After spending the previous season with the Chicago Bears, Super Bowl champion Coleman Shelton has returned to the Los Angeles Rams, reuniting with his teammates as they prepare for the 2025 season. Shelton expressed enthusiasm about returning not only to the team but also to the group of players who make up the projected starting offensive line—a unit unchanged since his departure after 2023.
Coaching Staff Emphasizes Shelton’s Strategic Value on the Offensive Line
Rams head coach Sean McVay and offensive lineman Rob Havenstein both highlighted Shelton’s importance beyond his physical presence. McVay explained that Shelton’s true value comes from his mental acuity and leadership, describing it as
“one square foot of real estate located between Shelton’s ears.”
Shelton’s expertise in making the proper calls on the line has enhanced communication among veterans, contributing to the offense’s overall effectiveness.
It’s huge. The command, the communication, that’s just such an important part,
said Sean McVay.
You’ve heard us talk about it before, that rapport between the center and the quarterback, and you know how that echoes from inside out. You hear our guards communicating more. I think it’ll be great. I have so much confidence in what [Offensive Lineman] Beaux Limmer’s going to be for our football team down the line.
McVay also noted the positive influence Shelton has on younger teammates, especially promising linemen like Beaux Limmer, who is expected to benefit from observing Shelton’s leadership and technique firsthand during practices and games.
I think for him to be able to see how Coleman runs the show will only make him better and he’ll get a chance to be able to play some guard as well. But it was awesome. I love Coleman and it was great to be able to get him back in general throughout the spring, and he picked up where he left off, and we look forward to getting the pads on. But he’s a stud and he represents everything that we’re looking for.
—Sean McVay, Head Coach
Veteran Teammate Highlights Shelton’s Leadership and Experience
Rob Havenstein, a longtime teammate and respected veteran of the Rams, praised Shelton’s steady influence on and off the field. He emphasized that Shelton’s experience playing multiple positions and on various teams has shaped his leadership style, characterized by calmness, focus, and intentional effort.
It’s great. I love Coleman Shelton,
said Havenstein.
He’s played a lot of years and a couple of different positions and been on a couple of different teams. I think the experience, the leadership, the calmness and the way he goes about his work… He’s really intentional about what he does. It’s great to have him in the building, personally, he’s one of my good friends, so it’s great to have him back.
Anticipated Impact of Shelton’s Return on Rams’ 2025 Outlook
Coleman Shelton’s return is expected to provide a significant boost to the Rams’ offensive line chemistry and leadership, two critical elements as the team looks toward a successful 2025 campaign. His veteran presence is likely to improve communication and cohesion, qualities that could elevate the entire offense.
With Shelton back in place and teammates like Beaux Limmer developing under his guidance, the Rams hope to build on their strengths and gain momentum as the season approaches. The combination of coaching confidence and player respect suggests that Shelton’s role will be pivotal in shaping the Rams’ offensive identity moving forward.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Coleman Shelton a good center?
A. Last year, Shelton was a key player for Chicago’s offensive line. He earned a 66.4 grade, placing him among the top 15 centers in 2024. His steady performance was particularly noteworthy.
Q. How good is Coleman Shelton?
A. Shelton performed well enough to rank in the top 10 for PFF WAR (0.20). His grades were above 66.0 in both pass protection and run blocking. Last year, he was the main player on Chicago’s offensive line, earning an overall score of 66.4 and placing him among the top 15 centers in 2024.