Los Angeles Rams’ Kevin Dotson Named to All-Improved Team

Los Angeles Rams offensive guard Kevin Dotson has been recognized as one of the most improved players in the NFL.

The Los Angeles Rams are in the NFC postseason race in December, at least in part because quarterback Matthew Stafford, receiver Cooper Kupp and defensive tackle Aaron Donald have stayed healthier than they did a season ago. 

Kevin Dotson has had a strong season for the Los Angeles Rams in 2023.  / USA Today

But the ability for general manager Les Snead and coach Sean McVay to identify undervalued talent and develop them has also contributed to a bounce-back season a year after the Rams won just five games. 

The most notable example of this would be receiver Puka Nacua. Selected in the fifth-round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of BYU, Nacua has 77 catches for 1,029 yards and four touchdowns in his rookie season. 

However, he's hardly the only diamond in the rough that Snead and McVay have found. In late August, the Rams traded a 2024 fourth-round pick and 2025 fifth-round pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers to acquire right guard Kevin Dotson. According to Pro Football Focus, he's been the most improved player at his position this season, earning an 84.5 PFF grade a year after posting a 65.4 mark for the Steelers.  

"Dotson has been one of the standout guards in the NFL this season," PFF wrote. "His 84.5 overall grade is the second highest at the position, and he has allowed just 10 pressures in nine games, forming an excellent 3.2% pressure rate that ranks seventh best in the NFL. Dotson has gone from an afterthought to someone playing at an All-Pro level. He’ll be a hot commodity if he makes it to free agency." 

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Dotson, 27, is making just $2.25 million this season, but will become a free agent after this season. Presumably, the Rams -- who are scheduled to have more than $56 million in cap space this upcoming offseason -- will try to retain him. The Rams offensive line is still in the process of being rebuilt, but Dotson and rookie Steve Avila at the two guard spots is a good place to start.