Kevin Dotson’s Crucial 2026 Guard Role

How the Rams Acquired Kevin Dotson

The Rams swapped late‑round picks with the Pittsburgh Steelers just before the 2023 season to land Kevin Dotson. In the deal, Los Angeles gave up a 2024 fourth‑rounder and a 2025 fifth‑rounder for Dotson plus a 2024 fifth‑rounder and a 2025 sixth‑rounder. The trade proved economical, as Dotson now earns a $16 million annual salary while becoming a key cog on the offensive line.

Since his arrival, Dotson has developed into a top‑tier right guard despite never earning a Pro Bowl nod. He is now slotted as the Rams’ 10th‑most important player heading into the 2026 campaign, which also happens to be his contract year.

2025 Statistical Snapshot

During the 2025 season Dotson started all 15 games, posting an overall grade of 87.3, a run‑blocking grade of 90.3, and a pass‑blocking grade of 66.8. He allowed 22 pressures and just three sacks for the year. Those numbers place his run‑blocking ability among the top eight offensive linemen league‑wide and third among all guards.

His run‑blocking mark of 90.3 earned him a spot on the list of the best guards in the league, while his 87.3 overall grade is recognized as the 11th‑best performance for any offensive lineman in 2025.

Projected 2026 Starting Role

Dotson is set to remain the Rams’ starting right guard, anchoring the line between Coleman Shelton and Warren McClendon Jr. There is currently no internal competition for the spot, but the contract‑year status means his future with Los Angeles could end if an extension isn’t secured before the March deadline.

His health will be crucial, as the Rams rely heavily on a ground attack featuring Kyren Williams and Blake Corum. If Dotson can stay on the field, the offense is expected to maintain the balance that made the line one of the NFL’s best—allowing only 23 sacks, the fewest tied for the league.

Why Dotson’s Health Matters

When Dotson missed the final two regular‑season games and the wild‑card playoff, the Rams turned to Justin Dedich. Dedich’s run‑blocking grades in those three contests fell to 62.7, 62.1 and 59.9, and he surrendered ten pressures. Dotson, by contrast, gave up 22 pressures across 17 games that season, including the postseason.

The stark downgrade illustrates how much the offense relies on Dotson’s ability to clear lanes for the running backs. In an attack that emphasizes power running, a healthy Dotson is essential for maintaining the consistency that helped the Rams rank among the top offenses in rushing yards.

What This Means for the Rams’ Future

If the Rams want to build on the success of a season that featured one of the NFL’s stingiest pass‑rush allowances, securing Dotson long‑term is a priority. His blend of run‑blocking excellence and decent pass protection makes him a rare commodity at the guard position.

A healthy, stable interior line will be the foundation for a potential championship run, giving Matthew Stafford the protection he needs to continue putting up MVP‑caliber numbers. dotson’s performance and durability will likely dictate how the Rams approach both the draft and free‑agent signings in the coming years.