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2014 offseason in review: OL Davin Joseph
By Nick Wagoner
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/16102/2014-offseason-in-review-ol-davin-joseph
EARTH CITY, Mo. -- The 2015 edition of NFL free agency is set to begin on March 10 with a new batch of players set to hit the market and teams in pursuit of those players.
But before we look to the future, let's take a look back at what the St. Louis Rams accomplished in 2014. Today, we turn our attention to guard Davin Joseph, signed as an unrestricted free agent from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Reason for addition: After enduring a 2013 season in which starting offensive linemen Rodger Saffold, Jake Long and Scott Wells missed chunks of time with injuries, the Rams entered last offseason in need of reinforcements for the line. They ended up using the No. 2 overall pick on Greg Robinson with the intent to start him at left guard and re-signed Saffold to a lucrative contract after he nearly departed for Oakland. But they had no veteran depth behind the starters and continued to pursue Joseph even after drafting Robinson. Finally, on May 28, Joseph signed with the Rams over the New England Patriots. Upon signing Joseph, the Rams intended to use him as their primary backup, a player who could step in for an injury at guard or who could step in if a tackle got hurt and Saffold or Robinson had to move out to tackle.
What he brought: Joseph ended up playing a much bigger role than anyone expected as Robinson took time to adjust and the Rams had to wait for Long to get all the way back from a knee injury and Saffold to return from a preseason ailment. Joseph started the season at right guard and ended up starting 13 of the 16 games he appeared in. He played 834 snaps and, for a guy coming off a litany of injury issues, proved more durable than almost every other lineman the Rams had. Unfortunately, durability was probably his best quality. Joseph is no longer the Pro Bowl caliber player he once was and struggled to gain consistent push in the run game or reliable protection as a pass protector. You'd be hard-pressed to find a better locker room presence or guy than Joseph, but he didn't produce much for a guy who played as much as he did.
What's next: Like the rest of their 2014 free-agent additions, Joseph signed a one-year deal, a deal that was worth around $1.75 million. Upgrading Joseph's spot figures to be one of the Rams' top priorities this offseason which means whether it's in the draft or free agency, he'll be replaced. That isn't to say it's completely out of the question that Joseph could return for depth, but at this point, the Rams are probably better off looking to find younger talent with more upside.
By Nick Wagoner
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/16102/2014-offseason-in-review-ol-davin-joseph
EARTH CITY, Mo. -- The 2015 edition of NFL free agency is set to begin on March 10 with a new batch of players set to hit the market and teams in pursuit of those players.
But before we look to the future, let's take a look back at what the St. Louis Rams accomplished in 2014. Today, we turn our attention to guard Davin Joseph, signed as an unrestricted free agent from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Reason for addition: After enduring a 2013 season in which starting offensive linemen Rodger Saffold, Jake Long and Scott Wells missed chunks of time with injuries, the Rams entered last offseason in need of reinforcements for the line. They ended up using the No. 2 overall pick on Greg Robinson with the intent to start him at left guard and re-signed Saffold to a lucrative contract after he nearly departed for Oakland. But they had no veteran depth behind the starters and continued to pursue Joseph even after drafting Robinson. Finally, on May 28, Joseph signed with the Rams over the New England Patriots. Upon signing Joseph, the Rams intended to use him as their primary backup, a player who could step in for an injury at guard or who could step in if a tackle got hurt and Saffold or Robinson had to move out to tackle.
What he brought: Joseph ended up playing a much bigger role than anyone expected as Robinson took time to adjust and the Rams had to wait for Long to get all the way back from a knee injury and Saffold to return from a preseason ailment. Joseph started the season at right guard and ended up starting 13 of the 16 games he appeared in. He played 834 snaps and, for a guy coming off a litany of injury issues, proved more durable than almost every other lineman the Rams had. Unfortunately, durability was probably his best quality. Joseph is no longer the Pro Bowl caliber player he once was and struggled to gain consistent push in the run game or reliable protection as a pass protector. You'd be hard-pressed to find a better locker room presence or guy than Joseph, but he didn't produce much for a guy who played as much as he did.
What's next: Like the rest of their 2014 free-agent additions, Joseph signed a one-year deal, a deal that was worth around $1.75 million. Upgrading Joseph's spot figures to be one of the Rams' top priorities this offseason which means whether it's in the draft or free agency, he'll be replaced. That isn't to say it's completely out of the question that Joseph could return for depth, but at this point, the Rams are probably better off looking to find younger talent with more upside.
