Could Rams target offensive tackle at 13? Insider weighs in

Q: What position are the Rams likely to target with the 13th pick in the NFL Draft?

The Rams are likely to target an offensive tackle to reinforce their offensive line.

Q: Why is the 13th overall pick significant for the Rams this year?

This is the Rams' highest draft pick in a decade, providing an opportunity to make a substantial impact on their roster.

Q: How could selecting an offensive tackle benefit Matthew Stafford?

Selecting an offensive tackle would improve the offensive line, enhancing protection for quarterback Matthew Stafford.

Could Rams target offensive tackle at 13? Insider weighs in originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Los Angeles Rams could go a multitude of ways with their 13th overall pick in next week's NFL Draft.

If the Rams decide to stay put, they would likely target an offensive player, but that raises the question of which position they prioritize.

The Rams will have a chance to make their highest draft pick in a decade, and one realistic option is reinforcing the offensive line —particularly at tackle—to better protect reigning MVP Matthew Stafford.

Rams insider for The Athletic, Nate Atkins, weighed in on the team's chances to bolster the line.

"I expect the Rams to make multiple offensive line selections in this draft. Left tackle Alaric Jackson is the only starter under contract after next season, and it feels like a stretch for this team to extend McClendon and guards Steve Avila and Kevin Dotson if they also want to keep Nacua, Byron Young and Kobie Turner. They need depth at nearly every spot, too."

Rams Balance Wide Receiver vs Offensive Line at No. 13

Selecting an offensive lineman is definitely not the flashiest pick, but it could be one that will do wonders for the offense for years to come. The Rams have every reason to draft a tackle.

For starters, Rob Havenstein’s retirement left a huge, long-term hole. Los Angeles now needs depth, a long-term starter and insurance for contracts soon to expire.

The Rams could easily fix that problem with their 13th pick, as it helps them draft a win-now player this season and a player who could help them for years to come. On top of that, and possibly more importantly, the Rams brass kicks the can down the road for paying big money.

There is a chance to bolster the wide receiver room, as many predict they will do; however, bolstering the offensive line helps the overall offense. It provides protection for Stafford, but it could also bolster the running game.

Atkins went on to address that the Rams would pull the trigger on an offensive lineman if the best player available is a tackle.

" If the best player available is a tackle and it’s the No. 13 pick, I could see the upgrade happening. I would view it as less likely than a wide receiver, which is where the Rams have both present and future needs to solve, and know for certain that their current options are not good enough to fill."