The Rams’ offensive line just got an upgrade. With the 36th overall pick, Los Angeles selected TCU lineman Steve Avila, a versatile guard/center prospect who impressed in his three years with the Horned Frogs.
Avila bolsters the interior of the offensive line, regardless of where he lines up. He’s not only very good in the running game, but he’s more than capable of keeping defensive tackles away from his quarterback.
Here are four facts to know about Avila, the newest member of the Rams.
1
He didn’t allow a single sack last season
If you’re wondering how good Avila is in pass protection, think about this: He didn’t allow a single sack last season in 540 pass-block snaps, according to PFF. He only allowed two hits on the quarterback and nine total hurries in the 15 games he played. That’s quite impressive, especially considering he played in the Big 12 against some great competition, including the national champion Georgia Bulldogs.
L.A. Rams select TCU Guard Steve Avila 36th overall
🔵 ZERO sacks allowed last season pic.twitter.com/Wm9xyoeQIw
— PFF College (@PFF_College) April 28, 2023
2
He played every O-line spot except left tackle in college
You can’t spell “versatile” without “Avila.” He’s one of the most versatile prospects in the 2023 class, particularly along the offensive line. According to PFF, he played 1,010 snaps at left guard, 1,063 snaps at center, 88 snaps at right guard and 113 at right tackle in his college career.
He started games at all four positions throughout his three seasons, lining u p everywhere except for left tackle. And coincidentally, he played left tackle in high school, so he even has some experience there.
Rams area scout Cedric Jones, who was the lead on G Steve Avila, said Avila played more than 1,000 snaps at guard and 1,000 snaps at center, offering the versatility that will help them. Gives coaching staff "room to do whatever they want and make the pieces fit."
— Stu Jackson (@StuJRams) April 29, 2023
3
He was a consensus All-American in 2022
Avila earned accolades during his time at TCU, highlighted by his Consensus All-American selection in 2022. That year, he was also a first-team All-Big 12 selection. In 2021 as a center, he was a second-team All-Big 12 selection and he was an All-Big 12 honorable mention in 2020 when he played center, tackle and guard. So throughout his career, he was recognized for his strong play along the offensive line.
4
He earned the highest Next Gen Stats score of any guard at 2023 combine
Avila tested well at the NFL combine, running a 5.21 in the 40-yard dash, putting up 28 reps on the bench press and running a 7.85 in the three-cone drill. Next Gen Stats gave him an athleticism score of 79, which ranked fifth among all guards at the combine, and when paired with his 76 production score, he earned a total score of 80 – best of any guard in 2023.
