Kevin Dotson did not need a jersey to make it clear which team he plays for when he arrived at Los Angeles Rams training camp.
The veteran right guard showed up with the franchise’s curved horns dyed across the top of his hair in blue and white, reflecting the teams newly released throwback alternate jerseys.
It marked the second consecutive year Dotson opened camp with the horn-inspired design.
The hairstyle was playful. His importance to the Rams is anything but.
Since arriving in a 2023 trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Dotson has developed into one of the most valuable players on Los Angeles’ roster and arguably its best offensive lineman.
At 6-foot-4 and 330 pounds, he brings the size and mobility needed to create movement at the line of scrimmage before reaching linebackers and defensive backs at the second level.
His value became particularly clear when he missed time late last season. Los Angeles entered its final three regular-season games as the NFL’s top offense in EPA per play and rushing EPA. With Dotson sidelined for portions of that stretch, the Rams fell to 16th in EPA per rush.
He also provides essential protection for Matthew Stafford. Dotson has surrendered only nine sacks over six NFL seasons, including a sack on just sack on just 0.6% of his pass-blocking snaps last year, according to Sports Info Solutions.
That combination of power, athleticism and consistency has placed Dotson in the conversation for the first Pro Bowl selection of his career. He would become only the second Rams offensive lineman to receive the honor during Sean McVay’s tenure, joining Andrew Whitworth.
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Dotson may face stiff competition from guards such as Chris Lindstrom and Tyler Smith, but his impact extends beyond his own assignments. His presence has helped Coleman Shelton thrive and contributed to Warren McClendon Jr.’s development at right tackle.
The haircut is eye-catching, but the Rams will be far more concerned with keeping the horns—and the player wearing them—on the field.
