Center is the need

[Merlin]

@jrry32 has been communicating about three centers that could be available later and here are my feelings about the three if the Rams end up with either.

1. Tyler Biadasz (Wisconsin)....I watched quite a few of Big Ten games and IMO, Biadasz would have gone higher last year because of injury, but would be an excellent addition because of size has excellent hip flexibility and the Badgers do an excellent job coaching up their Offensive Linemen. I'm sure Edwards & Havenstein will talk him up too, however, the Dallas Cowboys will be lurking to replace one Badger with another.
2. Matt Hennessy (Temple)....Love this kid, he has great size at 6'4 307 and IMO, the best cerebral center in the draft and I like smart players....Hennessy is excellent at pulling on screens and I believe McVay is going to calling plenty of screens to Henderson moving forward, plus Hennessy has great balance and is never out of position and Hennessy is moving up to number two on my board right behind Cesar Ruiz.
3. Nick Harris (Washington).... @jrry32 likes him better then I do because of scheme as the Huskies run a similar zone scheme to the Rams, however, even though the Rams run that scheme I like them bigger at Center. Harris is 6'1 302 which is much like Blythe & Allen and when I watched Harris I felt he got pushed back quite a bit at the point of attack, but Harris excels with his line calls plus body control to adjust and land on second-level targets.

I think you and @jrry32 have been sitting around shirtless drinking way too much scotch together with that list above...

Ok but seriously I think Harris is gonna be worse than Allen. The guy is not only weak but he's got a bit of an asshole-ish personality IMO, looks like a bust to me and I doubt he makes a roster he'll be a PS type his rookie year.

Biadasz looks good in 2018 but his 2019 film looks like a 2019 Rams' center with him being knocked back into the pocket. Granted, our Center position is of such hideousness that I'd still be excited to see MR BADASZ added, well that and I fuckin love his name for message board purposes. But still.

Just IMO but if the Rams are afraid Blythe is going to let them down (I am afraid of that btw but are the Rams?) the best spot to fix it will actually be the 52/57 range. Ruiz might not be gone, Cushenberry either, and both those guys also can double for OG depth. And it sure would be nice to see the Rams drop down and still get Hennessy although I'd be afraid to do that if he's my target.

 

[Reddog99]

I think Snead and Mcvay want to draft bpa and by making the moves they did in FA they should be able to. But imo we should grab ILB, C, RB, WR, S and CB. Also there's a hole at kicker atm but I dont know if that gets addressed in the draft. Gostkowski still wants to play so that's an option. If we draft one I like Blankenship and Bass.

 

[SeminoleRam]

i would like badass

I think he would be a good pick and you have to LOVE HIS NAME!!’

 

[den-the-coach]

Just IMO but if the Rams are afraid Blythe is going to let them down (I am afraid of that btw but are the Rams?) the best spot to fix it will actually be the 52/57 range. Ruiz might not be gone, Cushenberry either, and both those guys also can double for OG depth. And it sure would be nice to see the Rams drop down and still get Hennessy although I'd be afraid to do that if he's my target.

I like Ruiz & Cushenberry too, but IMO, the Rams might not prioritize Center that early...I really expect Ruiz to go late first round maybe the Dolphins at 26 and Cushenberry in round two might be there, however, to the Rams address other needs like OT & Edge? I would look at Hennessy in the third, Rams have two third round picks maybe Hennessy and a WR would be nice.

 

[PhillyRam]

I'm thinking Rd 2 is RB & OC...Rd 3 WR & ILB RD 4 OG

I think Edge is critical with Ebukam & Floyd (assuming he is still signing) on 1 yr deals.

RB, C, Edge, LB, WR, 5T DE, OG... Are what I see as priority.

RB & WR can be had later 4th & 5th rd (I think Snead gets a 5th somewhere in a trade down).

C & Edge are priority, and only a C early if a top guy falls to 52.

Then LB and still I want the beef up the DL pass rush if possible. A good OG can be had in 3rd or 4th and I take one if they think Evans is an OT and not a OG.

Also I could see 52 being BPA if they sit there. So a top CB, OT, DL, or S could be a surprise early.

 

[PhillyRam]

BPA. And I wish McSnead would stop all the trading up and down. I really don't understand when he does both in the same draft. I realize he's "getting his guy", but how has that worked out over the past coupe of years?

Simple... He believes in moving around to get targeted players and maximizing his draft capital.

So in round two if he likes 5 guys and has a chance to pick up an early 4th, where he knows he can get another guy they like in that range, he makes a deal if its available.

Conversely, if he is sitting at 84 in round 3, and they really like a guy who may not last, then you take that extra 4 and move up and get your guy.

If you don't have to do that, maybe when you get to your 4th rounder, you have a large pool of players you would be happy with, so you drop back 15 spots because you want an extra pick in the 5th where you know you can get the kicker you need this year

So just some examples.

I used to think the Rams were way to predictable on draft day, just sitting there and take whose there. Glad that they have been more active in recent years and maximizing their draft capital.

 

[Ram65]

The more I think about the Blythe resigning the more I think he will be the Rams starter at either OC or OG. Allen gets a chance to compete.

I think if Ruiz or Cushenberry fall the Rams will have to consider them. They can compete at OG as well. Hennessey is the third-round choice.

Rams have a lot of needs and options. They seem to target players they want and could go in any direction. I think they look at overall combined values for the first four picks.

 

[Ram65]

So in round two if he likes 5 guys and has a chance to pick up an early 4th, where he knows he can get another guy they like in that range, he makes a deal if its available.

Conversely, if he is sitting at 84 in round 3, and they really like a guy who may not last, then you take that extra 4 and move up and get your guy.

That's the way I see it. They also could have one player rated higher that they want and take him.

 

[PARAM]

Center is "a" need. I don't think we really have a need that is THE need. We need a C. We need a WR. We need a RB. We need another S. We need an ILB. We need a PK. Put them in any order you want and if we did all the combination possibilities, we might come up with what the Rams....Snead/McVay.....think are our "needs".

If I had to choose 1 right now, I'd say WR after trading Cooks. We have Woods, Kupp and Reynolds. If one goes down for a game or more, we're in a pickle. I think they are going to go WR first and then address the rest of the needs. My choice for second would be between C and RB and I'd lean more towards RB. But then again, what do I know?

 

[jrry32]

I think you and @jrry32 have been sitting around shirtless drinking way too much scotch together with that list above...

Ok but seriously I think Harris is gonna be worse than Allen. The guy is not only weak but he's got a bit of an asshole-ish personality IMO, looks like a bust to me and I doubt he makes a roster he'll be a PS type his rookie year.

Just IMO but if the Rams are afraid Blythe is going to let them down (I am afraid of that btw but are the Rams?) the best spot to fix it will actually be the 52/57 range. Ruiz might not be gone, Cushenberry either, and both those guys also can double for OG depth. And it sure would be nice to see the Rams drop down and still get Hennessy although I'd be afraid to do that if he's my target.

I don't agree. He fits the scheme well. People said Jason Kelce and Rodney Hudson were too small as well (Take a look at Kelce's scouting report). They're arguably the two best Centers in the NFL. Scheme matters with Centers. Our scheme isn't looking for size and power out of the Center position. It's looking for smarts, mobility, and technique.

Putting aside the line calls, the Center in our scheme is typically blocking on the move, in space, or on the second level; working combo blocks; or attempting to make difficult reach blocks. That's why athleticism, not power, is paramount in our scheme. Sully could get away with less athleticism because he was such a smart, savvy, and technically sound player. If you look at David Andrews's measurables and scouting report back when he was a prospect, his profile matches Harris's quite well. And Andrews has developed into a very good Center in New England (because he fits the scheme).

Simply put, Harris being asked to drive block a DT or handle an extremely powerful DT one on one in passing situations is quite rare in our scheme. What's the difference between Harris and Allen? Harris is a much, much better athlete. And FWIW, I like Hennessy more than Ruiz and Cushenberry.

Biadasz looks good in 2018 but his 2019 film looks like a 2019 Rams' center with him being knocked back into the pocket. Granted, our Center position is of such hideousness that I'd still be excited to see MR BADASZ added, well that and I fuckin love his name for message board purposes. But still.

I definitely didn't see that. I watched a number of his games. He didn't lose many reps. I even watched the bowl game against Oregon after I was told he didn't fare well. I didn't see that either. Kayvon Thibodeau, who will be a first round EDGE in a couple years, beat him badly with quickness while lined up inside on a play in that game. But I didn't see him lose a pass protection rep to power.

 

[Mojo Ram]

Rapp is a proven starter IMO. Same with Everett. They'd both be starters on most teams that didn't have superstars there.

Rapp played well for a rook and Everett had injuries last year.

 

[fanotodd]

I have been pounding the table nearly every draft for almost 20 years to DRAFT A STARTING CENTER!!
I'm not talking about a 3rd day developmental guy, wishful thinking that we might get lucky on the cheap. I'm talking about spending real draft capital and take a guy who can start day one.

I remember people giving jerry jones crap for taking frederick late in the 1rst round, saying he reached. My thought was they got the best/highest rated Center in the draft. Is there ever a bad time to get the best player at his position in the draft? If he worked out, he would start day one, play through 4-5 seasons on a rookie contract, and make a couple pro bowls. Unfortunate that he retired kinda early, but how's that pick look now?

Let's end the suspense.........................

DRAFT A CENTER!!!

 

[…..]

We need to take dome of that cap savings and get us a vet....

oh wait. Nevermind.

 

[leoram]

I understood your perspective the first time and respect the thought process you used. Like you said here, differing opinions are healthy and welcome.
What I’d really like to point out was in 2018, CJ Anderson and Malcolm Brown produced very well behind that OLine. I remember when the Rams traded Dickerson to the Colts and got phenomenal production out of both White and Bell because the OLine was dominant. For me, nothing is more important than excellence on the OLine...particularly with a mind like McVay utilizing that foundation.

Again, before I reach for depth and future loss mitigation, I would prioritize the OLine and LBers. The current roster is glaringly weak at those spots. Sure, if another AD, Kupp, or Ramsey type happened to fall to the second round...how could you pass? Barring that, I’m sticking w positional need for a change. (I normally go BPA in most drafts)

 

[Merlin]

Putting aside the line calls, the Center in our scheme is typically blocking on the move, in space, or on the second level; working combo blocks; or attempting to make difficult reach blocks. That's why athleticism, not power, is paramount in our scheme. Sully could get away with less athleticism because he was such a smart, savvy, and technically sound player. If you look at David Andrews's measurables and scouting report back when he was a prospect, his profile matches Harris's quite well. And Andrews has developed into a very good Center in New England (because he fits the scheme).

Simply put, Harris being asked to drive block a DT or handle an extremely powerful DT one on one in passing situations is quite rare in our scheme. What's the difference between Harris and Allen? Harris is a much, much better athlete. And FWIW, I like Hennessy more than Ruiz and Cushenberry.

You and I are never gonna agree on Harris jrry and it's cool man. I just can't get past what I see as serious weakness issues that hopefully a pro training regimen will help. As to our scheme combo blocks are the rule in the run game but guys need to be able to hold their water after that initial assist. There are plenty of instances on our game film of Blythe or Allen going el solo on a DT in the run game. And in the passing game the Center can be easily isolated by defensive scheme and that's where Allen had his biggest issues.

And tbh I think Allen's mobility was underrated a bit by Rams fans, the guy actually did some good things on the move in the run game it was really his biggest strength. But he'd get trucked too much when isolated and tbh I think we're full up on weak centers who need an assist or they end up in their QB's lap.

With Ruiz and Cushenberry I think both can play at OG as rookies, which is projected off their strength for the most part although neither of them are an ideal fit in the mobility side. They're just both real strong in their base so it's a nice advantage to have that for OG depth at least. And I agree means they'll go off the board faster, not counting on them just think they have a reasonable chance to slide to us.

But anyway. At least we're on the same page with Hennessy eh?

 

[Merlin]

I like Ruiz & Cushenberry too, but IMO, the Rams might not prioritize Center that early...I really expect Ruiz to go late first round maybe the Dolphins at 26 and Cushenberry in round two might be there, however, to the Rams address other needs like OT & Edge? I would look at Hennessy in the third, Rams have two third round picks maybe Hennessy and a WR would be nice.

Hennessy in round 3 would be amazing. Would like to see that happen.

 

[Ram65]

You and I are never gonna agree on Harris jrry and it's cool man. I just can't get past what I see as serious weakness issues that hopefully a pro training regimen will help. As to our scheme combo blocks are the rule in the run game but guys need to be able to hold their water after that initial assist. There are plenty of instances on our game film of Blythe or Allen going el solo on a DT in the run game. And in the passing game the Center can be easily isolated by defensive scheme and that's where Allen had his biggest issues.

FWIW I read this Senior Bowl review earlier today. It had a poor review for Harris.

The Draft Network

TDN

thedraftnetwork.com

RANKING THE 2020 SENIOR BOWL'S CENTERS AFTER MOBILE
BY: JONAH TULS JANUARY 26TH, 2020 THE DRAFT NETWORK
Photo: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports
With this year's Senior Bowl officially in the books, the 2020 NFL draft's top upperclassmen gave front offices one last look at their physical profiles and skillsets on the field.
If there was one position group that shined the brightest in Mobile, Alabama, it was the interior offensive line prospects. More specifically, four of the top centers in the 2020 class were at the Senior Bowl this past week: LSU's Lloyd Cushenberry III, Temple's Matt Hennessy, San Diego State's Keith Ismael and Washington's Nick Harris.

All four of these players had their flashes throughout the week, showing many of the traits they put on display in their final year of college and clarified a lot about this group.
Here's how I rank the Senior Bowl center group after what I saw in Mobile.
1. LLOYD CUSHENBERRY III, LSU
The only player that was able to stonewall Javon Kinlaw in the one-on-one periods was Cushenberry. He declared as a graduating junior after the Tigers won the National Championship and then accepted his invite to the Senior Bowl to prove to scouts he is the top center in the 2020 class. He did just that, and I believe he might have been the best offensive lineman in practice, pound for pound, in Mobile. His combination of hand quickness, mobility and lower-body strength to anchor down makes him the best pass protecting center in this class. Those traits were on full display against a player like Kinlaw. After Kinlaw was forced to leave in the middle of the week because of injury, Cushenberry cruised past the rest of the defensive lineman in the drills, rarely getting beat in any further reps. It was a lights-out performance for quite possibly the top center in this year's draft.
2. MATT HENNESSY, TEMPLE
Hennessy, who weighed in at over 300 pounds, got off to a great start at the Senior Bowl. He looked much stronger and more physically imposing than I expected, and it showed on the practice field. He got after defensive tackles all week long in the one-on-one pass protection drills. Hennessy's bread and butter is that he's built low to the ground with natural leverage, combining that with his excellent lateral agility to mirror athletic pass rushers. He was dominant in that regard, but what surprised me most was his ability to fight power with power in the one-on-one reps. The biggest concern I had on his tape was his play strength, but there were times in practice where he overwhelmed defenders with his punch and finish. I still believe Hennessy's size and traits are best equipped for a zone-blocking scheme, but he proved this week that he could appeal to any team looking for an upgrade at center.
3. KEITH ISMAEL, SAN DIEGO STATE
The biggest surprise was how well Ismael performed. He doesn't wow anybody with his size, but he has a good enough physical profile along with the requisite play strength to hold his own against the longer, more powerful interior rushers. Like Hennessy, Isamel is built low to the ground and plays with natural leverage, staying balanced with smooth hips, agile feet and a strong base. Ismael is one of the best reach blockers in this class because of his mobility in space, but in his one-on-one pass rush reps in practice, he proved that he can also operate in a phone booth and erase defensive tackles with his hands at the point of attack. Not too many people knew about Ismael before the Senior Bowl, but I guarantee you his name is now firmly on the radar for NFL teams in the day two range of this year's draft.
4. NICK HARRIS, WASHINGTON
It was ultimately a rough week for Harris. It started at Tuesday's weigh-in when he was measured at an underwhelming 6-foot-1, 293 pounds, well below NFL standards for offensive linemen. Many brushed off his size and play strength concerns on tape because of how well he moves and competes, but those critical elements came back to haunt him in practice. Harris was often overwhelmed in the one-on-one pass-rush drills and had no answer for power rush moves and the length of more physically-imposing defensive tackles. What surprised me most about Harris was his inability to mirror and stay in front of quick inside rushers. From a physical traits perspective, Harris simply looked outmatched in every category. At an event where every other center held their own and had consistent flashes in drills, Harris undoubtedly walks away from Mobile as one of the biggest letdown prospects. He is a center-only prospect at his size and only suits one particular blocking scheme: zone. I'm just not sure how much NFL teams are going to value him after what I saw at the Senior Bowl.

 

[jrry32]

You and I are never gonna agree on Harris jrry and it's cool man. I just can't get past what I see as serious weakness issues that hopefully a pro training regimen will help. As to our scheme combo blocks are the rule in the run game but guys need to be able to hold their water after that initial assist. There are plenty of instances on our game film of Blythe or Allen going el solo on a DT in the run game. And in the passing game the Center can be easily isolated by defensive scheme and that's where Allen had his biggest issues.

And tbh I think Allen's mobility was underrated a bit by Rams fans, the guy actually did some good things on the move in the run game it was really his biggest strength. But he'd get trucked too much when isolated and tbh I think we're full up on weak centers who need an assist or they end up in their QB's lap.

With Ruiz and Cushenberry I think both can play at OG as rookies, which is projected off their strength for the most part although neither of them are an ideal fit in the mobility side. They're just both real strong in their base so it's a nice advantage to have that for OG depth at least. And I agree means they'll go off the board faster, not counting on them just think they have a reasonable chance to slide to us.

But anyway. At least we're on the same page with Hennessy eh?

Allen isn't anywhere near the athlete that Harris is. And I think you're selling Harris quite a bit short on his ability to hold his water. But that's evaluating for you. Differences of opinion are common.

 

[rams1fan]

They have net with Ruiz, Cushenberry and Harris So it would appears Rams are looking for a center..