Austin Blythe to Chiefs

[Allen2McVay]

Unfortunately Linderbaum returned to Iowa also

Lindstrom and Linderbaum!?!
And Linsley signed with the Chargers!

I am sensing a conspiracy.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

yeah the 2019 season is exactly why I'm so averse to changing starters on the line on a championship team. Sullivan left and saffold left and then all of a sudden we had massive holes in our offensive line. So that was my initial point.

Saffold was good. Sullivan at that point was long in the tooth. I’d be glad to let Blythe walk. My hope is that it forces them to prioritize the position in the draft. Last year, watching centers go and then Snead’s Oh Shit face was too much to take

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

Lindstrom and Linderbaum!?!
And Linsley signed with the Chargers!

I am sensing a conspiracy.

Linderbaum is a bit light and raw which could have pushed him to day two. He would fit in a zone scheme and has huge upside.

Staying in college was likely his best decision. He may be a first round pick next year. But I was disappointed

 

[ottoman89]

Linderbaum is a bit light and raw which could have pushed him to day two. He would fit in a zone scheme and has huge upside.

Staying in college was likely his best decision. He may be a first round pick next year. But I was disappointed

Lindenbaum is a converted DT, , so of course he's a little raw. But he's still one of the absolute best Centers in College and I was hoping we'd draft him if he declared. Obviously as a Hawkeye fan, I'm glad he's back.

He's an absolute ANIMAL.

 

[Ram_Rally]

Saffold was good. Sullivan at that point was long in the tooth. I’d be glad to let Blythe walk. My hope is that it forces them to prioritize the position in the draft. Last year, watching centers go and then Snead’s Oh Shit face was too much to take

yeah it seems that drafting a center is going to have to be a priority unless they already think they have the guy on the roster. I just don't know how Rams fans are going to take it when the center of the offensive line is a rookie and goes to growing pains. People can say what they want about Blythe but if we're expecting a rookie to come in and not have his troubles then we're going to be very disappointed. Creed Humphrey or Josh Myers are kind of the only centers in this draft that I feel comfortable with plugging in playing. And even then I expect them to have quite a few bumps in the road.

 

[RamsOfCastamere]

I find it hard to believe if they want to draft a center, they won't find multiple choices from #57 through #103. Some of these guys might not be fits but that's for McVay and Carberry to decide.

- Josh Myers - Ohio State - 6’5 312 lbs
Strengths: A two-year starter for the Buckeyes at center, Myers has consistently been one of the best centers in all of college football the last two seasons. Built with excellent size for the center position, Myers possesses the length and the stoutness teams require for their interior players. Utilizing his length to hold the point of attack, Myers quickly gains inside hand leverage and sits down at the point of attack. His lower body strength allows him to sustain blocks while rarely getting moved off of his spot. If he’s initially moved, he quickly resets and re-anchors himself to gain his footing and gain control of the rep. Plays with a good range of motion, showing good footwork while leaving very limited opportunities to defenders to win on pass rush reps. A good communicator that is seen pre-snap calling out protection schemes. High IQ and pre-snap awareness allow him to see blitzes and stunts quickly. Works well with his teammates on combination blocks in the run game, opening up holes at the 1st level. Excellent upper-body power and iron-grip hand strength allow him to latch on without losing sustain. Effective when used to pull in space, showing terrific initial quickness and anticipation to reach 2nd level targets. Powerful in his ability to win against bigger interior players, showing good lower-body explosion to push forward piles in short-yardage situations.

Weaknesses: There’s some tightness in his lower body when asked to cross the face of a defender and move his frame. Lacks the lateral agility and quickness to consistently be used to reach/hook block. Uses his length to bail him out quite a bit when he’s overmatched athletically against 3-technique defensive tackles. Doesn’t always create work for himself when left without an assignment and will be content un-occupied, appearing to have some mental lapses. Could struggle at the next level with his length when leaving his pads up, due to his rare height for the center position.

Best Fit: Center in any scheme

Myers is a stud. He’s an absolute bully in both the run and the passing games. He’s completely maximized his frame out with functional strength. While he’s not an elite-level interior athlete, he’s solid. He rarely gets exposed. He’s smart, long, and strong as an ‘ox.’ 2nd round player.

Creed Humphrey - Oklahoma - 6’5 312 lbs

Strengths: A 3-year starter for the Sooners at center after redshirting his freshman season. Humphrey is a well-built center prospect that has good size for an interior player. Does a great job of easing off the snap of the ball with good initial quickness? Plays with good leverage, despite his size, dropping his pads and maintaining squareness while in pass protection. Very good functional strength throughout his frame allows him to win with power and remain in complete control. He utilizes his heavy hands and length with full extension to stop rushers in their tracks when attempting to rush head-on then perfectly dropping his anchor to sustain. His iron-grip strength in his hands allows him to latch on, rarely losing sustain. Extremely smart and disciplined in his assignments, calling out defensive alignments and properly adjusting the line pre-snap. Leadership qualities are manifest in his continuously pointing to his fellow lineman. Remains patient through reps, rarely getting over his skis. A former wrestler that understands proper angles and technique to win the point of attack and sustain through the duration. In the run game, Humphrey shows good overall athleticism to handle pulls and consistently reach 2nd level defenders. Keeps his lower body engaged through contact, driving with his hip, and pushing forward. Shows good body control and balance when playing in space, keeping a low center of gravity to remain balanced. Makes work for himself when left without an assignment, showing good awareness to assist.

Weaknesses: Humphrey is a left-handed center and will spin the ball in a different direction, which could disrupt a QB’s pattern. Has struggled at times in pass protection against angled fronts against rushers that can quickly cross his face, struggling to cross face and remain in a good position. Overall athleticism is functional but not elite and he will struggle if asked to handle too many zone-blocking types of runs. Lateral mobility isn’t elite and he will occasionally struggle against quicker interior athletes that can get him caught off-balanced. Doesn’t always finish his blocks the way you want him to.

Best Fit: Man-blocking center

Humphrey is a solid player that has a lot of big-game experience. He’s a smart kid that is tough as nails. While he lacks elite athleticism, he possesses enough functional mobility to have success. He’ll be a very good pass protector from Day 1 and a solid 1st level blocker in the run game too. 2nd round player.


Alec Lindstrom - Boston College - 6’4 290 lbs Strengths: The brother of former Boston College 1st round pick from 2019 Chris, Alex is a highly functional interior player as well. Getting his chance as a redshirt sophomore in 2019, Alec hasn’t looked back. Possessing good overall height and length for the position, Lindstrom shows the frame for continued development and weight. Lindstrom is a tough as nails and violent blocker that excels in the running game. Excellent while on the move. Eases out of his stance while showing terrific initial quickness to reach 2nd level blocks, while remaining in control at all times. Possesses the upper-body power to move guys out of the way at the 1st level. Good play recognition abilities in the passing game, quickly reading and reacting to blitzes and stunts. Possesses the power in his lower body to anchor down and hold the point of attack. A very skilled blocker that plays the game with highly refined technical ability, rarely getting beat in any aspect. Remains leveraged at all times, keeping his pads low enough to be able to absorb blocks with ease. If he initially gives up any movement, he quickly shows the ability to re-anchor and recover.

Weaknesses: A bit undersized weight-wise and could stand to gain 10-15 more pounds for the next level to completely fill-out his frame and handle NFL power. Maximizes his overall athleticism but he isn’t a great natural athlete. He could get exposed against quicker 3-techniques that could force him to play in space.

Best Fit: Starting Center

Similarly to his brother, I love Alec. He’s a terrific natural technician that possesses good strength and athleticism. While he isn’t elite in either department, he’s very very good. And he completely maximizes his natural abilities with ‘know-how.’ There’s a very very high floor for this player and he will be a Day 1 starter. 2nd round player.

Michal Menet - Penn State - 6’4 306 lbs

Strengths: A team captain and 4-year starter at center for the Nittany Lions, Menet has been a consistent presence along their offensive line, only missing 1 game since taking over as the starter in his entire college career. Menet is a good-sized prospect that features good width and size for the center position. A highly intelligent blocker that reads things quickly pre-snap while pointing out defensive alignments and communicating with his fellow linemen. Featuring a nasty mean streak, Menet is tough as nails and plays with a violent edge. A well-balanced and functional prospect that has very few flaws on his resume, showing good scheme-versatility to play on any offensive line. Plays like a technician, keeping his pads leveraged and controlling the point of attack. Handles bull rushes nicely by dropping his anchor and staying square. Maintains his balance at all times, rarely getting exposed or getting too aggressive. Good awareness to handle stunts/gains, always keeping his head up and looking for an assignment when he doesn’t have one. Works well on combo blocks with his teammates while then climbing the ladder and reaching 2nd level linebackers to open up holes.

Weaknesses: An older prospect who will be 24 during his rookie season. Playing with power is not something that Menet showcased much. Played in a gap-scheme that made him more responsible for playing with technique while utilizing angles in the run game as opposed to clearing rush lanes. Doesn’t appear to have the greatest length and he will give up his chest plate on occasion to longer defenders. Can get a bit too narrow and allow his pads to rise mid-play. Has improved in his 2nd level abilities during his years, but he still has some work to do to be an ideal fit in a zone-style system. Has a little bit of stiffness in his hips, failing to redirect his frame in the passing game.

Best Fit: Scheme-versatile center

Menet is a really good football player that has very few flaws on his resume. While he’s not an overly powerful center nor an elite athlete, he’s a technically-sound and consistent performer that rarely makes a mistake. 4th round player.

Landon Dickerson - Alabama - 6’6 326 lbs

Strengths: A former 3-year player at Florida State before transferring and playing his final 2 years with the Tide as the starting center. Dickerson is a versatile prospect that has played at RT, RG, and eventually moving to center. Dickerson has rare size for an interior position, showing tremendous length with the frame for continued mass. A smart and disciplined signal-caller that quickly recognizes things pre-snap, calling out signals, and identifying potential pressure areas for the offensive line. Excellent in the run game, Dickerson commits himself to win inside hand leverage while generating powerful torque from his lower body to move his assignment forward. Has a good understanding of playing with proper leverage and angles, utilizing proper positioning to open up 1st level creases for his backs. Tough as nails, Dickerson does a good job of handling bigger interior defenders with his length, controlling their shoulders pads with full extension while keeping his chest plate clear. Shows some recovery strength to re-anchor if initially giving some movement.

Weaknesses: Has had several injury concerns at Florida State, causing him to be granted a medical redshirt. His medical will be very important at the pre-draft workouts. Not too many interior players have his length, which is good and bad. He’s going to have continual leverage concerns, playing with too narrow a base at times, causing him to get caught off balance. Not a great scheme fit for a zone-blocking system as he’s far better in tight areas. Overall movement skills are ‘OK’ but getting him to play in space isn’t his strong suit and he’s far better at the 1st level.

Best Fit: Center in a man-blocking scheme

Dickerson is a positionally-versatile prospect that has the size, strength, and experience playing against top-tier competition. He’s likely best suited to play at center at the next level. He’s an ideal candidate in a man-blocking scheme. 4th round player.

Drew Dalman (played for Carberry at Stanford).

Strengths: A 2.5-year starter for the Cardinals that has started in over 20 consecutive games for Stanford in the middle of their offensive line. While he’s played almost exclusively at center, he started a couple of games at right guard during his sophomore campaign as well. The leader of the Cardinals offensive line, Dalman is a highly-functioning and intelligent lineman and signal-caller. Playing in a power-running attack, Dalman is quick to signal and point out things pre-snap to his teammates. Reacts quickly to blitzes or stunts in pass protection, adjusting the front if he needs to. Fires off the ball in the running game, showing good physicality and toughness to finish plays. Maximizes his frame, playing with terrific tenacity and a nasty mean streak. Utilizes his natural leverage abilities to his advantage, getting underneath the shoulder pads of defenders. A real technician in the way he plays, understanding how to play with angles and leverage.

Weaknesses: Dalman lacks the ideal size and length for the next level. While he’s gained significant size since coming onto campus, Dalman needs to continue to add to his frame without sacrificing much athletic ability. This lack of size and functional power limits him when attempting to handle larger nose tackles and opening up 1st level holes for his packs. While he’s a solid athlete, he isn’t an elite lateral moving athlete and shows some tightness through his lower body when working in space.

Best Fit: Scheme-versatile center

Even though Dalman played mostly in a power-blocking scheme, he’s got enough athleticism that he could be a fit in a zone-style setup as well. If he can continue to gain additional functional strength and mass, he could be a really good starter. 4th round player.

Hey I think you have to include the link when you paste from an article. This is from CBS, right?

 

[Merlin]

Austin Blythe has been such as SOLID RAM.

He's been our worst lineman for the past two seasons. Outside of a short window when Kromer thought Demby could play.

Blythe is why Kromer is gone. IMO. I think Kromes wanted to go with him and McVay was like "no and as a matter of fact you're fired."

Lastly I do think the Rams would have been open to bringing him back for what he should be paid, like a backup, but him being a FA that makes it hard.

 

[dieterbrock]

Saffold was good. Sullivan at that point was long in the tooth. I’d be glad to let Blythe walk. My hope is that it forces them to prioritize the position in the draft. Last year, watching centers go and then Snead’s Oh Shit face was too much to take

Totally agree. I never understand why folks bring up Sullivan, he was decent at best, by the end was a liability. And it wasn’t just the Rams, nobody wanted him after the Rams let him go 2 years ago. And he’s still only 35
As for Blythe, rip off the bandaid. If he isn’t good enough, move on.

 

[nighttrain]

Totally agree. I never understand why folks bring up Sullivan, he was decent at best, by the end was a liability. And it wasn’t just the Rams, nobody wanted him after the Rams let him go 2 years ago. And he’s still only 35
As for Blythe, rip off the bandaid. He isn’t good enough, move on.

fify

 

[den-the-coach]

Blythe is why Kromer is gone. IMO. I think Kromes wanted to go with him and McVay was like "no and as a matter of fact you're fired."

Lastly I do think the Rams would have been open to bringing him back for what he should be paid, like a backup, but him being a FA that makes it hard.

Interesting and the Assistant OL Coach Andy Dickerson is gone too and the new Sheriff in town is Kevin Carberry and they technically don't have an Assistant OL Coach, but maybe that's why Chris O'Hara was brought in or one of the other offensive assistants.

My hope is Coleman Shelton, did a yeoman's job at the University of Washington and was a fine athlete just needed to add strength. That's something that can be done and if one is dedicated after two years, he should be ready.

 

[Merlin]

My hope is Coleman Shelton, did a yeoman's job at the University of Washington and was a fine athlete just needed to add strength. That's something that can be done and if one is dedicated after two years, he should be ready.

That would be fantastic. We're kind of floundering around on some of this stuff this year because of zero chances to see these guys. Say what you want about preseason but it's tough to have a sound opinion on these OL depth guys without seeing those games.

 

[den-the-coach]

but it's tough to have a sound opinion on these OL depth guys without seeing those games.

I concur I also find it interesting that Shelton was active and Allen never was, everyone on this board knows how I feel about Brian Allen, I didn't like him at Michigan State, didn't like him when the Rams drafted him and I like him even less now, Shelton is bigger and hopefully after two years of professional strenght & conditioning should be ready, then again the Rams could draft Creed Humphrey from Oklahoma and never look back.

 

[Allen2McVay]

My hope is Coleman Shelton, did a yeoman's job at the University of Washington and was a fine athlete just needed to add strength. That's something that can be done and if one is dedicated after two years, he should be ready.

That would be great. Hope it’s the case. Not trying to be negative but Shelton has been out of college for three seasons.

 

[BonifayRam]

was thinking that. Shelton, Brewer, & Anchrum are the only players not to start. You look at young offensive lineman age 23 & scratch your head about how good these players can be in 4 or 5 years after their 2nd contracts.

Coleman Shelton is just a UDRFA, but even he is a player like some of The Rams have developed at other positions. I really have never seen him play. In fact, he could have been drafted & am not sure. I think he has been on 2 different NFL teams besides The Rams?

Your correct on the OL'ers who have not yet started a game for the Rams OT/OG Chandler Brewer, OT/OG Tremayne Anchrum & Colemen Shelton. But Brewer & Shelton have seen snaps with the offense since they arrived....Shelton @ OG & OC & Brewer took a few series @ LT.

The fact is So Ram NO member here has seen much of anything of Shelton. Yes, he was a UDFA in 2018 who was projected to be drafted in the later rounds as a quality versatile smart OL'er. Shelton really had just two negative issues ......short arms & badly under developed lower leg power coming out of college where he signed quickly by the 9ers then by the Titans then by the Cards where Rams Snead plucked him off their Practice Squad & inserted him on the master roster in 9/3/2019 to be center Brian Allen's back up. So four teams would be the correct answer. Shelton has never been out of the NFL since he was signed moments after the draft.

Those short arms have narrowed his selection as to what post he might start in the NFL....that be Center. So now its 3 full yrs since he entered the NFL 3 full seasons of NFL OTC'sTraining Camps & preseasons....no way of knowing if he has beefed up & increased that big minus of lower-end power in his posterior.

 

[den-the-coach]

That would be great. Hope it’s the case. Not trying to be negative but Shelton has been out of college for three seasons.

Strength & Conditioning is doable, FWIW, when I entered the Air Force I was lucky to bench over 225lbs consistently, when I left I was benching 425lbs, so IMO, it's very possible.

 

[Allen2McVay]

Strength & Conditioning is doable, FWIW, when I entered the Air Force I was luck to bench over 225lbs consistently, when I left I was benching 425lbs, so IMO, it's very possible.

Now I want you to play Center.

 

[OldSchool]

YOU GUYS LEAVE BRIAN ALLEN ALONE!

Sorry couldn't resist.

 

[den-the-coach]

Those short arms have narrowed his selection as to what post he might start in the NFL....that be Center. So now its 3 full yrs since he entered the NFL 3 full seasons of NFL OTC'sTraining Camps & preseasons....no way of knowing if he has beefed up & increased that big minus of lower-end power in his posterior.

IMO, Shelton has added strength because I don't believe he would have been active on game day, if that was the case. I don't believe the Rams will move Austin Corbett or Tremayne Anchrum to Center, however, I sure do love Anchrum's size, aptitude & attitude, so it's possible, but Shelton is very quick and moves well, I think all of us will know more of this position after the draft.

 

[So Ram]

yeah the 2019 season is exactly why I'm so averse to changing starters on the line on a championship team. Sullivan left and saffold left and then all of a sudden we had massive holes in our offensive line. So that was my initial point.

agree, but The Rams still have more depth now than ever Imo. Havenstien is still with The Rams.In 2020 Whitworth & Blythe were both Free Agents.The Rams signed Blythe to only one year & added Anchrum.Brewer say out 2020.
Now it’s 2021 & everyone has another year of experience.Brian Allen from reporting was still injured through training camp. Joseph Noteboom no one thought would be ready to start 2020. At least I didn’t ever think that.I also thought David Edwards would start at RG & Corbett at LG.
Anyway we’ll see what The Rams are thinking.My thoughts are and have been since last season when I predicted The Rams would not draft an offensive line was who are you going to cut ? The Rams are also strapped for Cap Space.In 2022 The Rams will have to have made big decisions on The roster of who to let go & who to keep.Austin Blythe imo was only signed for 1 year because of Brian Allen not being 100%. Most Ran Fans have already given up on him.Myself is that I’m not so sure.
Kromer is out so it might totally change the evaluation process.The Rams might have a better idea come April 28, after coach’s have had a little one on one.

 

[den-the-coach]

YOU GUYS LEAVE BRIAN ALLEN ALONE!


Sorry couldn't resist.

Being a Buckeye fan, I watch quite a bit of the Big Ten and did see Brian Allen in college and every time the Spartans played the Buckeyes, I knew they could take advantage of Allen's size, in order to disrupt the running game, which the Spartans counted on under Mark Dantonio.

So I just did not have that high regard for Allen and was shocked when the Rams drafted him in the 4th round because most had him rated later. My hope was as always I was wrong, have been many times before, so far, unfortunately with Allen I have been right.