'Made It a Safe Space!' Rams' Steve Avila Credits Sean McVay for Strong Rookie Season

The Los Angeles Rams exceeded every expectation in 2023, in large part due to head coach Sean McVay's prowess. Rookie guard Steve Avila wasn't shy in his praise for McVay.

Few developments shaped the Los Angeles Rams’ 2023 season like its surprisingly good rookie class.

Despite lacking a first-round pick, general manager Les Snead pulled together one of the league’s most impactful classes. Of course, it was headlined by receiver Puka Nacua, who found immediate success en route to the greatest rookie receiving season in recent memory.

Defensive standouts in the trenches stole much of the attention that Nacua didn’t, but rookie left guard Steve Avila had a strong debut season, too.

Dec 17, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (17) and guard Steve Avila (73) before playing against the Washington Commanders at SoFi Stadium / Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Avila played a part in Los Angeles’ success in both phases. He played the most snaps on the offense (1,147), providing a consistent presence along the interior. He and right guard Kevin Dotson were constant contributors to an offense that frequently won between the tackles.

Avila has cemented himself as a piece of the Rams’ future. He attributes his instant success to head coach Sean McVay.

“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,” Avila said in an interview with ESPN LA. “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 didn’t grade out as elite by any means – Pro Football Focus gave him the 30th-best offensive grade among 58 qualified guards – but there’s little argument about this year being a success. The second-rounder was an average starter in his first year and set the foundation for further growth. Additionally, Avila committed just two penalties all season, an impressive mark for a rookie.

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As Los Angeles moves forward, ideally with continuity on its offensive line, one can expect Avila to grow with the offense.

The Rams ranked 11th in expected points added per dropback and eighth in expected points added per (designed) rush. With Avila a lock to hold down the left guard spot, McVay can feel confident in his ability to find and develop yet another young talent.