Another 2 oline thoughts - Scherff and Hudson

[OldSchool]

Spotrac is siting an $11.mil increase from $188,200,000.mil. to $199mil.
Speculation is that 2020 will offer the largest per team CAP rise since its inception as profits soared last year, so at least there's a chance for that current $23mil Rams CAP to increase somewhat more. jmo.

2020 Los Angeles Rams Cap Table

The Los Angeles Rams 2020 salary cap table, including team cap space, dead cap figures, and complete breakdowns of player cap hits, salaries, and bonuses.

www.spotrac.com

They have it at 203 a 15 increase.

 

[Riverumbbq]

2020 Los Angeles Rams Cap Table

The Los Angeles Rams 2020 salary cap table, including team cap space, dead cap figures, and complete breakdowns of player cap hits, salaries, and bonuses.

www.spotrac.com

They have it at 203 a 15 increase.

You are including potential for rollover, i'm speaking directly to the NFL CAP rise at the top of the column. The NFL level CAP may yet increase, ... depending on what the Rams do the remainder of the season, that rollover could go in any direction. jmo.

 

[Soul Surfer]

I have this distinct feeling that the Rams front office philosophy is they plan on building the O line, (and possibly the defensive line as well) through the draft and spending their free agent money on so called "skill positions", (wide receivers, TEs, QBs, in particular on offense and linebackers, defensive backs on D).

One reason I think that is because that is mostly what they have been doing and also O lines can be built that way and sustained that way.

They, however, seem to like surefire and proven wide receivers and defensive backs.
JMO.

 

[MachS]

Who knows, maybe after the bye week Corbett takes over at RG.

I'm really hoping this happens. That will have given him what 3-4 weeks to adjust to our system? He was a 2nd round talent and has more size/strength than Blythe, hard to imagine him being any worse.

 

[Dieter the Brock]

I have this distinct feeling that the Rams front office philosophy is they plan on building the O line, (and possibly the defensive line as well) through the draft and spending their free agent money on so called "skill positions", (wide receivers, TEs, QBs, in particular on offense and linebackers, defensive backs on D).

One reason I think that is because that is mostly what they have been doing and also O lines can be built that way and sustained that way.

They, however, seem to like surefire and proven wide receivers and defensive backs.
JMO.

Yes

 

[Flint]

I thought that was what Evans job was supposed to be. Maybe Edwards? They both played tackle in college. Hopefully they develop into what Snead thought they could. Edwards looked good on Sunday. I think he’d make a better OLT than Noteboom.

I don’t think you want a rookie at LT so I assume Boom was scheduled to be that guy, then someone would need to take his place at guard and Blythe, who has been the weak link, is a FA. So Edwards and Evans are brought in to fill one or both guard spots and back up center.
Is Demby a better tackle than a guard? Getting beat out by a rookie after 6 games is not good at all but maybe he’s out of position. Is there anyone who can play tackle if necessary?
And then there’s Corbett, Edwards seems to be finding his way so right guard seems the question.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

I don’t think you want a rookie at LT so I assume Boom was scheduled to be that guy, then someone would need to take his place at guard and Blythe, who has been the weak link, is a FA. So Edwards and Evans are brought in to fill one or both guard spots and back up center.
Is Demby a better tackle than a guard? Getting beat out by a rookie after 6 games is not good at all but maybe he’s out of position. Is there anyone who can play tackle if necessary?
And then there’s Corbett, Edwards seems to be finding his way so right guard seems the question.

I meant for next season. If Whit retires and the Rams don't draft an OLT who is the best choice to play in his place? Noteboom may not be completely healed by then.

Whether Noteboom is ready or not I think it would be Edwards. I know we are using their play at guard as a comparison, but in Edwards first game at OLG he played better than Noteboom did in his fifth game at Guard, plus Joe had a year to learn in the NFL. So that tells me that Edwards is the better player overall, since both played tackle in college and are both transitioning to guard, it's a fair comparison. You put your best tackle on the left. I think that will be Edwards, unless Evans somehow surprises me.

I was happy when Noteboom was drafted. I felt he had a lot of potential, but I'm still seeing things that he had trouble with in college and it's his second year in the NFL. I wasn't happy with the Allen pick but that is another story. I don't think Noteboom is a good guard, but if Edwards ends up being the better Tackle then Joe will once again be miscast as a guard. If Evans actually is making progress at guard, and turns out to be good, then Noteboom goes back to swing tackle/backup role. I'd rather have the best five on the line. Maybe that ends up being Edwards, Evans, Corbett, FA, Havenstein. I'm holding out hope that Corbett can win the starting Center job by next year. I don't know who plays right guard though.

 

[Flint]

I meant for next season. If Whit retires and the Rams don't draft an OLT who is the best choice to play in his place? Noteboom may not be completely healed by then.

Whether Noteboom is ready or not I think it would be Edwards. I know we are using their play at guard as a comparison, but in Edwards first game at OLG he played better than Noteboom did in his fifth game at Guard, plus Joe had a year to learn in the NFL. So that tells me that Edwards is the better player overall, since both played tackle in college and are both transitioning to guard, it's a fair comparison. You put your best tackle on the left. I think that will be Edwards, unless Evans somehow surprises me.

I was happy when Noteboom was drafted. I felt he had a lot of potential, but I'm still seeing things that he had trouble with in college and it's his second year in the NFL. I wasn't happy with the Allen pick but that is another story. I don't think Noteboom is a good guard, but if Edwards ends up being the better Tackle then Joe will once again be miscast as a guard. If Evans actually is making progress at guard, and turns out to be good, then Noteboom goes back to swing tackle/backup role. I'd rather have the best five on the line. Maybe that ends up being Edwards, Evans, Corbett, FA, Havenstein. I'm holding out hope that Corbett can win the starting Center job by next year. I don't know who plays right guard though.

I’ve read that Edwards doesn’t have the feet to play tackle, so is this a temporary move or is that evaluation incorrect.
Maybe Allen can be serviceable and can stay at center with decent guard play and we don’t have to shop the open market.

 

[BonifayRam]

Who knows, maybe after the bye week Corbett takes over at RG.

No doubt that Austin Corbett is getting some practice reps in @ RG with the first team OL. Rams traded for AC for a good reason. Even though AC was strictly a starting LT in college @ Nevada, AC played 3 other positions in the 2018 Senior Bowl gm. Started @ RT, then moved to starting center & finished the game @ starting LG.

AC was known by Snead & his staff since that Bowl gm...reason is Snead drafted DE Og Okoronkwo because OO gave most all college RT's nightmares along with QB's. OO & AC met during the Senior Bowl gm when OO & AC went at it from the beginning. AC playing RT was the only OL'er who was able to handle OO.

I'm really hoping this happens. That will have given Austin Corbett what 3-4 weeks to adjust to our system? Corbett was a 2nd round talent and has more size/strength than Blythe, hard to imagine him being any worse.

AC provides some hope that he can be a starting LG or RG in the near future if needed. I do not believe that there is any major center concerns being involved with AC trade. Kromer has Coleman Shelton & Jeremiah Kolone in reserve.

AC is here now to first to contend in the starting RG post where recent Ankle/Knee injured Blythe who continues to seriously struggle physically. Second to back up David Edwards who is starting @ LG in case LT Whitfield goes down. The main OL problem is & has been @ both OG posts. Kromer looks to have the ongoing issues @ LG put down, however the dumpster fire @ RG is blazing!

PFF and Baldy both beg to differ. They both indicate that Blythe and Allen are the biggest problem.
Also the ATL game is not a good indicator. Neither will most likely the Cincy game they are the worst in several areas both on Offense and defense.

We all hope Edwards flourishes. But somehow based on your thesis Noteboom was the problem and with Edwards we have magically solved all our oline woes. I highly doubt that. PFF ranked Blythe 75 out of 76 Guards and Allen 30 out of 32 Centers prior to the ATL game that to me says we have a problem at C and RG. Goff was the #1 most pressured QB prior to ATL. As you can see our oline is the biggest problem.

The Rams must do more than Corbett who Dorsey said was an outright bust now maybe it's the new oline coach bad overall coaching...in any event we must do more before the trade deadline.

Ref. Your last paragraph comment....
I look @ it this way, Browns OL scheme is completely different from the many schemes Kromer will employ. AC was strictly LT in college who has arm length, massive hands, wide center section & in general a 6-4 310 NFL OG size body. AC was first inserted as a rookie to start @ LT post, then OC & then this season RG. I believe AC's best playing post will be @ LG & to a small lesser degree RG in this better OL blocking scheme of Kromer. AC is now in the perfect position to shed that "outright bust" tag!

Ref. Your first paragraph..I agree with them. Blythe has played in 46 NFL game & in his 4th season. But Allen & Blythe were matched up against an all pro named NT Grady Jarrett & veterans DT's Tyler Davison & Jack Crawford. That's not easy assignments. I can see a first yr starting OC Allen having some issues but NOT RG Blythe. Blythe needs to be out of the starting RG position ASAP!

But Brian Allen? No! The center position is a very tough place to learn the NFL. That's what Allen is doing...learning. Brainwise it is the hardest most difficult OL position to get down.

How many games did rookie Allen start last season?
Zero.
How many games in his rookie season did Allen get at least several offensive series in with the first string OL?
Zero.
How many 2019 preseason games did he start?
Zero.
How many 2019 preseason games did he play in?
Zero.

Wow? it's a tough place in here to make fans hopeful for the future for a first year center.

 

[fearsomefour]

I don’t think you want a rookie at LT so I assume Boom was scheduled to be that guy, then someone would need to take his place at guard and Blythe, who has been the weak link, is a FA. So Edwards and Evans are brought in to fill one or both guard spots and back up center.
Is Demby a better tackle than a guard? Getting beat out by a rookie after 6 games is not good at all but maybe he’s out of position. Is there anyone who can play tackle if necessary?
And then there’s Corbett, Edwards seems to be finding his way so right guard seems the question.

Corbett should be competing for a C or G spot. Worse case he can back up all three....assuming he can play.
Who knows what Evans or Edwards could bring to T. Boom had a bad injury.....long road back to be able to play LT.
A cheap veteran LT rental or talking Whitworth into staying (for less money....not sure how that would go) may be the best options.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

I’ve read that Edwards doesn’t have the feet to play tackle, so is this a temporary move or is that evaluation incorrect.
Maybe Allen can be serviceable and can stay at center with decent guard play and we don’t have to shop the open market.

His feet looked as good as Noteboom’s

 

[BonifayRam]

I’ve read that Edwards doesn’t have the feet to play tackle, so is this a temporary move or is that evaluation incorrect.
Maybe Allen can be serviceable and can stay at center with decent guard play and we don’t have to shop the open market.

There appears to be some different comments on David Edwards feet. Be,low are some positive comments by NFL Analysts.

2019 NFL Draft: Wisconsin’s David Edwards Scouting Report

Wisconsin’s David Edwards is a massive 2019 NFL Draft offensive tackle prospect. The Wisconsin Badgers features several high-profile offensive line prosp...

withthefirstpick.com

Something that really jumps out is how quick Edwards gets off the ball. It’s a situation where he either has elite snap awareness or is getting an early jump. My honest opinion is that he is getting an early jump which could create issues moving forward.

If Edwards starts getting flagged for early movement it will negate some of the advantage he gains with that quick first step.

NFL Draft & Combine Profile - David Edwards

David Edwards NFL Prospect profile for Stats, videos, combine results, draft projections and expert analysis.

www.nfl.com

• Former option quarterback and high school basketball player with good feet.....Early quickness in pass sets ....Quarterback-turned-tight-end-turned-right-tackle who has maintained his light feet .....initial quickness to cross-face on backside zone blocks ......Former option quarterback and high school basketball player with good feet

 

[oldnotdead]

The only real issue right now is Blythe killing the offense with his blown blocks. Gurley and the other RB's are missing the gaps because Kromer has changed his blocking to more of a gap type scheme. It will take time for them to adjust because right now they looked unsure where to expect the holes. They need to start reading the defense and understand what to expect from the o-line because if you change the blocking scheme the timing and look changes as well. It's just a matter of getting used to the change to inside zone and gap blocking from strictly outside zone.

This is really going to expose Blythe even more because he lacks the athleticism and physicality to get out and consistently make and maintain his blocks. Merlin's post was a beautiful breakdown of his issues. If they get the level of play that they are getting now at LG at RG the run game will return. But as long as they keep Blythe as a starter they will tend to struggle with consistency.

 

[dang]

I must admit I have not studied the tape of the games to see individual OL performances. I trust those on this forum that have. I also trust our coaching staff but it’s apparent the Rams rushing game is anemic compared to last year. It’s also apparent they will continue to be less than optimal until that improves. Edwards needs to show against good competition but he is encouraging. The consensus is Blythe is the week link so I have to believe the Rams coaching staff have a plan and will execute that plan after the bye week. To continue as is just doesn’t seem logical.

 

[Soul Surfer]

Demby ..... Getting beat out by a rookie after 6 games is not good at all but maybe he’s out of position.

Demby was never rated anywhere as high as Edwards was.
At some point, Edwards was rated as a second round pick.

Edwards fell to us because he was injured but he's not injured anymore.

Just a great draft pick I think.

Demby has always been a bubble player.

 

[12intheBox]

did Hudson sign an extension earlier this year?

 

[Merlin]

I meant for next season. If Whit retires and the Rams don't draft an OLT who is the best choice to play in his place? Noteboom may not be completely healed by then.

Whether Noteboom is ready or not I think it would be Edwards. I know we are using their play at guard as a comparison, but in Edwards first game at OLG he played better than Noteboom did in his fifth game at Guard, plus Joe had a year to learn in the NFL. So that tells me that Edwards is the better player overall, since both played tackle in college and are both transitioning to guard, it's a fair comparison. You put your best tackle on the left. I think that will be Edwards, unless Evans somehow surprises me.

I was happy when Noteboom was drafted. I felt he had a lot of potential, but I'm still seeing things that he had trouble with in college and it's his second year in the NFL. I wasn't happy with the Allen pick but that is another story. I don't think Noteboom is a good guard, but if Edwards ends up being the better Tackle then Joe will once again be miscast as a guard. If Evans actually is making progress at guard, and turns out to be good, then Noteboom goes back to swing tackle/backup role. I'd rather have the best five on the line. Maybe that ends up being Edwards, Evans, Corbett, FA, Havenstein. I'm holding out hope that Corbett can win the starting Center job by next year. I don't know who plays right guard though.

I have no idea what their plan is at LT. But I do know it's the most critical need on the line, and the one that--if you F it up--will single-handedly destroy your offense. I also think that with no first round pick the next couple years and Whit's age, that they looked hard at what they had in-house before making the Ramsey trade. So that trade IMO tells us they think they have the answer.

Who that is again I don't know. But I think you make some good points with Edwards and I feel that he's a whole different level of talent than the other guys they've been developing. He's a huge dude, moves well, strong at the point, etc. Good example for me is when he loses snaps (which he did vs Atlanta) you don't see a guy running free to the QB every time. Lesser talents it's usually a gang rush to the QB if their technique fails or the DL gets a good move on them. With Edwards his fail snaps look like the one where he got stood up by 95 on a run play in the second half vs Atlanta, which impaired the run play but didn't bust it. Thing is I have no idea if he's got the feet for the blindside.

Boom is not as talented IMO. But that doesn't mean he can't make his bones as a plus starter and maybe even a LT in this league. He's the kind of guy who will work hard and technique you to death and grow year to year. At least that's my take on him right now and I still feel bad for the dude that he took that injury in the window where he might have started really putting things together.

And don't forget Evans. Just because he didn't start fast doesn't mean he's out of the running for next season at LT. Some guys take longer to learn and adjust. He's definitely a talented dude, and he's got quick feet on his college tape so I presume he'll still have that skill when he's up to speed and not thinking.

Anyway for myself the LT position is the one that is terrifying after this season. And for depth right now tbh. The interior spots are just so much easier to mix and match but the blindside... Those guys are hard to find.

 

[RamDino]

did Hudson sign an extension earlier this year?

Yes. I believe it was for 3 years, and he will be the highest paid center in the league.

 

[Merlin]

No doubt that Austin Corbett is getting some practice reps in @ RG with the first team OL. Rams traded for AC for a good reason. Even though AC was strictly a starting LT in college @ Nevada, AC played 3 other positions in the 2018 Senior Bowl gm. Started @ RT, then moved to starting center & finished the game @ starting LG.

AC was known by Snead & his staff since that Bowl gm...reason is Snead drafted DE Og Okoronkwo because OO gave most all college RT's nightmares along with QB's. OO & AC met during the Senior Bowl gm when OO & AC went at it from the beginning. AC playing RT was the only OL'er who was able to handle OO.

AC provides some hope that he can be a starting LG or RG in the near future if needed. I do not believe that there is any major center concerns being involved with AC trade. Kromer has Coleman Shelton & Jeremiah Kolone in reserve.

AC is here now to first to contend in the starting RG post where recent Ankle/Knee injured Blythe who continues to seriously struggle physically. Second to back up David Edwards who is starting @ LG in case LT Whitfield goes down. The main OL problem is & has been @ both OG posts. Kromer looks to have the ongoing issues @ LG put down, however the dumpster fire @ RG is blazing!

Ref. Your last paragraph comment....
I look @ it this way, Browns OL scheme is completely different from the many schemes Kromer will employ. AC was strictly LT in college who has arm length, massive hands, wide center section & in general a 6-4 310 NFL OG size body. AC was first inserted as a rookie to start @ LT post, then OC & then this season RG. I believe AC's best playing post will be @ LG & to a small lesser degree RG in this better OL blocking scheme of Kromer. AC is now in the perfect position to shed that "outright bust" tag!

Ref. Your first paragraph..I agree with them. Blythe has played in 46 NFL game & in his 4th season. But Allen & Blythe were matched up against an all pro named NT Grady Jarrett & veterans DT's Tyler Davison & Jack Crawford. That's not easy assignments. I can see a first yr starting OC Allen having some issues but NOT RG Blythe. Blythe needs to be out of the starting RG position ASAP!

But Brian Allen? No! The center position is a very tough place to learn the NFL. That's what Allen is doing...learning. Brainwise it is the hardest most difficult OL position to get down.

How many games did rookie Allen start last season?
Zero.
How many games in his rookie season did Allen get at least several offensive series in with the first string OL?
Zero.
How many 2019 preseason games did he start?
Zero.
How many 2019 preseason games did he play in?
Zero.

Wow? it's a tough place in here to make fans hopeful for the future for a first year center.

Nice post Boni and I agree re: Allen. He's got some snaps where I'm like WTF but it's not so often that I'm way down on him. My take on him right now is he's a guy who will get beat or pushed back at times particularly in pass pro, but he's extremely good at second level blocks and the run game.

IMO it's ridiculous to flush a guy when he's young, learning, and has shown plenty of flashes of good play. Allen has done a lot of good things. Rams made this call, and it's their fault they don't have a backup who can challenge him on their depth chart so the best way forward is to stay the course and let him learn and keep coaching him up.

I'll say this: the left side A gap problems virtually disappeared when Edwards went in there. Not to say they won't reappear, but with OL everything's related. First step was to settle down the LG spot. Looks like they might have done that and Goff actually stepped up a bit in that game with a pocket with excellent pass pro. Now they have to sort the RG spot IMO. If they can do that through another player stepping in there or Blythe getting over his injury (IF it's an injury that is making a guy I think is a marginal player a bad player) we still might finish this season with an improved OL for the playoffs.

Oh and btw the biggest impact to replacing Blythe will be in the run game. Hav isn't the greatest pass blocker but he's a plus guy in the run and having someone next to him who isn't a liability might give us a sudden explosiveness in the run game. Which I would love to see, and which I feel is critical to our Rams contending this season.

 

[fearsomefour]

did Hudson sign an extension earlier this year?

Yes, three years with Oakland.