Coleman Shelton

[PhillyRam]

I think McVay's scheme and Stafford's ability to read blitzes nowadays might protect the center a bit. You can't run blitz Stafford as easily without him identifying it and exposing it. The multiple TEs puts more pressure on the edges so a MLB cant give himself up blitzing over center or DT for that matter. They have to spread out more to help the DEs.

I would add that when Simpson takes over he will need a smart vet center to help him with protections, to protect the middle of the line, etc... I hate to mention his name, but Creed Humphey becomes a FA in 29'. His contract is structured where he could be a cap casualty in 28'. If he is still a solid player at that point, a player like him would be a good match with a young QB.

 

[snackdaddy]

There's a lot more to the center position than just being able to block. McVay wanted a guy like Shelton. Someone who knew the blocking schemes. Someone who helps the quarterback on pre snap reads. Shelton was that guy for McVay. And you can't deny the results.

When I hear talk about the Rams line being pretty good, I don't hear one guy being mentioned. Its the line as a unit. Shelton was part of that unit. Basically did what they asked of him.

Again, McVay wanted Shelton over Limmer. Limmer might be the bigger, stronger guy. But there's a lot more to that position. Especially between the ears.

 

[PhillyRam]

There's a lot more to the center position than just being able to block. McVay wanted a guy like Shelton. Someone who knew the blocking schemes. Someone who helps the quarterback on pre snap reads. Shelton was that guy for McVay. And you can't deny the results.

When I hear talk about the Rams line being pretty good, I don't hear one guy being mentioned. Its the line as a unit. Shelton was part of that unit. Basically did what they asked of him.

Again, McVay wanted Shelton over Limmer. Limmer might be the bigger, stronger guy. But there's a lot more to that position. Especially between the ears.

Sure, and Limmer was a 6th rd rookie. Shelton rode the bench while jumping from team to team for the first 4 years of his career. So it often takes time at that position unless you are a stud C coming out of college. Even then many start out at OG, if possible, before they take over at C.

 

[So Ram]

There's a lot more to the center position than just being able to block. McVay wanted a guy like Shelton. Someone who knew the blocking schemes. Someone who helps the quarterback on pre snap reads. Shelton was that guy for McVay. And you can't deny the results.

When I hear talk about the Rams line being pretty good, I don't hear one guy being mentioned. Its the line as a unit. Shelton was part of that unit. Basically did what they asked of him.

Again, McVay wanted Shelton over Limmer. Limmer might be the bigger, stronger guy. But there's a lot more to that position. Especially between the ears.

Looks like Limmer is playing with a ARM BRACE. Watched a couple highlights from 2025 & Shelton gets out on runs & screens nicely.He mauled a LBer in one of the plays.
From early workouts Shelton looks like he can push a lot of weight.He has Strong Leg Power.
I think The Rams made a mistake by not resigning him to a 3 year contract 3 years ago.The STEVE AVILA Project was a BUST,plus taking away a PLUG & PLAY LG hurt as well.
I think Patrick Queen would’ve be a Perfect FA signing instead.I’m a Fan for what he meant,but Troy Reeder wasn’t going to be the answer EVER.He was a decent Special Teams guy & mentor at best.Maybe a very short term starter? Just saying resigning Nate Landman mid-season was good for both The Rams and Landman.He is balling out in OTA’s & The Rams D” is farther a long than last season early.

 

[den-the-coach]

Looks like Limmer is playing with a ARM BRACE.

Limmer is done IMHO. He was unplayable last year and could not block. It is obvious, he is not a guard, but he had trouble at center too in preseason. Justin Dedich was their choice both at guard and center, so unless Limmer is able to recover and have a strong training camp and prove he is worthy, I believe he could be in jeopardy of losing a roster spot to Austin Blaske, who graded out very well in pass protection, while playing every position along the OL at North Carolina

 

[So Ram]

I would add that when Simpson takes over he will need a smart vet center to help him with protections, to protect the middle of the line, etc... I hate to mention his name, but Creed Humphey becomes a FA in 29'. His contract is structured where he could be a cap casualty in 28'. If he is still a solid player at that point, a player like him would be a good match with a young QB.

Good luck & Horrible idea.
When was The Last Time The Rams have Paid big bucks for a Starting Center ??
He did learn & was mentored by Austin Blythe who KC had plugged in if The Rams had drafted Creed.
Shelton Coleman wasn’t the problem for The Rams.Starting JOESPH NOTEBOOM at LG was.

In Sheltons 7 season which he didn’t start a game until the end of his 3rd season. He has had only 7 false starts & 6 holding calls. In 2023 those False Starts were probably because Noteboom & Demby were The WORST EVER in ALL of Mcvays training camp figuring out counts.You know The Center gets a couple of them called because of it.

 

[DzRams]

There's a lot more to the center position than just being able to block. McVay wanted a guy like Shelton. Someone who knew the blocking schemes. Someone who helps the quarterback on pre snap reads. Shelton was that guy for McVay. And you can't deny the results.

When I hear talk about the Rams line being pretty good, I don't hear one guy being mentioned. Its the line as a unit. Shelton was part of that unit. Basically did what they asked of him.

Again, McVay wanted Shelton over Limmer. Limmer might be the bigger, stronger guy. But there's a lot more to that position. Especially between the ears.

I would add that they were rated as one of the better OLs in the league and the #1 offense. Shelton's got to get a lot of credit for that especially when compared to their OL rating the previous year.

 

[WestCoastRam]

There's a lot more to the center position than just being able to block. McVay wanted a guy like Shelton. Someone who knew the blocking schemes. Someone who helps the quarterback on pre snap reads. Shelton was that guy for McVay. And you can't deny the results.

When I hear talk about the Rams line being pretty good, I don't hear one guy being mentioned. Its the line as a unit. Shelton was part of that unit. Basically did what they asked of him.

Again, McVay wanted Shelton over Limmer. Limmer might be the bigger, stronger guy. But there's a lot more to that position. Especially between the ears.

Part of center blocking is their chemistry with the guards on either side. Dotson and Avila have had two incredibly good seasons with Shelton right next to them.

 

[OldSchool]

Part of center blocking is their chemistry with the guards on either side. Dotson and Avila have had two incredibly good seasons with Shelton right next to them.

Can the Rams upgrade on Shelton? If they can what's the issue with fans thinking they should do it?

 

[snackdaddy]

Can the Rams upgrade on Shelton? If they can what's the issue with fans thinking they should do it?

Rams could upgrade a lot of positions. No issues with that. I do notice the ones who are not convinced in Shelton are not as hard on him in this thread. Past comments in other threads were harsher. I just think there is no legit upgrade out there right now. Shelton has done his job as far as I'm concerned. II know some will disagree. And that's fine.

 

[Ram Ts]

I was harsh on Shelton. I was wrong (yet again). He proven me wrong.
Now go win a Super Bowl!

 

[Merlin]

I hate to mention his name, but Creed Humphey becomes a FA in 29'.

 

[OldSchool]

Rams could upgrade a lot of positions. No issues with that. I do notice the ones who are not convinced in Shelton are not as hard on him in this thread. Past comments in other threads were harsher. I just think there is no legit upgrade out there right now. Shelton has done his job as far as I'm concerned. II know some will disagree. And that's fine.

I personally was harsh on the signing and he's exactly what I thought he was then. An adequate blocker who the Rams like for his line calls. I would have rather gone another route then but it is what it is. He is a free agent after this year IIRC. And I'm all in on using our 1st pick on Iapani Laloulu from Oregon in the next draft. A good center at the snap with his game smarts. Versatile in that he can play both guard spots too. A very good center at pulling in the run game and an all around good pass blocker.

 

[snackdaddy]

I just don't wanna see any changes to the line this year. They've developed a good chemistry together. If we lose Avila, Dotson or McClendon next year then I guess chemistry is out the window and they gotta look for the best available talent. For now, I think as it is the line is good enough to get the job done.

 

[DzRams]

I personally was harsh on the signing and he's exactly what I thought he was then. An adequate blocker who the Rams like for his line calls. I would have rather gone another route then but it is what it is. He is a free agent after this year IIRC. And I'm all in on using our 1st pick on Iapani Laloulu from Oregon in the next draft. A good center at the snap with his game smarts. Versatile in that he can play both guard spots too. A very good center at pulling in the run game and an all around good pass blocker.

Can this guy also play guard, or is he a pure center?

 

[OldSchool]

I personally was harsh on the signing and he's exactly what I thought he was then. An adequate blocker who the Rams like for his line calls. I would have rather gone another route then but it is what it is. He is a free agent after this year IIRC. And I'm all in on using our 1st pick on Iapani Laloulu from Oregon in the next draft. A good center at the snap with his game smarts. Versatile in that he can play both guard spots too. A very good center at pulling in the run game and an all around good pass blocker.

Can this guy also play guard, or is he a pure center?

Yes

 

[WestCoastRam]

Can the Rams upgrade on Shelton? If they can what's the issue with fans thinking they should do it?

I don't think my comment dissuades any of that.

Just pointing out how blocking on oline is as much about how the guys block in concert with the guy next to him as it is individual wins, pancakes, or ability to get to the second level.

 

[OldSchool]

I don't think my comment dissuades any of that.

Just pointing out how blocking on oline is as much about how the guys block in concert with the guy next to him as it is individual wins, pancakes, or ability to get to the second level.

And none of the comments about upgrading Shelton dissuades the blocking on the OLine. I was simply asking if you thought he could be upgraded and if we should upgrade him?

 

[DzRams]

Yes

Good. Because I think it's more likely they draft someone to start at guard.

 

[WestCoastRam]

And none of the comments about upgrading Shelton dissuades the blocking on the OLine. I was simply asking if you thought he could be upgraded and if we should upgrade him?

Everyone's upgradable except for the best player at each position in the league (and I guess that's debatable too). So he's def upgradable and since I consider him to be good in this system but not great, I think if the price is right we can find an upgrade next year.

I just don't generally think center needs to be where premium capital is spent but every offseason is a different animal.

As to this moment: I don't see a scenario where we upgrade him ahead of 2026 season and depending on factors that can't be fully known at this time, I would not be opposed to bringing him back on a decent contract for two more seasons. But many things need to play out: draft scouting of centers, player development here, a contract hopefully at one of the guard spots, etc... before I'd make a decision.

At the end of the day - It's just not a position I find worth banging the drum for a top 10 player at but I'll be happy if circumstance brings us one there.