After the 2021 NFL Draft, Los Angeles Rams left tackle Alaric Jackson was a prospect out of the University of Iowa who didn't have a home. Going undrafted after a rough pre-draft process, Jackson had a few offers as an undrafted free agent, eventually choosing to sign with the Rams.
The move paid off for the player and team. Jackson received proper coaching along with a proficient strength and conditioning program that got him into top form. Jackson's efforts would launch him into the starting lineup as a full-time player in 2023, and he's been the anchor of the Rams' offensive line for the past three seasons, landing a well-earned extension in the process.
Jackson recently posted on X/TWitter about his decision to sign with the Rams and what his mindset was back in 2021.
"Gotta give the credit to my agent Ced Saunders @GoalineFootball," wrote Jackson. "He knew Big Whit was retiring soon and he pretty much said you can go in there and compete for a job and thats what we did. Sometimes the cards don't land where you want them and thats where having a good person on your team can come in handy. He laid out the vision for me and all I had to do was work. Appreciate the hell out of him for that and the Rams giving me an opportunity."
Jackson took a massive gamble. Andrew Whitworth retired the year after Jackson signed, but the Rams already had his backup in place with Joe Noteboom. Noteboom, who played a key role in the team's triumph over the defending Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the playoffs, signed a three-year extension during the 2022 offseason.
The Rams had Noteboom and Rob Havenstein at tackle moving forward, with time ticking down on Jackson's rookie deal. Jackson moved to guard in 2022, before blood clots ended his second season prematurely. Then, in his third season, Jackson supplanted Noteboom for the starting job coming into the season, and the rest is history.
It was a gamble that continues to pay off for both parties, with Jackson holding the line for the NFL's most prolific offense in 2025.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Alaric Jackson reflects on decision to sign with Rams as UDFA in 2021
