Alaric Jackson Looks Like Real Deal

[OntarioRam]

I read today that it’s likely that the Rams give Aleric a second round tender.

I think a second round tender would be very risky. Jackson may not be Trent Williams, but he’s improved in both seasons that he’s been in the league. A second round pick for a good OLT is a no-brainer, and it would have big draft implications for the Rams.

I guess the idea is that it would mean committing less money than a first round tender. Or isn’t that how that works?

Agreed. He is at worst league-average at LT. Tons of teams would kill for that for only a 2nd round pick.

 

[Kupped]

Agreed. He is at worst league-average at LT. Tons of teams would kill for that for only a 2nd round pick.

I guess the problem is that they have one year to go on.. and will have to pay him for real in 25.

 

[WestCoastRam]

I read today that it’s likely that the Rams give Aleric a second round tender.

I think a second round tender would be very risky. Jackson may not be Trent Williams, but he’s improved in both seasons that he’s been in the league. A second round pick for a good OLT is a no-brainer, and it would have big draft implications for the Rams.

I guess the idea is that it would mean committing less money than a first round tender. Or isn’t that how that works?

Well, the tackle class this year may also make people think twice about sending a 2nd...

 

[OldSchool]

I read today that it’s likely that the Rams give Aleric a second round tender.

I think a second round tender would be very risky. Jackson may not be Trent Williams, but he’s improved in both seasons that he’s been in the league. A second round pick for a good OLT is a no-brainer, and it would have big draft implications for the Rams.

I guess the idea is that it would mean committing less money than a first round tender. Or isn’t that how that works?

Read what by whom and where?

 

[dieterbrock]

I guess the idea is that it would mean committing less money than a first round tender. Or isn’t that how that works?

1st round tender guaranteed 6.4 mill 1 year salary
2nd round tender guaranteed 4.6 mill 1 year salary

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

I think they need to do everything they can to keep Dotson.

If Aleric Jackson gets top 5-10 OLT money from some team, the Rams will no longer have the security of being able to move AJ to ORG if they draft a new OLT. They will be down 2/5 very good players.

If the Rams do retain AJ in the battle to sign him as a OLT, then they likely will be overpaying him in a move him to ORG.

At the very least it has to be one or the other. If they come out of this off-season having lost both AJ and Dotson, then it will be a huge disappointment.

 

[Allen2McVay]

I think they need to do everything they can to keep Dotson.

If Aleric Jackson gets top 5-10 OLT money from some team, the Rams will no longer have the security of being able to move AJ to ORG if they draft a new OLT. They will be down 2/5 very good players.

If the Rams do retain AJ in the battle to sign him as a OLT, then they likely will be overpaying him in a move him to ORG.

At the very least it has to be one or the other. If they come out of this off-season having lost both AJ and Dotson, then it will be a huge disappointment.

As a restricted free agent, it may be tough to lose Jackson this off-season.

Possible, especially if the Rams go with the second-round tender (still have right of refusal) but possible.

 

[Kupped]

Pulled this one back from the depths..
Alaric Jackson is a solid left tackle. Not a top-tier guy.. but grades out a little above average on PFF, which reflects the eye test.

And.. we've discussed what his weight REALLY is before... Rams website updated his info... he's listed now as 345.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

Pulled this one back from the depths..
Alaric Jackson is a solid left tackle. Not a top-tier guy.. but grades out a little above average on PFF, which reflects the eye test.

And.. we've discussed what his weight REALLY is before... Rams website updated his info... he's listed now as 345.

He tied for first with fewest sacks allowed, last season. His sack percentage was 5.5% (7th). I think that alone justifies keeping him. The way he run blocks makes it a no brainer.

The only reason I could see for drafting a new left tackle would be to save cap space. But an early round rookie left tackle is not guaranteed to play as well as Aleric. Letting him walk is a big risk.

 

[So Ram]

Sometimes I don’t understand The Rams thinking & in this way it really pisses me off.

Alaric Jackson & Athello Whiterspoon both earned multi-year contracts.Why The Rams never signed both players upsetting to me.Out playing your contract & fitting into that we player.

I don’t know what they wanted for a multi year deal,so it’s in general.Both players are 2 players I really cheer for because they both have helped the last 2 years SAVE there seasons.
A’ Jackson missing the first 2 games really hurt(depth) though.

As I Noteboom fan as well,A’ Jackson has proven himself to stay on the grass.

The other thing is letting 4 year players go early & or try to get rid of them.I will have to admit after the initial shock on the team,they settle in.

My hope is both players get PAID next season no matter who they play for & help The Rams continue on there winning ways.
It would be curious to see there win loss record.

 

[dieterbrock]

Great thread bump, a lot of good info here.
The Rams really played hardball with AJ last off season, and left him exposed to get a potential long term deal elsewhere.
I wonder if his suspension was common knowledge and why the Rams played said hardball and why it appeared he didn’t garner interest.
He’s “good enough” at the moment and seemingly getting better.
We all love Whit, but who really thought about him prior to coming to the Rams? He was a good/great player with Cincinnati but didn’t make a pro bowl until his 6th season. Was a legit “franchise LT” when the Rams got him, if Alaric keeps ascending, who knows what his ceiling will be?

 

[fanotodd]

The only reason I could see for drafting a new left tackle would be to save cap space. But an early round rookie left tackle is not guaranteed to play as well as Aleric. Letting him walk is a big risk.

If we are to assume AJ continues to play about the same all the way through the season, nothing like a catastrophic injury occurring, then he is likely to be the most discussed player in the offseason. Most importantly, he will get paid. Why not? He will have proven his ability and will be a great age to be entering a big contract.

Not signing him:
Yes, that’s a gamble and in more ways than one. A 1rst round CB or offensive weapon (WR/TE) might have to be passed up. Those look like needs to me, and though could be addressed in other ways besides draft picks, those alternatives will cost more. Plus, as you stated, we don’t know that a 1rst rounder is gonna pan out as well, at least right away.

Signing him:
The Stafford, Kupp, Havenstein, Higbee window is closing right before our eyes. Higbee might already be at the end. Havenstein is missing more and more time the last 2 seasons. We all see the risk every time Kupp takes the field. Funny, we’re so worried about cashing in on the Stafford window, yet he’s liable to outlast all of those aforementioned players!

I don’t see a way the Rams CANNOT invest in an OT, but “how/what day he’s picked” is the point. With Noteboom a spot starter, but above average backup, he won’t ever be a full time starter again. Too risky. Havenstein is winding down. Somebody has to be in development at the very least. A day three pick was made this year, but is that really enough? IMO, no. Hedge your bets—bring in another body or two. Adding those players to McClendon, and there’s depth. I don’t think it’s unrealistic that Havenstein and Noteboom are on their last contract as a Ram.

Having said all that, now is not the time to be gambling on protecting Stafford’s blind side.

 

[bubbaramfan]

Wow! A So Ram post I actually understood!

 

[Londoner]

Wow! A So Ram post I actually understood!

 

[Merlin]

Great thread bump, a lot of good info here.
The Rams really played hardball with AJ last off season, and left him exposed to get a potential long term deal elsewhere.
I wonder if his suspension was common knowledge and why the Rams played said hardball and why it appeared he didn’t garner interest.
He’s “good enough” at the moment and seemingly getting better.
We all love Whit, but who really thought about him prior to coming to the Rams? He was a good/great player with Cincinnati but didn’t make a pro bowl until his 6th season. Was a legit “franchise LT” when the Rams got him, if Alaric keeps ascending, who knows what his ceiling will be?

Yeah he is good enough I think, no doubt. But his availability concerns me.

Also if the Rams like a player they get him done. So your question of why did they play hardball tells us they probably don't trust him.

It will be interesting to see what they do this offseason. Because if he locks down LT the roster build is greatly simplified.

 

[Classic Rams]

I'm thankful that we have a solid LT. We know he's not perfect but he's been the best Stafford protector we've had since Whit. If the Rams aren't going to pay extend him then they'd better find a vet replacement or a top stud from the draft soon.

 

[brucebruce]

As long as Stafford is the QB the Rams need to do their best to provide an above-competent LT/o-line because they have a chance at a ring.

 

[OntarioRam]

He tied for first with fewest sacks allowed, last season. His sack percentage was 5.5% (7th). I think that alone justifies keeping him. The way he run blocks makes it a no brainer.

The only reason I could see for drafting a new left tackle would be to save cap space. But an early round rookie left tackle is not guaranteed to play as well as Aleric. Letting him walk is a big risk.

Agreed, I rarely if ever see Stafford pressured from his post, in terms of pass protection, if he is not elite, he is knocking on the door-step. A bit heavy footed at times. But he is a LT that I would strive to keep.

 

[JonRam99]

He's a 345# LT & far out-performing his draft / contract?? pay the man!!
....but draft a swing T to replace Boom.
We had to conscript A.Whitt from the BeeGees to get a decent LT -- outside of him, our record on LT's is ABYSMAL. Before A.Whitt? anyone even remember? (hint: he went on to become an All-Pro drug mule...) McVay made fixing this one of his #1 priorities when he arrived in 2017.
If we hit on a UDFA for an LT.... SO WHAT??
Could we get a bit better at that position via the draft? maybe... and supposedly there's no blue-chip LT's right now in the college ranks, and they're all getting NIL $$ anyway. Some don't even want to declare, they're starting to ask for eligibility extensions.
And supposedly there's no LT's coming available in F/A that's any better than A.Jax.

 

[Ramstien]

Easy fix get rid of Noteboom and there you have the money to pay Jackson.