Center is the need

[Wisconsinram]

My concern has not been the "o-line" all along. It's been at center. We don't currently have a plan at developing one and just passed on one of the best drafts in recent memory to grab one. I believe had we done so in the first 3 rounds, that player would have been starting by mid-year and would have cheaply resolved the issue for the next four-plus years.

Outside of feeling confident about Whit's eventual replacement, our line would have been set for the foreseeable future.

All of that said, I am now very hopeful the plan is to attempt to make Corbett that guy. I believe they really liked him coming out of college and hopefully they saw enough of him to believe he's the guy. Otherwise, it makes little sense to me at this time outside of banking on someone being released we can grab prior to the season starting.

 

[Kevin]

I think our coaching staff does have a plan to develop players and field a competitive team Some of us may not like what we see or don’t understand what we
see, but it’s their job to have a plan.

 

[Rams43]

Here’s my thinking regarding the OL status and draft strategy decisions.

Let’s don’t overthink this or muddy up the water with our various personal predraft biases. Hard to do, I know, since I’ve been there before, myself.

It’s really pretty simple, especially with the benefit of hindsight.

A lot of REALLY smart people in that Ram building, all of whom were intimately familiar with the current development status and health of our current OL roster, came to the conclusion that it was better to roll with the current guys and let them develop cohesion in ‘20 rather than keep introducing OL rookies from the 2nd round and below in an endless merry-go-round which would force them to pass on needed talent at other pressing positions.

if we look at it through that prism, this Ram draft makes a ton of sense. TBH, I think history will reveal this draft as a stellar one. I, for one, could scarcely be happier.

 

[Soul Surfer]

#1: No OL available in the 2nd round would provide a bigger impact than the two skill players we drafted?

#2.The LB corps minus Littleton still looks like the weak link. But hey...we got a WR to add a handful of catches a game to compliment four better options.

In my extremely humble opinion, there are two equal and opposite theories to winning an NFL game.
Ball control on offense and being able to create three-and-outs.with your defense.

Hence my question on the safeties we drafted and their ability to stop the run.

If Akers and Henderson running behind our *improving* offensive line and Jefferson providing a deep threat that keeps the defense honest while our dangerous twosome of Kupp and Woods can provide that ball control?

We can dictate the pace of the game and leave the other team's offense on the bench for the most part. ( ideally )

We needed an improved ability to stop the run on our defensive side of the ball.
It seems that all of our draft picks on the D and all of the free agents we picked up have run-stopping ability.
I think our front three is getting pretty close to world-class and could provide some nice plays for our Edge guys.

Rather than draft for the 2 down run-stopper ONLY linebacker, ( which was on my wishlist ).
I believe they went for safeties that can stop the run like they did in the last two drafts when you include Rapp.

Just a different philosophy but run stopping safeties on first and second down can help create third-and-long.

I think they knew exactly what they were doing and I like the plan.

And no, I'm not getting paid to be a public relations spin doctor for the front office.

I truly believe this bullshit.

 

[BonifayRam]

BTW, i also think while Kromer's approach to cross train the rookies at multiple positions is good for the purposes of having young back ups that can function at multiple positions if needed. It also is not great to get a player up to top form to go start from day one at a set position.I think this year Edwards & Evans and even Corbet & Noteboom will be better off if they are now focused on one position from day one in camp.

Mostly agree if they are the starters. We know that Corbett & Edwards were. Noteboom stands to be not in this discussion due to an ongoing physical refurbishing health program. Evans might get narrowed down to just 2 posts.

No real need to go back wards & repeat the previous yrs rookie phase multiple OL position schooling again with last seasons rookies Edwards/ Brewer & Evans is there? Very good probability that David Edwards remains in the same working starting post he played over the last half of the 2019 season. Why would you move him out after going through all that mess in preparation to be your starting RG? Edwards is a starter!

4 yr starting LT Austin Corbett (who was the 1st first pick in the 2nd rd 2018 draft for the Browns). AC spent his rookie seasons working multiple OL posts too. His best position for the Browns was @ LG not center. But the Browns best OL'er was playing LG so the Browns offered up AC for a future 2020 draft pick. It's my evaluation Rams got lucky in that trade AC also played four positions in the senior bowl in front of Snead. Rams targeted AC to be their starter @ LG not center.

It would be an excellent plan to focus 2nd yr reserve Bobby Evans on just two OL posts this season. LT/RT, but the main one is @ LT. Let Whitworth & Evans duo work that LT post together. I see where most members have Evans penciled in @ RG or LG as the starter but I see no event. Rams found their starters there last season. Both were broken in there no reason to go back wards & messing up set posts.

Chandler Brewer (RT/RG/LG), Coleman Shelton (OC/LG/RT), Jeremiah Kolone (OC/RG/LG), Tremayne Anchrum (RG/LG/RT), Nate Trewyn OC & Cohl Cabral OC are sure to get a full schooling course of cross-training @ all multiple OL positions.

 

[RamDino]

And the way this offseason is going, there is little to no chance of us developing a top 12 *overall* final ranking.

Let's not forget that the Rams had one of the best O-lines in 2017 and 2018, and that three of the five o-linemen on those great lines are still here! And let's not discount the experience and confidence and strength and conditioning that the three young guys got last year. They should all be significantly better this year. That's just the way it works.

 

[BonifayRam]

My concern has not been the "o-line" all along. It's been at center. We don't currently have a plan at developing one and just passed on one of the best drafts in recent memory to grab one. I believe had we done so in the first 3 rounds, that player would have been starting by mid-year and would have cheaply resolved the issue for the next four-plus years.

Outside of feeling confident about Whit's eventual replacement, our line would have been set for the foreseeable future.

All of that said, I am now very hopeful the plan is to attempt to make Corbett that guy. I believe they really liked him coming out of college and hopefully they saw enough of him to believe he's the guy. Otherwise, it makes little sense to me at this time outside of banking on someone being released we can grab prior to the season starting.

Kromer will have FOUR new possible centers prospects in this upcoming 2020 training camp that were NOT in LA for TC/Preseason last season:

Nate Trewyn 2019 UDFA (TB Bucs)
Cohl Cabral 2020 UDFA
Coleman Shelton UDFA 2019 (9ers & Cards)
Austin Corbett #33 selection 2nd rd (Browns)

The above 4 will join Three other center candidates all who were here last season.

Austin Blythe -Resigned former 3 yr starter. Projected to be starting 2020 starter.
Brian Allen -2018 top reserve center. 2019 initial starting center.
Jeremiah Kolone. A Ram since 2018 for all TC's/preseasons. Starting center for XFL 2019 SD Fleet.

 

[LARAMSinFeb.]

Any chance that's because we're having the exact same offseason debate again? Except with some tweaks: now we have an abject strategic failure in hindsight, along with a few better reasons to be optimistic, with the experienced prospects we have. I see this as our primary conversation as Rams fans until mid-season when the results can be evaluated.

 

[TheTackle]

Blythe has played in 55 games over 4 years with the Rams, 33 at center. He's been adequate at best. More than a few times he was overwhelmed and downright manhandled by oposing DT's.
McVay had to make adjustments by rolling Goff out, limiting 7 step drops and long pass plays. We've seen enough of Blythe to know he's not going to improve much, if at all.

Brian Allen was even worse. Expecting both to step up and not get pushed back in the pocket and protect Goff suffeciently is fantasy. Rams missed a chance to get a big body added to compete for the C position. Rams OL will not improve much until they control the LOS and with Blythe or Allen at C, that's asking more than they an give. The best we can hope for is MVay game planning, Knowing his OL is weak up the middle. That they drafted a RB who is used to played behind a bad OL is telling. Granted, the OL did improve late in the season, but going from 31st to middle of the pack is asking a lot.

Hopefully, Kromer gives some of these other guys who we have seen little of, a chance to compete at C. Corbett an Shelton both have some experience at C.

That number of games played at Center - 33 - is plain wrong - unless, that is, Sullivan was a phantom of my imagination? One of us might be plumb crazy, is it me?

Ruiz was the consensus best center. The next, Hennessy didn’t go until the 3rd round. I liked him, a lot, but I am not going to anoint him the next Pouncey or Mack - and doubt we see him stonewall a 320 pound veteran NT - single handedly - any time soon

Most centers cannot handle the NT on their own, that is why teams employ a NT in the first place. That is particularly true of centers who play in a zone blocking scheme - such and Hennesey - where quick feet and getting to the next level are valued above power in the running game

I get your concern. That said, Blythe might surprise playing his best position, particularly if injury free + I would caution writing off Allen, based on a handful if games, of which, in some he played well

 

[PARAM]

Kromer will have FOUR new possible centers prospects in this upcoming 2020 training camp that were NOT in LA for TC/Preseason last season:

Nate Trewyn 2019 UDFA (TB Bucs)
Cohl Cabral 2020 UDFA
Coleman Shelton UDFA 2019 (9ers & Cards)
Austin Corbett #33 selection 2nd rd (Browns)

The above 4 will join Three other center candidates all who were here last season.

Austin Blythe -Resigned former 3 yr starter. Projected to be starting 2020 starter.
Brian Allen -2018 top reserve center. 2019 initial starting center.
Jeremiah Kolone. A Ram since 2018 for all TC's/preseasons. Starting center for XFL 2019 SD Fleet.

Yeah, which makes "they don't have a plan for center" kinda inaccurate. I'd also question the statement "this was one of the best center classes in years". The top 5? The best, Ruiz is going to be a guard. Cushenberry is limited to certain schemes (not a fit for zone). Hennessy issue is with big interior DL, Nick Harris is short (6'0") and Biadasz had injury questions. How is that "the best C class in years"?

 

[Dodgersrf]

Here’s my thinking regarding the OL status and draft strategy decisions.

Let’s don’t overthink this or muddy up the water with our various personal predraft biases. Hard to do, I know, since I’ve been there before, myself.

It’s really pretty simple, especially with the benefit of hindsight.

A lot of REALLY smart people in that Ram building, all of whom were intimately familiar with the current development status and health of our current OL roster, came to the conclusion that it was better to roll with the current guys and let them develop cohesion in ‘20 rather than keep introducing OL rookies from the 2nd round and below in an endless merry-go-round which would force them to pass on needed talent at other pressing positions.

if we look at it through that prism, this Ram draft makes a ton of sense. TBH, I think history will reveal this draft as a stellar one. I, for one, could scarcely be happier.

That was the plan last season as well with the oline. It was a failure.
So I understand the concern that many have about the ability of this group to be successful.
Our offense is only as good as those 5 guys up front.

Center is still a huge concern gor me as well.
If Blythe can come in healthy and play at least solid, then we will be fine.
If he doesn't, we're in another situation where we're looking up at the Whiners and Cocks in our division.
Just switching to 12 personel isn't a good enough solution imo. We need to be able to run 3 wr sets under 11 p as well.
In addition, Kupp plays less in 12 personel.

 

[Wisconsinram]

Thanks, Bonifay. As I have been sharing, I have little doubt the Rams brass have a plan, I am just concerned about it. I am also very supportive of McSnead and company with what they have done over the years.

Last year's plan for the OL didn't go as planned. The players you listed do not inspire confidence that the center position will be upgraded this fall outside of the potential exception of Corbett. That's just my opinion and I hope like hell I am wrong.

Do you feel as though we have the pieces in place to have an elite offensive line across the board?

 

[Wisconsinram]

Para, with all due respect, bringing in a bunch of UDFA's may mean we have a plan, but by no means does it mean that plan is a good one, much less one that we can project to be an improvement over what we have. I mean, come on. Throwing bodies at a position doesn't make for a strong plan.

Did you honestly feel this year's center crop coming out was not above average-to-very strong compared to what we typically see? From what I read and saw, I feel it was as good as it's been in quite awhile. We can agree to disagree on that one.

 

[TheTackle]

Para, with all due respect, bringing in a bunch of UDFA's may mean we have a plan, but by no means does it mean that plan is a good one, much less one that we can project to be an improvement over what we have. I mean, come on. Throwing bodies at a position doesn't make for a strong plan.

Did you honestly feel this year's center crop coming out was not above average-to-very strong compared to what we typically see? From what I read and saw, I feel it was as good as it's been in quite awhile. We can agree to disagree on that one.

I agree that this was a good class of centers. That said, I only had Ruiz pegged as an immediate starter and look where he wasn’t drafted. I think the Falcons got it right, signing a quality vet, on their way to throwing away a SB

 

[Ram65]

Looks like the OC draft class was overrated.

My big question concerns Austin Blythe's health. The ankle injury really affected his movement. How much better will he be with the ankle healed?

I think he will be a lot better with his ankle healed. He also had his shoulders worked on. So he could become closer to average this year. That can make a big difference with a healthy Austin Blythe at center.

 

[Soul Surfer]

Let's not forget that the Rams had one of the best O-lines in 2017 and 2018, and that three of the five o-linemen on those great lines are still here! And let's not discount the experience and confidence and strength and conditioning that the three young guys got last year. They should all be significantly better this year. That's just the way it works.

Especially if the coaches use last year's tape to figure out the initial starters at the beginning of training camp and the o linemen can concentrate on the position they will play throughout the year.
And it wouldn't kill them to have them play a few quarters in the preseason together as well.
Continuity and having confidence that the guy next to you is going to do his so you can concentrate on your job is huge in successful and cohesive O line play.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

Adding a 2nd round C or 3rd round G does not create a proven line as well.

They have addressed the OL in the two previous drafts. Let them develop.

Otherwise if they drafted a couple this yr that do not get enough time to develop, especially in this shortened offseason, do you draft over them again next year?

Di you keep repeating and blow out the young guys before they get time to develop?

Jackie Slater didn't start until his 3rd season.

Orlando Pace did not start dominating until his 2nd year.

Guys like Adam Timmerman who was a late pick in GB did not excel from day one.

Few do. Unless you have a top ten guy like Nelson.

I've seen enough of Allen and Noteboom to be convinced that neither has the strength of blocking ability to play at this level.ability

I'm not talking about replacing Evans or Edwards. Blythe is on a one year deal and has had his very bad moments. Wentworth is getting older by the minute. You said Olinemen take time, and I agree. So who is the Center next year? Who plays OLT?

 

[Memento]

I've seen enough of Allen and Noteboom to be convinced that neither has the strength of blocking ability to play at this level.ability

I'm not talking about replacing Evans or Edwards. Blythe is on a one year deal and has had his very bad moments. Wentworth is getting older by the minute. You said Olinemen take time, and I agree. So who is the Center next year? Who plays OLT?

Allen, I agree with, and if Covid-19 sapped his strength, it might be an uphill battle for him to make the roster.

But Noteboom played out of position at guard. He's a much better tackle, and while he may not have the strength to play in a phonebooth at guard, I think he'd make a damn fine left tackle. And let's not forget that offensive linemen take time to improve; you yourself said that. Why not Noteboom? Why can't he play at left tackle, where he fits, where he played well when Whitworth went down in the Whiners game in 2018?

As for center, I see us taking one in next year's class...unless Corbett steps up, which is a possibility.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

Allen, I agree with, and if Covid-19 sapped his strength, it might be an uphill battle for him to make the roster.

But Noteboom played out of position at guard. He's a much better tackle, and while he may not have the strength to play in a phonebooth at guard, I think he'd make a damn fine left tackle. And let's not forget that offensive linemen take time to improve; you yourself said that. Why not Noteboom? Why can't he play at left tackle, where he fits, where he played well when Whitworth went down in the Whiners game in 2018?

As for center, I see us taking one in next year's class...unless Corbett steps up, which is a possibility.

Once Whitworth retires I’d bet on Evans’ chances as being the OLT over Noteboom. I believe if Joe is not strong enough by now, then it’s not likely he will ever be. Noteboom is very agile. But his difficulty making blocks at the second level is a bad sign. Isn’t it likely that he will struggle with speed rushers on the edge, if he struggled to target LBs and DBs in space?

I don’t know the guy. I don’t have anything against him. I was actually really happy with the pick. I’m just going off of things I saw last season. Now with an ACL he’s going to really have to focus on his strength coming back. This injury is likely a big deal for a guy that didn’t develop the strength in a major college program + 1.5 years in the NFL.


I’d love to be wrong. I’d be happy if all of the Rams Olinemen made pro bowl next year. You know I’ve been pining for a great Oline since before Fisher.