Rams to Interview Ex Jets OL Coach John Benton

The potential hire of John Benton could greatly influence who the Rams sign in free agency.

If you watched any amount of Los Angeles Rams football this season it wasn't hard to see how badly the offensive line struggled. As for why the Rams struggled so much along the offensive line, well, that's easy. 

Within the first six weeks of the season, the Rams lost four of their five starters and set an NFL record with 12 different offensive line combinations in the first 12 weeks of the season. 

However, on Sunday Ian Rapoport reported that the Rams are planning to interview former New York Jets offensive line coach John Benton for the same position on their staff. 

Former #Jets OL coach John Benton is expected to interview for the same job on the #Rams staff, source said. He worked with new OC Mike LaFleur at NYJ, so plenty of familiarity.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 6, 2023

Aside from his familiarity with Mike LaFleur from their time together with the Jets, there is another potential good reason for the Rams to bring Benton aboard. Matt Barrows, who covers the San Francisco 49ers for The Athletic, believes hiring Benton could bring three 49ers' free agents to Los Angeles. 

Notable considering Benton’s/LaFleur’s background with the 49ers and how many SF offensive linemen (McGlinchey, Brendel, Brunskill) are FAs next month … https://t.co/AJJLmFSc7x

— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) February 6, 2023

Of the three names, McGlinchey is undoubtedly the biggest prize. The 28-year-old right tackle could help anchor the Rams' offensive line. Jake Brendel, while maybe not as notable and not having played for Benton, could offer stability at the center position - which was the position along the line hardest hit by injuries. 

As for Daniel Brunskill, he has plenty of versatility having lined up right tackle, right guard, and left guard. 

Of course, this all hinges on the scenario where the Rams choose to bring Benton in. Should they hire him, though, the possibility of signing three free agents at their injury group that needs all the depth it can get would make it a potential home run hire. 

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You can find Connor Zimmerlee on Twitter @Connorjz98

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