Last year, the Los Angeles Rams struggled to protect Jared Goff during his rookie season. So why didn’t they draft an offensive lineman?

The Rams ranked bottom five among all offensive line units in the NFL last season, according to Pro Football Focus. But with a new coordinator Aaron Kromer in the mix, things are destined to change next year.

Forrest Lamp, a top interior offensive lineman, was available when the Rams were on the clock with pick No. 37 overall. But Los Angeles traded it away, despite showing interest in him earlier this offseason.

Related Rams to meet with top offensive lineman prospect Forrest Lamp again

When Rams general manager Les Snead was asked about his plans for the offensive line, here is what he had to say (via ESPN):

“The biggest key for us right now, because you do have a second-year QB, is whoever that player is has got to be mentally astute. You’d probably rather have a veteran who’s done it, at least a veteran mentor.”

Los Angeles was exploring free agency and trades for a center to help protect Goff and landed on John Sullivan from Washington.

This is what the offensive line depth chart looks like for the Rams heading into the 2017 season.

Rams offensive lineman Rob Havenstein, who is changing positions next year, indicated plans for Los Angeles for the trenches:

“I think a lot of guys are cross-training because we don’t know where we’re going to be … the best five are going to play, whoever that is. Guys are going to have to compete, work for the job, obviously myself included. We’re going to be fighting to get better together.”

The only player locked into his position as a starter on the offensive line is Pro Bowl free agent signing Andrew Whitworth, at left tackle.

The Rams met with offensive linemen including Lamp, Dan Feeney, Taylor Moton, Dion Dawkins, Julie’n Davenport and Kyle Fuller.

Here is what Rams GM Les Snead said about why they didn’t draft an offensive lineman:

“When Sean, his staff, (offensive line) Coach (Aaron) Kromer comes in, because we had a relatively young offensive line, they were fresh in Coach Kromer’s mind. There are a lot of guys in our group that he wanted to work with and felt like they may be better than some of the rookies in this draft class.”

It seemed their priority was bolstering their playmakers for Goff and adding linebackers and EDGE rushers, which seemed to be what they wanted to do based on all previous interviews with Snead.