Austin Corbett could play a pivotal role in the Rams’ draft plans

Austin Corbett could play a pivotal role in the Rams’ draft plans

Austin Corbett's versatility gives the Rams even more options in the draft.

www.yahoo.com

Cameron DaSilva
Sun, April 25, 2021, 8:24 AM

Much has been made about how badly the Los Angeles Rams need a center in the 2021 NFL draft after letting Austin Blythe leave in free agency. Most fans view it as the team’s biggest roster hole right now.

But what if they don’t actually have to draft a center? Is it possible they’ll leave the draft without selecting one in any of the seven rounds?
It absolutely is, and it’s primarily because they have Austin Corbett. The best thing a team can have heading into the draft is options, and Corbett gives them exactly that.

Corbett has only played guard for the Rams, both left and right, but he started out at center when he was drafted by the Browns. Only, he didn’t pan out at that spot and transitioned to guard after also playing left tackle in college.

He’s been great at guard for the Rams, but there’s still a chance the team will give him another shot at center after he failed there with the Browns. The Rams know better than anyone whether Corbett would be able to make the switch to center in 2021, and if they feel good about it, they could take a guard instead of a center in the draft.

That gives them even more prospects to choose from if they address the interior of their offensive line in the second or third rounds. For instance, rather than feeling the need to draft Quinn Meinerz, Landon Dickerson or Creed Humphrey in the second round, the Rams could also consider Wyatt Davis, Deonte Brown, Aaron Banks or Trey Smith on Day 2.

Players such as Josh Myers and Kendrick Green can also play guard or center. So if the Rams were to select one of them, they wouldn’t be forced to play center. They could compete with Corbett at both guard and center in camp, allowing the Rams to find the best possible combination.
It’s likely that Corbett will have a bigger impact on Los Angeles’ draft plans than, say, Brian Allen or Coleman Shelton will. Neither Allen nor Shelton can be counted on to step up as a starter, but Corbett has put plenty of quality play on tape with the Rams, so they should have a good idea of where he can and can’t play.

It’s unlikely that they won’t draft a single interior offensive lineman, but it’s still possible. They could plan to play Corbett at center with some combination of David Edwards, Joe Noteboom Bobby Evans and Tremayne Anchrum at guard. Again, it’s not likely, but it’s a possibility depending on how the board falls this week.

So if the Rams leave draft weekend without a center, don’t panic. The front office and coaching staff have a plan and much of that plan likely has to do with Corbett’s versatility.

List​

Best center prospect for the Rams in each round of the draft​

 

[Riverumbbq]

Odds suggest Rams will use first draft pick on offensive lineman​

Cameron DaSilva
Fri, April 23, 2021, 9:06 AM

If you think you know which direction Les Snead and the Los Angeles Rams will go with their first pick in the 2021 NFL draft next week, you can try to profit from it. With the draft less than a week away, you can now bet on which position the first player drafted by the Rams will play.

Will they go with an offensive lineman? Will Snead address the inside linebacker spot with a top-60 pick? Or will the team add a cornerback early to replace Troy Hill?

At DraftKings Sportsbook, there are odds for each position the Rams could draft with their first pick. And unsurprisingly, the odds suggest an offensive lineman will be the team’s first pick next week.

• Offensive lineman: +200
• Linebacker: +450
• Cornerback: +500
• Defensive lineman: +600
• Wide receiver: +600
• Tight end: +900
• Safety: +1100
• Running back: +1600
• Quarterback: +3300
• Kicker/punter/long snapper: +5000

Save your money and don’t bother betting on the Rams to take a quarterback or special teams player first. They’re also unlikely to use another early pick on a running back after drafting Cam Akers and Darrell Henderson in the last two years.

Odds suggest Rams will use first draft pick on offensive lineman

You can bet on which position the Rams will address first in the draft next Friday.

www.yahoo.com

 

[WestCoastRam]

Reports are starting to come in that Dickerson might not be drafted to round 5 due to medical (which seems far more likely given how players with his injury history have dropped down boards in previous drafts).

I could see him being a plan C for the Rams if the draft falls in such a way that a superior CB, LT, Edge, WR/returner come our way in the first few picks.

Rams start a center from the roster and give Dickerson a year to get healthy and see if he can shake off long term affects of injury.

 

[BonifayRam]

I would wait to see how far Dickerson falls. If he makes it undrafted after Friday night's conclusion of the Draft the Snead stands to take a real good look @ him early on Day 3. May need to work up a trade to move up.

Even if the Rams do move Corbett to start center (which is the best move I can think of) then there is the problem of the future center after this 2021 season because the Rams would have three centers being UFA's next March.

Rams will still need to address the center position on Day 3 maybe even select two OC's. If Dickerson falls to the Rams with the 4th #141 selection select him fast or trade-up earlier in round 4 for him. If OC Drew Dalman falls to the Rams with the 6th rd #209 pick selection him fast too.

Rams have plenty of good internal OL'er prospects under contract to fill the Corbett RG position i.e. Chandler Brewer, Tremayne Anchrum, Bobby Evans, Coleman Shelton, or even the more expereinced Brian Allen.

 

[Riverumbbq]

Just too many variables in play for me to be betting on how this draft plays out. While we fans see potential current or near future holes at Center, CB, Edge, DE, ILB, TE, WR & OT, we still have no idea how management feels the development of last years reservists and practice squad players affect the 2021 draft & roster. Besides the more obvious spot weaknesses we appear to see right now, our team also faces potential free agent/retirement losses upcoming for 2022 where the OL and ILB corps face serious repercussions.
Is Terrell Lewis best suited to replace Fox as our 5T DE or will he tie down the other Edge OLB position ? Much will depend on whether back-up players with little or no playing time have the HC's confidence to move up. Same question faces Corbett at Center, Anchrum at LG, Edwards at RT or Brewer at LT, ... even Hopkins at TE to a lesser degree. And where will Noteboom play in what may be his 'contract' year ? Are Havenstein & Hekker in consideration as draft day trades ?
This is a stranger year than most for projecting how the Rams approach this draft as it hasn't been since the pre-season of 2019 when most of us have been able to observe our lesser known players in practice, and then on top of all this having so many eligible draftees who either missed 2020 or played in a limited number of games as a result of Covid protocols.
A lot is on the line for McSnead and our Rams, I just have to trust that whatever happens, they get it right. jmo.

 

[Ram65]

I was NOT overly impressed with Corbett at OG. He seemed to get overpowered more than I would like. It could be the Rams were impressed enough to give him a shot at OC. There is no way of telling what the Rams are thinking but, he is a possibility at OC. One way or another there will be competition on the O Line.

 

[Merlin]

Corbett's a lot more stout than Blythe was. If you put two strong OGs next to him he would probably be fine. We have one strong OG in Edwards, would need the other to really set him up.

 

[Riverumbbq]

I was NOT overly impressed with Corbett at OG. He seemed to get overpowered more than I would like. It could be the Rams were impressed enough to give him a shot at OC. There is no way of telling what the Rams are thinking but, he is a possibility at OC. One way or another there will be competition on the O Line.

For a young guy who played the RG position for the first time in his career and without the benefit of any pre-season practice games, I believe he did quite well. I suspect, as with most players, his second season at the same position will result in even better results. If he's moved to start at Center, I imagine he'll have the full confidence of McVay/O'Connell & Carberry. jmo.

 

[Ram65]

For a young guy who played the RG position for the first time in his career and without the benefit of any pre-season practice games, I believe he did quite well. I suspect, as with most players, his second season at the same position will result in even better results. If he's moved to start at Center, I imagine he'll have the full confidence of McVay/O'Connell & Carberry. jmo.

Good points. Considering his age, change of position, and no preseason action he was a pleasant surprise. I just thought he got pushed back a little too often. All in all, he will be in the Rams future plans either at OG/OC. I wonder how he is at line calls. Someone will have to take over from Blythe.

 

[payote75]

Two minor signings money wise could let the rams draft from a better perch. Sign Reiter sign Poole. That makes them better instantly and gives you the ability to draft some necessity and some luxury. Granted I'd also want a veteran pass rusher wether it's Geno next to AD or even Ingram at LB but I can't see them signing 3-4 players.

There are still some real good players that fit our weaknesses out there left which is typically not the case at this time of year but one could say the 4 I mentioned above and a Kwon Alexander complete this team as far as positions of concern. I know it's unrealistic but just an example. Signing 2 or (greedy me) signing 3 of those guys makes our draft so much better because we can sign them for one year or two but then have some replacements in the fold. I hope the rams have something up their sleeve.
Depending solely on the draft to fill the positions of need could spell trouble especially if they don't pan out.

Lastly if you acquire Stafford for all that capital you gave up you best be sure and I mean SURE that your faith in the offensive line is spot on. I'm going on record now to say mcvay and Sneads reputations if not there jobs would be in danger if they get their man and they try to squeak by or misjudge the line and this team takes a nose dive. That's a recipe for disaster.
You draft the young guys you hope you get a gem or two but adding the veterans makes you deeper and better buys you time should some of theses dudes suck and also allows you to continue to be competitive see what you got and make it to next year's draft. If you soley depend on the rookies my take is that's not advisable and could backfire. Especially when it comes to the trenches let alone AD gets another year older and also Still young but Ramsey does as well and of course no spring chicken Stafford.

 

[iamme33]

i don't think we draft a center but not because of corbett but because we bring allen back as center ( just a gut feeling). what i would like is to see is players drafted for specific positions like center and left tackle. it is fine to have players that can play more than one position but i don't like us drafting for that reason. i am pretty sure we will draft all safety just to get to me.

 

[Riverumbbq]

Lastly if you acquire Stafford for all that capital you gave up you best be sure and I mean SURE that your faith in the offensive line is spot on. I'm going on record now to say mcvay and Sneads reputations if not there jobs would be in danger if they get their man and they try to squeak by or misjudge the line and this team takes a nose dive. That's a recipe for disaster.
You draft the young guys you hope you get a gem or two but adding the veterans makes you deeper and better buys you time should some of theses dudes suck and also allows you to continue to be competitive see what you got and make it to next year's draft. If you soley depend on the rookies my take is that's not advisable and could backfire. Especially when it comes to the trenches let alone AD gets another year older and also Still young but Ramsey does as well and of course no spring chicken Stafford.

I believe if the Rams OL were to have taken a 'nose dive', it would have happened last year (2020) when Edwards & Corbett were essentially rookies at their respective positions with the ill-equipped Blythe at Center and a QB who struggled reading defenses. The starting 2021 interior OL should be an improvement in almost every way when factoring experience at OG and a quality veteran QB. Should it be that Corbett indeed moves to Center, he'll also have had a full season and a half to learn the calls, so I'm not gonna sweat it at this point. jmo.

 

[payote75]

I believe if the Rams OL were to have taken a 'nose dive', it would have happened last year (2020) when Edwards & Corbett were essentially rookies at their respective positions with the ill-equipped Blythe at Center and a QB who struggled reading defenses. The starting 2021 interior OL should be an improvement in almost every way when factoring experience at OG and a quality veteran QB. Should it be that Corbett indeed moves to Center, he'll also have had a full season and a half to learn the calls, so I'm not gonna sweat it at this point. jmo.

Yea thing is we acquired Corbett on the cheap because yea it's Cleveland but he also didnt play particularly well at center. Also when he is so good at guard definitely one of the better guards in the league in my opinion I don't like moving him to center in all honesty. Also big whit being 40 is scary as well as there is also an extra game this year too. That's why I'd sweat it less if you sign a Reiter leave Corbett where he has proven to be better than solid. Having a great roster is one thing but in my football fanship one thing that bothers me most or two things when teams build and build.but never realize or to take the trenches lightly. Definitely not saying that's what rams are doing but I definitely would not want to see Stafford coming here to get pummeled at age 33 when we dumped Goff and gave up picks. Also should there be a misreading of the line we don't have much desperation 1st round picks to throw around in a trade lolol. I always worry bro lol...I need the laid back approach lol.

 

[oldnotdead]

In my opinion, if Corbett was going to be their center he would have been moved when Allen went down. People simply don't understand that center is probably the hardest position to play on the o-line. If Corbett didn't work out there originally, then I don't see him as that big of an option now. Especially since Allen actually didn't play as badly as PFF (who is notorious for getting it wrong) says so. When the Rams made no effort to sign Blythe it signaled the return of Allen as their starter. The return of Shelton gives them a "plan B option". Both have been practicing as primarily a center all along. Now suddenly Corbett is their best option? Get real.

If Corbett is moved it will be back to LG IMO. Both Allen and Shelton at this point are better options at center. I think Evans will be expected to compete with Edwards at RG though IMO Edwards is a better OT than OG. Frankly, I think Shelton would be their best option at RG as he's a mauler which is what you need at that position. He also has the mobility to pull and to make second-level blocks in the run game. If in fact Allen is their starter with Shelton as their backup it would make sense to play him as their starter at OG. If your center goes down you would rather move a starting OG to center and bring a OG off the bench.

Drafting a center and expecting him to start makes totally no sense when you have Allen and Shelton both of whom are already acclimated to the NFL speed, and Allen with starting experience. Shelton played a few snaps on offense in 2019 but has mostly contributed on STs. Both know the offense and have been in the center room for 2 years.

If the Rams draft a center it will probably be in the mid-rounds at the earliest and he would likely redshirt this year. You aren't going to spend a 2nd or 3rd round pick on a guy you intend to sit for a year. If Allen is your starter than a 4th, 6th or 7 round pick would be appropriate if you have any questions regarding Shelton. They would likely draft a player who can also play OG for the reason I've pointed out unless they really feel that Anchrum is that guy. If Anchrum is practicing at C we will have that answer. But he's badly undersized at OG and will be challenged to hold his ground against an NFL DT bullrush. He's got decent arm length to offset his lack of height, and good feet so with good coaching he could be a decent OG especially with a QB who is decisive and pulls the trigger quickly most of the time. Tremayne's lack of height will pose a problem in trying to prevent a jumping DT from batting passes.

 

[CGI_Ram]

Lastly if you acquire Stafford for all that capital you gave up you best be sure and I mean SURE that your faith in the offensive line is spot on. I'm going on record now to say mcvay and Sneads reputations if not there jobs would be in danger if they get their man and they try to squeak by or misjudge the line and this team takes a nose dive. That's a recipe for disaster.

Good post. Yeah... There is a lot riding on getting this oline right.

This is Stafford’s peak years. They need to set him up for success.

 

[Soul Surfer]

It looks like Cameron DeSilva has been reading ROD.

First he talks about a draft pick, Allen and Shelton and the next day he's saying it could be Corbett at Center.

I'm still sticking with my opening day prediction of;
Whitworth
Edwards
Corbett
Evans
Havenstein

 

[Riverumbbq]

Yea thing is we acquired Corbett on the cheap because yea it's Cleveland but he also didnt play particularly well at center. Also when he is so good at guard definitely one of the better guards in the league in my opinion I don't like moving him to center in all honesty. Also big whit being 40 is scary as well as there is also an extra game this year too. That's why I'd sweat it less if you sign a Reiter leave Corbett where he has proven to be better than solid. Having a great roster is one thing but in my football fanship one thing that bothers me most or two things when teams build and build.but never realize or to take the trenches lightly. Definitely not saying that's what rams are doing but I definitely would not want to see Stafford coming here to get pummeled at age 33 when we dumped Goff and gave up picks. Also should there be a misreading of the line we don't have much desperation 1st round picks to throw around in a trade lolol. I always worry bro lol...I need the laid back approach lol.

There's been one or two posters around here that for some reason like to attack Corbett's Center ability while at Cleveland, but you should keep in mind that he was drafted by a coach who expected him to be an OT, like he was coming out of Nevada, and Corbett never took a regular season snap at Center, and still hasn't, although he was projected to be a Center/OG by just about every pundit in the business outside of his Cleveland HC, who was fired mid-season following the draft which Corbett was acquired in.
I don't think anyone is prepared to guarantee you that Corbett will be our starting Center just yet, but I have zero confidence in Shelton, and this leaves only some hope that Brian Allen has sufficiently recovered from his injury and is far better prepared to enter the fray, so at the moment, barring a trade or very high draft pick being used for a Center, then my money is currently on Corbett starting with Allen as back-up while Anchrum or another OG gets cross trained as deep reserve.
While I agree in preferring to avoid starting rookie offensive linemen, if somehow Quinn Meinerz fell to the 3'rd round, I could endorse an interior OL which placed Corbett at Center, Meinerz at LG and Edwards back at RG. jmo.

 

[rams1fan]

I think the fact Rams lost blythe over relatively small dollars tells me they feel they have an adequate candidate in house. I dont feel the plan was to count on drafting a starting center. That would seem very risky.

 

[nighttrain]

I'm going on record now to say mcvay and Sneads reputations if not there jobs would be in danger if they get their man and they try to squeak by or misjudge the line and this team takes a nose dive. That's a recipe for disaster.

this^

 

[payote75]

There's been one or two posters around here that for some reason like to attack Corbett's Center ability while at Cleveland, but you should keep in mind that he was drafted by a coach who expected him to be an OT, like he was coming out of Nevada, and Corbett never took a regular season snap at Center, and still hasn't, although he was projected to be a Center/OG by just about every pundit in the business outside of his Cleveland HC, who was fired mid-season following the draft which Corbett was acquired in.
I don't think anyone is prepared to guarantee you that Corbett will be our starting Center just yet, but I have zero confidence in Shelton, and this leaves only some hope that Brian Allen has sufficiently recovered from his injury and is far better prepared to enter the fray, so at the moment, barring a trade or very high draft pick being used for a Center, then my money is currently on Corbett starting with Allen as back-up while Anchrum or another OG gets cross trained as deep reserve.
While I agree in preferring to avoid starting rookie offensive linemen, if somehow Quinn Meinerz fell to the 3'rd round, I could endorse an interior OL which placed Corbett at Center, Meinerz at LG and Edwards back at RG. jmo.

Yea definitely not attacking Corbett as a center. It's more that he seems to be on his way if not already there at being one of the better guards in the league. My worries are more that I don't want to go into the season with too many "what ifs" but I can live with some "what ifs" at certain positions but not at key positions. You and I both know the trenches are what wins games and yes we do well in the draft but we also need to be careful that's why I want some cheap veterans after the draft and there are a bunch of good ones that fill voids for us. So just hoping that one or two are in our plans.
Definitely no attack on Corbett though as a center or anything. I think we stole him and it's one of Sneads most underrated and top acquisitions.