The notable names on the Los Angeles Rams are the players who are getting attention for their performances this season. Matthew Stafford is a frontrunner for MVP and Puka Nacua is a finalist for the Offensive Player of the Year award.
But it is the lesser-known players who make the biggest impact on the game.
An NFL writer released a list of teams’ unsung heroes for the 2025 NFL season, with a member of the Rams’ offense being named.
Rams Lineman Named Key Contributor
GettyA member of the Los Angeles Rams offensive line has been a sneaky positive for the team
Warren McClendon Jr had big shoes to fill when replacing long-time right tackle Rob Havenstein, who was dealing with an ankle injury, but exceled at the role.
The 2025 season was the first time McClendon featured in every game of the season and achieved double-digit starts in his career.
NFL senior news writer Kevin Patra released a list of unsung heroes for all 32 teams in the league, naming the offensive lineman for the Los Angeles Rams.
“The former fifth-round pick didn’t just fill the void at left by right tackle Rob Havenstein’s absence due to injury — he improved the Rams’ offensive line,” Patra wrote.
“In 10 regular-season starts, McClendon allowed 12 pressures and one sack, per PFF, compared to 22 pressures and a sack in seven games from Havenstein. McClendon also helped boost the run-blocking, bulling open holes on the ground and morphing into one of the better road-grading offensive tackles this season. The sledding got a bit tougher in the playoffs (11 pressures and one sack allowed), but still; this was a rare example of a team stumbling into a better situation with an injury fill-in.”
McClendon received the 8th-highest overall grade from Pro Football Focus, finishing the season with an 83.5 grade.
The right tackle recorded an 86.7 run grade, the 5th-highest out of 89 qualifying tackles this season — McClendon also registered a 73.9 pass block grade.
“I thought he was awesome. [Offensive Lineman] Warren [McClendon Jr.] is a guy that I think he’s taken as many strides as anybody,” head coach Sean McVay said in the preseason, via Sports Illustrated. “I’ve been really pleased with Warren. He’s obviously very comfortable playing on the right side. I thought the times that he had to come in for [Offensive Lineman] Rob Havenstein last year, he did a great job.”
“Now you’re seeing a guy that has also shown that he can be really functional and is continuing to get better playing the left tackle as well. [He’s] getting comfortable to play in both of those stances. I’m really proud of Warren. I want to continue to see him take those steps, but he did a nice job.”
With Havenstein mulling retirement, the Rams have an easy option to fill the void of the long-time player.
Warren McClendon May Be Getting Good News Soon
GettyWarren McClendon Jr could be remaining with the organization for a while longer
For his performances in the 2025 season, Warren McClendon Jr may be rewarded for it.
According to Tony Pauline of Essential Sports, the Los Angeles Rams are looking to extend the offensive lineman.
“The prevailing belief outside league circles is that offensive tackle is a position of need for the Los Angeles Rams,” Pauline wrote. “Yet sources tell me this is untrue and the team is happy with both offensive tackles, including right side blocker Warren McClendon Jr.”
“In fact, I’m told the Rams will look to extend McClendon, who will be entering the final year of his rookie contract in 2026, during the offseason.”
The NFL analyst expects the offensive lineman to receive an average annual value around the $20 million mark.
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