting these numbers and stepping into his first season as a full-time starter, the Rams are already staring down a brutal contract decision. This is a “prove it” year for him, where he’s got to keep that production high, maybe even take a noticeable step forward. But even if he just sustains his current level, Los Angeles has a tough call: extend his contract to keep him for 2027 and beyond, or face the near-impossible task of replacing a top-10 talent. The Rams have a stack of other difficult contract decisions looming, too. We’re talking about players like Puka Nacua, Kobie Turner, Byron Young, Kevin Dotson, Steve Avila, Alaric Jackson, and Colby Parkinson. If McClendon keeps balling out and the Rams decide to prioritize other guys, he could realistically hit free agency at just 26 years old. Young, capable tackles rarely ever change hands, and if Los Angeles isn’t his long-term home, there will be plenty of suitors lining up. McClendon surprised everyone by usurping Havenstein, and his ascent has escalated his price tag into a full-blown dilemma for the Rams. Will he outplay his chances to remain in Los Angeles? This season is going to tell us everything.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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