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Get to know the Rams practice squad offensive lineman

These players could develop into key pieces for the team’s future

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: DEC 27 Texas Bowl- Oklahoma State v Texas A&M Photo by Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Los Angeles Rams rounded out their 53-man roster this week and decided to keep ten offensive lineman. Four offensive lineman were waived, but three were brought back onto the practice squad. This is including Max Pircher who does not count against the practice squad roster number according to the international player pathway program. The only offensive lineman the Rams elected to not bring back was guard Jordan Meredith who was impressive in pass protection in the preseason.

Just in case you might not know much about the current offensive lineman on the practice squad, here’s everything you need to know starting with the newest addition who was just brought in after being waived by the Seattle Seahawks.

Jared Hocker, Guard

Hocker is a 6-6 327 lb offensive lineman out of Texas A&M University who went undrafted. He fits the mold of the type of lineman the Rams are trying to transition to, big-bodied who excels in the run game. He was a three-year starter who started 10 games at right guard in 2020 and is highly regarded by his teammates as being a good leader. I know being undrafted and released by the Seahawks doesn't sound promising but he has the physical tools to develop into a solid player. He needs to work at having quicker feet but he’s an absolute mauler. I thought this was a great addition for the LA Rams practice squad. Nfl.com listed his strengths and here were a few that are notable:

  • Fits into down-block with enough force to move opponent
  • Able to pull across formation, find target and secure block
  • Upper-body power and core strength to stall bull-rush tries

One thing that I saw from Hocker was his tenacity to not give up on a play, he drives through his opponent until the whistle.

Jeremiah Kolone, Guard

Kolone is a 6-3 308 lb OG who has been with the LA Rams since 2018 but has been waived and brought back a few times. For the Rams to keep bringing him back, they must see something they like from him. During his time at San Jose State, he was a four-year starter at left guard receiving two-time honorable mentions in the all-mountain west conference. He started 36 consecutive games for the Spartans as he proved to be an extremely reliable player who doesn't often miss games. He even played in the AAF for the San Diego Fleet where he allowed 0 sacks.

NFL: Los Angeles Rams Training Camp Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Chandler Brewer, Tackle

A four-year starter at Middle Tennessee University, Brewer is a 6-6 320 lb offensive lineman who has versatility at guard and tackle. As a captain in 2018, he earned first-team all-conference USA honors as he allowed just two sacks in over 450 pass attempts. As a senior Chandler was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma during the summer and had to undergo radiation treatment in-between games. Understandably due to covid-19, he was the team’s only opt-out in the 2020 season. Brewer wasn't a surprise cut but I'm sure the front office is excited to have him back after clearing waivers as they have stated their excitement about him in the past.