The handshake between Rams' guard Kevin Dotson and Head Coach Sean McVay before the NFC Championship game at Lumen Field on January 25, 2026? Yeah, that moment now screams louder than ever about the kind of game-changing force Dotson has become. Sports Illustrated writer Conor Orr recently dropped his list of players primed for a first-time Pro Bowl nod, and Dotson is right there, and honestly, our Seahawks defense probably isn't surprised.
Dotson's Untouchable Run Game Impact
Orr made an "exceptionally strong case" for Dotson, specifically highlighting his insane impact on the run game. Get this: When Dotson played those 15 games last season, the Rams were first in the entire NFL in rush EPA. First! You wanna know what happened in the two games he missed? They plummeted to 16th in rush EPA. That’s not just a drop, that's a crater. That kind of swing screams "Pro Bowler," especially for an offensive lineman in the NFC. And hey, while we're talking interior guys, don't sleep on Steve Avila either. He could absolutely make a run for it.Alaric Jackson: The Underrated Wall
Now, you might be thinking, "Two offensive linemen for the Pro Bowl? From the same team?" McVay’s Rams have only had one Pro Bowl offensive lineman in his whole tenure, so it feels like a long shot. But Alaric Jackson, their left tackle, is straight-up one of the better starting left tackles in the NFC right now. He’s a plus blindside protector, the kind you need on a Super Bowl contender, and that gets noticed around the league. ESPN’s Mike Clay actually had him tied for the fifth-best left tackle in the league with his composite grades. Even Andy Herman, a Packers podcaster, gave Jackson a shout-out, calling him "one of the most underrated players in the NFL." That's coming from an unaffiliated guy, which makes it even more legit. The catch? He's gotta stay on the field for most of the season, which is always the biggest hurdle. Look, the Pro Bowl might be fan-voted with some wild picks sometimes, but when a player earns a first-time nod, especially at a position like offensive line, it’s a big deal. For the Rams, having these guys dominate upfront isn't just about individual accolades; it’s about their whole offensive identity. If Dotson and Jackson continue to perform at this level, they're not just Pro Bowl candidates, they’re bulldozers, and the rest of the NFC, including our boys, better be ready for it all season long.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.