Wagoner: Decision at center could shape roster

  • To unlock all of features of Rams On Demand please take a brief moment to register. Registering is not only quick and easy, it also allows you access to additional features such as live chat, private messaging, and a host of other apps exclusive to Rams On Demand.

CGI_Ram

Hamburger Connoisseur
Moderator
Joined
Jun 28, 2010
Messages
48,082
Name
Burger man
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-ra...isions-at-center-could-help-shape-rams-roster

EARTH CITY, Mo. -- The St. Louis Rams had no moves on the NFL's official transaction wire Friday afternoon, but they'll have to trim the roster to 53 by Saturday's 4 p.m. ET deadline like everyone else. When they do, their decisions at the center position and, by extension, the offensive line, will go a long way in determining how that initial 53 looks.

All through the offseason and training camp, the Rams have rotated the trio of Tim Barnes, Demetrius Rhaney and Barrett Jones at center in the starting unit. The Rams had hoped one of those players would step up and claim the job. But all indications point to Rams coach Jeff Fisher & Co. still not settling on a starter.

"We'll make the decision," Fisher said after Thursday night's preseason finale. "As soon as we start to practice we can start preparation, which should be Tuesday.”

But before Tuesday and before they name a starter, the Rams must first make difficult roster decisions. Fisher said Thursday it's a sign of how far the team has come that so many difficult decisions remain. In years past, getting to 53 has been easier in the sense the Rams barely had 53 players worth keeping on the active roster.

With so much uncertainty remaining at center, I asked Fisher if he could see a scenario in which the team keeps Barnes, Rhaney and Jones.

"There's a possibility because of the position flexibility," Fisher said. "Yeah, there's a chance we keep all three."

Fisher is known for keeping his cards close to his chest, but he's also been known to offer a clue or two along the way for those paying attention. Earlier in the week, Fisher was asked about the center competition and mentioned that positional versatility.

"We're getting production out of not only Barrett and Tim, but also out of Demetrius," Fisher said. "Demetrius and Tim have the flex at guard and Barrett could potentially play guard if need be, so it's a good race right now.”

It's worth noting Rhaney and Barnes were mentioned first when it comes to that positional versatility. That's instructive in determining how roster decisions could play out, and might not be a good sign for Jones to be mentioned as someone who could "potentially" play elsewhere, considering he was known for versatility coming out of Alabama.

For his part, Rhaney has not only played guard but flashed potential to contribute there in the past two weeks. Barnes has remained a solid, if unspectacular, option at center and started two of the four preseason games. Jones fared OK -- at least in pass protection -- in his only start in Week 3 against Indianapolis, but his struggles as a run-blocker have limited his production.

"I just think the competition has been good," Barnes said. "I'm excited to see what the end result is, obviously. I know everyone is ready to see it."

The Rams seemed to give the impression they'd have liked Jones to be the one to step up and claim the job. They even went so far as to list him as the starter on the "unofficial" depth chart. Of the three, he was also the one the Rams had invested in the most, using a fourth-round pick on him in 2013. But it never really seemed to click for Jones after two injury-plagued seasons and a so-so preseason.

Theoretically, the Rams could keep all three, and if they did they'd probably go with 10 offensive linemen on the initial 53-man roster. Either way, to make the numbers work across the board, they might have to say goodbye to one of the centers. Granted, the Rams could still go light at other positions by keeping just three tight ends and/or four cornerbacks. But they also have special teams to consider, where a sleeper like linebacker Cameron Lynch could find his way onto the roster.

As it stands right now, Barnes and Rhaney can probably rest easy, but if the Rams choose not to keep all three, Jones looks like the one most likely to find himself on the chopping block.
 

paceram

Pro Bowler
Joined
Jul 29, 2010
Messages
1,732
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-ra...isions-at-center-could-help-shape-rams-roster

EARTH CITY, Mo. -- The St. Louis Rams had no moves on the NFL's official transaction wire Friday afternoon, but they'll have to trim the roster to 53 by Saturday's 4 p.m. ET deadline like everyone else. When they do, their decisions at the center position and, by extension, the offensive line, will go a long way in determining how that initial 53 looks.

All through the offseason and training camp, the Rams have rotated the trio of Tim Barnes, Demetrius Rhaney and Barrett Jones at center in the starting unit. The Rams had hoped one of those players would step up and claim the job. But all indications point to Rams coach Jeff Fisher & Co. still not settling on a starter.

"We'll make the decision," Fisher said after Thursday night's preseason finale. "As soon as we start to practice we can start preparation, which should be Tuesday.”

But before Tuesday and before they name a starter, the Rams must first make difficult roster decisions. Fisher said Thursday it's a sign of how far the team has come that so many difficult decisions remain. In years past, getting to 53 has been easier in the sense the Rams barely had 53 players worth keeping on the active roster.

With so much uncertainty remaining at center, I asked Fisher if he could see a scenario in which the team keeps Barnes, Rhaney and Jones.

"There's a possibility because of the position flexibility," Fisher said. "Yeah, there's a chance we keep all three."

Fisher is known for keeping his cards close to his chest, but he's also been known to offer a clue or two along the way for those paying attention. Earlier in the week, Fisher was asked about the center competition and mentioned that positional versatility.

"We're getting production out of not only Barrett and Tim, but also out of Demetrius," Fisher said. "Demetrius and Tim have the flex at guard and Barrett could potentially play guard if need be, so it's a good race right now.”

It's worth noting Rhaney and Barnes were mentioned first when it comes to that positional versatility. That's instructive in determining how roster decisions could play out, and might not be a good sign for Jones to be mentioned as someone who could "potentially" play elsewhere, considering he was known for versatility coming out of Alabama.

For his part, Rhaney has not only played guard but flashed potential to contribute there in the past two weeks. Barnes has remained a solid, if unspectacular, option at center and started two of the four preseason games. Jones fared OK -- at least in pass protection -- in his only start in Week 3 against Indianapolis, but his struggles as a run-blocker have limited his production.

"I just think the competition has been good," Barnes said. "I'm excited to see what the end result is, obviously. I know everyone is ready to see it."

The Rams seemed to give the impression they'd have liked Jones to be the one to step up and claim the job. They even went so far as to list him as the starter on the "unofficial" depth chart. Of the three, he was also the one the Rams had invested in the most, using a fourth-round pick on him in 2013. But it never really seemed to click for Jones after two injury-plagued seasons and a so-so preseason.

Theoretically, the Rams could keep all three, and if they did they'd probably go with 10 offensive linemen on the initial 53-man roster. Either way, to make the numbers work across the board, they might have to say goodbye to one of the centers. Granted, the Rams could still go light at other positions by keeping just three tight ends and/or four cornerbacks. But they also have special teams to consider, where a sleeper like linebacker Cameron Lynch could find his way onto the roster.

As it stands right now, Barnes and Rhaney can probably rest easy, but if the Rams choose not to keep all three, Jones looks like the one most likely to find himself on the chopping block.


Well, that shows you how much I know (Actually, How much I don't know!)! I was thinking that Jones had a pretty good chance to start the season as the starting Center and this article sounds like he might not even make the team.
 

CGI_Ram

Hamburger Connoisseur
Moderator
Joined
Jun 28, 2010
Messages
48,082
Name
Burger man
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #3
Well, that shows you how much I know (Actually, How much I don't know!)! I was thinking that Jones had a pretty good chance to start the season as the starting Center and this article sounds like he might not even make the team.

I found that interesting myself. Of course, Wagoner is speculating... We think.
 

Yamahopper

Hall of Fame
Joined
Jul 31, 2010
Messages
3,838
Like QB 's if you have 3 centers you don't have one.
I can see going with only two centers.
 

LACHAMP46

A snazzy title
Joined
Jul 21, 2013
Messages
11,735
I was thinking that Jones had a pretty good chance to start the season as the starting Center and this article sounds like he might not even make the team.
Me too Pace....Nick pulling straws....I didn't see anything outta Barnes that says "Wow, he's GOTTA START!" Nothing....In fact, the offense finally woke up under Jones to me...the prior two games, except for those passes to Kendricks & Tavon (vs Oakland or Tenn), the starting O always looked sluggish. Jones game vs Indy looked good. He was running downfield making blocks....
Rhaney is promising...Barnes is Okay....If we keep all 3 of those guys, we're losing a valuable roster spot, for marginal players...IMO
 

CGI_Ram

Hamburger Connoisseur
Moderator
Joined
Jun 28, 2010
Messages
48,082
Name
Burger man
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #7
Rhaney has surprised me, I'll be honest.

Dude was a 7th round pick. Those don't usually challenge to start.
 

den-the-coach

Fifty-four Forty or Fight
Rams On Demand Sponsor
Joined
Jan 16, 2013
Messages
22,425
Name
Dennis
Jones will be the starting Center in fact, IMO, they might cut Barnes...Just an opinion. Rhaney seems better suited for Guard and I would not be shocked if they pick up a center either for depth, however, everything I've seen indicate that Barrett Jones will start at Center.
 

BonifayRam

Legend
Joined
Jan 14, 2013
Messages
13,435
Name
Vernon
Barrett Jones is Mr. Versatility. Barnes has played all three interior posts through-out his College & Ram career too. Rhaney has done it too. My opinion differs from den. Barnes will be the starter but not by much & both could end up getting many starts by yrs end. Guess that could mean that the competition will continue all season. Just settled for now?

I have watched these three in the 3 previous pre-season games. Tim Barnes & Barrett Jones are the better centers from my point of view. Rhaney is not close to them as all this talk indicates. Rhaney has been much more active playing OG this is where he has done some good work. Thinking Rhaney has won the starting center position has not even entered my one brain cell.
 
Last edited:

GabesHorn

GRACE AND TRUTH
Joined
Jan 24, 2015
Messages
1,125
100%



Barrett Jones is Mr. Versatility. Barnes has played all three interior posts through-out his College & Ram career too. Rhaney has done it too. My opinion differs from den. Barnes will be the starter but not by much & both could end up getting many starts by yrs end. Guess that could mean that the competition will continue all season. Just settled for now?

I have watched these three in the 3 previous pre-season games. Tim Barnes & Barrett Jones are the better centers from my point of view. Rhaney is not close to them as all this talk indicates. Rhaney has been much more active playing OG this is where he has done some good work. Thinking Rhaney has won the starting center position has not even entered my one brain cell.
 

A55VA6

Legend
Joined
Mar 9, 2013
Messages
8,208
I think all 3 Centers make the roster. Jones is versatile, Rhaney wasn't too bad at RG, and Barnes has some experience and has played well at times.
 

fearsomefour

Legend
Joined
Jan 15, 2013
Messages
17,080
Week 1 Barnes is the starter at C (I thought Rhaney would be the guy when training camp started) and Pead is starting at RB for me week 1.
I would like the Rams to keep all three if possible. I still think both Rhamey and Jones have potential at G/C.
 

fearsomefour

Legend
Joined
Jan 15, 2013
Messages
17,080
Week 1 Barnes is the starter at C (I thought Rhaney would be the guy when training camp started) and Pead is starting at RB for me week 1.
I would like the Rams to keep all three if possible. I still think both Rhamey and Jones have potential at G/C.
 

Rainram

Starter
Joined
Sep 2, 2014
Messages
903
I still think it speaks volumes that Jones and Barnes couldn't dislodge Wells last year. They are both average, at best, and we'll have to hope we get great play from our Guards (which we should) to help out.