Warren McClendon Jr. is stepping into the 2026 season as a projected starter for the Rams at right tackle, and honestly, we should all be talking about it way more. This guy is poised to be a huge cog in their offensive line, a fact that's probably flying under the radar for most fans right now, even though he's ranked as the 14th-most important player on their team for this year.
From Fifth Round Sleeper to Linchpin
Remember the 2023 draft class? Everyone was hyping up guys like Puka Nacua, Byron Young, and Kobie Turner. And yeah, those dudes are headliners. But get this: McClendon was part of that same class, and the Rams actually picked him *three spots earlier* than Nacua, 174th overall in the fifth round. Think about that. They saw something special. He spent his first two seasons as a backup, grinding it out. But when Rob Havenstein went down injured in 2025, McClendon stepped up big, jumping into the starting lineup. He played 17 games, making 10 starts, and clearly proved his worth. Now, heading into training camp, he's locked in as a Week 1 starter.That 86.7 Run-Blocking Grade Is No Joke
Let's talk numbers, because this is where McClendon really shines. In 2025, his run-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus was a ridiculous 86.7. That wasn't just good; that was the fifth-best among *all* offensive tackles in the entire NFL last season! He was an absolute force, sealing edges and blasting open holes for Kyren Williams and Blake Corum to run through. His pass-blocking grade was a solid 73.9, and he only allowed 12 pressures and one sack all year. This dude uses his power to make space, pure and simple. His exact spot could shuffle a bit depending on Alaric Jackson's off-field situation, even though Jackson won't face charges for his offseason arrest. If Jackson gets suspended, McClendon might even shift over to left tackle, with Keagen Trost or David Quessenberry filling in at right tackle, or vice versa. But one thing is clear: he is expected to be a starter somewhere on that O-line, most likely staying at right tackle. Protecting Matthew Stafford, who isn't exactly a scrambling quarterback, is going to be huge. McClendon is gonna be dealing with some of the best pass rushers in football this season, like Nick Bosa, Brian Burns, Nik Bonitto, Maxx Crosby, and Micah Parsons. This isn't just about run blocking; it's about holding down the fort against elite talent on both sides of the line, keeping that pocket clean. This season is all about McClendon proving that 2025 wasn't a fluke. The Rams need him to play at a high level to protect their quarterback and open up their run game, especially with the brutal pass rushers he'll face. You know they're counting on him to step up again, right from Week 1.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.