The Los Angeles Rams considered trading up in the draft last year, targeting a spot at the end of the 1st round in a potential move up from No. 36. They should be thankful that they didn’t because with their second-rounder, they landed an absolute stud in Steve Avila.
The guard out of TCU came in and started not only every single game as a rookie, but he played every offensive snap for the Rams in 2023. He looks like a future Pro Bowler and key contributor for the next 5-10 years, likely making this a home run selection by the Rams.
As glad as the Rams are to have landed Avila, the young lineman is equally happy to be a member of Sean McVay’s team.
During an interview with ESPN LA on Monday night, Avila said he wouldn’t be as good as he is if not for McVay and the Rams developing him last season. That’s high praise for McVay and the staff he’s built in Los Angeles.
“You always hear about good coaches – Nick Saban, Bill Belichick, Sean McVay – and I know he’s a younger coach so it can be easier to relate to him, but as soon as I got here, the way he does things and the way he commands a room was encouraging for a rookie,” he said. “He knew we had a young team and I feel the way he navigated the season helped us develop into what we were. So he definitely made it a safe space to be better and learn. It was a learning process for all of us. I always tell people, if I was anywhere else, I don’t think I’d be as good as I am.”
Avila probably isn’t giving himself enough credit for being a purely talented player, but there’s no question McVay is a great coach to play for. Not to mention, offensive line coach Ryan Wendell did an excellent job in his first season with the team and legendary coach Mike Munchak was also a consultant with the Rams, so he helped, as well.
Avila is going to be a starter next season, but there is some question about whether that’ll be at left guard or center. If Coleman Shelton returns, Avila will stay at guard, but if not, the Rams could consider moving him over to center.