David Edwards picking up where he left off

[NoCoNite]

If you read Edwards bio. Sounds like a lot of criticism came from when he was playing hurt. Besides that everyone was raving about him. Especially Joe Thomas. He could be the Hordor to our immobile Bran (Goff).

 

[RamsOfCastamere]

So no First or Second Rounders, and 8 of the 11 in the 5th round or later, and we have what 5 guys getting playing time? That really isn't bad. Not sure what everyone expected out of that Draft, 5 Starters???

I know we are fans, but we still have to have realistic expectations. Unrealistic expectations are the biggest contributors to people being unhappy.

Kiser, Howard, Noteboom, SJD were all projected to be starters for this team before injury. Allen and OBO backups. All things considered that’s hardly a failed draft.

Of course it's not realistic to expect every draft pic to be a hit, but some front offices do so more than others and that separates the great ones from the rest. Even though there are guys that are getting playing time now, no one cannot deny that this is the worst draft of the McVay era.

Specifically I'm referring to rounds 3 and 4. There's still quality talent in those rounds and those players theoretically should be the best of this class, but if Noteboom's play doesn't improve it's probably safe to say that we missed on those first three picks. Yes, it takes time for players to develop, but Evans and Edwards were at least serviceable starting unexpectedly as rookies and some say they played pretty well. Edwards has shown flexibility playing at both guard spots and may keep Boom's spot if he plays well against the Bills.

I'm sure they were hoping Allen and Noteboom would be starters right now, but we had to move Blythe to center and bring Whitworth back for a few more years until an LT is develops. We had to spend a 5th rounder bringing in Corbett for that guard spot that Demby did a horrible job fulfilling. And apparently the team doesn't trust SJD with a larger roll at this point either since they brought in A'Shawn AND brought Brockers back.

I'm not saying this class is a failure since there are guys getting playing time, and there are guys that had injury setbacks, but at this point they're unproven guys with potential that we hope will get better.

 

[Snaz]

Howard suddenly doesn't seem to have a position on the team anymore, unless he's moved back to safety or can unseat Young, who has played good in limited time.

On September 5, 2020, Howard was placed on injured reserve

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

On September 5, 2020, Howard was placed on injured reserve

Yes, I'm aware that he's injured, thanks. The reason I said he doesn't seem to have a spot is Young and Hollins are playing well alongside Kiser. Both played linebacker in college too. Maybe when he's back they use Howard on passing downs, but that's another roster spot. He would have to win his spot back.

 

[So Ram]

Of course it's not realistic to expect every draft pic to be a hit, but some front offices do so more than others and that separates the great ones from the rest. Even though there are guys that are getting playing time now, no one cannot deny that this is the worst draft of the McVay era.

Specifically I'm referring to rounds 3 and 4. There's still quality talent in those rounds and those players theoretically should be the best of this class, but if Noteboom's play doesn't improve it's probably safe to say that we missed on those first three picks. Yes, it takes time for players to develop, but Evans and Edwards were at least serviceable starting unexpectedly as rookies and some say they played pretty well. Edwards has shown flexibility playing at both guard spots and may keep Boom's spot if he plays well against the Bills.

I'm sure they were hoping Allen and Noteboom would be starters right now, but we had to move Blythe to center and bring Whitworth back for a few more years until an LT is develops. We had to spend a 5th rounder bringing in Corbett for that guard spot that Demby did a horrible job fulfilling. And apparently the team doesn't trust SJD with a larger roll at this point either since they brought in A'Shawn AND brought Brockers back.

I'm not saying this class is a failure since there are guys getting playing time, and there are guys that had injury setbacks, but at this point they're unproven guys with potential that we hope will get better.

I’d say your looking into this a little to deeply on your takes of players signed.

Yes this is by far The worst draft by McSnead.There is no comparison.

Kiser & Noteboom are the key to the success of the 2018 draft.As a Draftnik type tough I think both those players were good finds.

Brian Allen I never understood,but Blythe is playing at a high level.

Kiser just got player of the week.

Noteboo impresses me on his upside & Whitworth is just adding to his HOF credentials.

Austin Corbett was a steal for McSnead & where are you going to find a player like that with a 5th pick?

Brockers means so much to The Rams being Les Sneads first draft pick ever. I’ll say a better pick on his own merit than RG111. Ask AD how much he likes Brockers.

Can’t wait for Robinson to get on the grass. There is a UDRFA DLMAN no one even talks about.

SJD is a rotation guy,but has a good motor.
Demby was a roster spot filled by others. Can’t wait to see how Brewer looks come 2021.Nice year for him to take off & develop.

OBO has been hurt,will see how he does? I feel 2018 played more into The Rams not making the playoffs than the Offensive Line by far.Edwards & Evans experience to me was worth being a 1 & done team. I like The Rams future & this 2020 draft is exciting. 2019 I like a lot as well.

 

[tklongball]

Of course it's not realistic to expect every draft pic to be a hit, but some front offices do so more than others and that separates the great ones from the rest. Even though there are guys that are getting playing time now, no one cannot deny that this is the worst draft of the McVay era.

Specifically I'm referring to rounds 3 and 4. There's still quality talent in those rounds and those players theoretically should be the best of this class, but if Noteboom's play doesn't improve it's probably safe to say that we missed on those first three picks. Yes, it takes time for players to develop, but Evans and Edwards were at least serviceable starting unexpectedly as rookies and some say they played pretty well. Edwards has shown flexibility playing at both guard spots and may keep Boom's spot if he plays well against the Bills.

I'm sure they were hoping Allen and Noteboom would be starters right now, but we had to move Blythe to center and bring Whitworth back for a few more years until an LT is develops. We had to spend a 5th rounder bringing in Corbett for that guard spot that Demby did a horrible job fulfilling. And apparently the team doesn't trust SJD with a larger roll at this point either since they brought in A'Shawn AND brought Brockers back.

I'm not saying this class is a failure since there are guys getting playing time, and there are guys that had injury setbacks, but at this point they're unproven guys with potential that we hope will get better.

OK, so now we are talking about Rounds 3 and 4 of that draft. Ok then, I agree, those picks didn't work out. What is the hit rate for rounds 3 & 4?

And by that same logic, rounds 5, 6, & 7 of that draft were really good.

And saying that it was the worst draft in the McVay era, OK, one of them has to be. This front office has been hitting at a much better rate than the probabilities would predict. Kind of fits into your definition of a great front office, no?

 

[Snaz]

Yes, I'm aware that he's injured, thanks. The reason I said he doesn't seem to have a spot is Young and Hollins are playing well alongside Kiser. Both played linebacker in college too. Maybe when he's back they use Howard on passing downs, but that's another roster spot. He would have to win his spot back.

If I recall correctly Howard was expected to Start at ILB next to Kiser before the injury.

 

[RamsOfCastamere]

I have high hopes for these three -Obo Okoronkwo - Travin Howard - Micah Kiser). Sebastian Joseph-Day TBD - Brian Allen TBD - Joseph Noteboom TBD

OK, so now we are talking about Rounds 3 and 4 of that draft. Ok then, I agree, those picks didn't work out. What is the hit rate for rounds 3 & 4?

And by that same logic, rounds 5, 6, & 7 of that draft were really good.

OK, so now we are talking about Rounds 3 and 4 of that draft. Ok then, I agree, those picks didn't work out. What is the hit rate for rounds 3 & 4?

And by that same logic, rounds 5, 6, & 7 of that draft were really good.

And saying that it was the worst draft in the McVay era, OK, one of them has to be. This front office has been hitting at a much better rate than the probabilities would predict. Kind of fits into your definition of a great front office, no?

I'm not sure what you're arguing. I'm just pointing out that it's the weakest draft class, and you agree, but I think you're assuming that I think our front office isn't doing a good job overall, which is not the case. I think they've done an outstanding job with the roster moves, moving the cap around, locking up our core guys, allowing us to be competitive now and in the future. But the concerns of this team are the OL, which has improved, and the run D/linebackers, and those concerns are linked directly to the players of this draft class. It's okay to critic and point that out. We're all hoping those players step up so we make a deep playoff push this year.

 

[CoachAllred]

He is not good in space at all. It was the same thing last year. I couldn't believe they were starting him again this season.

You know as well as I do that, Olinemen who can't block in space, can not succeed in McVays offense.
Not throwing in the towel or anything, because he has to have some athletic ability to have been
a OT. He just doesn't look comfortable out there,I am eager to see Edwards a full game.

 

[tklongball]

I'm not sure what you're arguing. I'm just pointing out that it's the weakest draft class, and you agree, but I think you're assuming that I think our front office isn't doing a good job overall, which is not the case. I think they've done an outstanding job with the roster moves, moving the cap around, locking up our core guys, allowing us to be competitive now and in the future. But the concerns of this team are the OL, which has improved, and the run D/linebackers, and those concerns are linked directly to the players of this draft class. It's okay to critic and point that out. We're all hoping those players step up so we make a deep playoff push this year.

Cheers, very possible that I miss-understood your original post. According to my wife, I do that quite a bit.

 

[BonifayRam]

David Edwards picking up where he left off
Oct 08, 2020
Stu Jackson

David Edwards picking up where he left off

Second-year offensive lineman David Edwards resumed a starting role in place of an injured Joe Noteboom and hasn't missed a beat.

www.therams.com

After being forced into a starting role midway through his rookie year, perhaps it's not surprising that David Edwards was prepared when tapped as Joe Noteboom's replacement after Noteboom's Week 2 calf injury.

For Edwards, that experience last season has been a big part of why he was in a position to succeed this season.
"I think the stuff that I learned last year is just invaluable," Edwards said during a video conference with reporters Wednesday.

Edwards appeared in all 16 games as a rookie, taking over as a starter in Week 7 after Noteboom sustained a season-ending knee injury against the 49ers. His starting debut went so well, it earned him Pro Football Focus' (PFF) highest grade for any Rams guard to that point.

The Wisconsin product spent two weeks as the team's starting left guard before additional injuries caused further reshuffling along Los Angeles' offensive line and flipped him to right guard. "Going through left guard and right guard, and then just the offseason, even though we weren't able to meet in person, learning the full offense and how to hit things, I think it was just great," Edwards said.

The Rams traditionally cross-train their young offensive linemen at each spot in the preseason, and during a normal offseason program when on-field workouts are permissible. Though that allowed Edwards to showcase his versatility, it became evident from first two weeks as a starter in 2019 and the last two weeks as a starter where he fit best. "When we brought him in, he was playing all over the place, but I think he's really settled in," Rams head coach Sean McVay said. "I think left guard is his most natural spot. I think he's played outstanding since he stepped into the lineup against Philly. He's really done a great job of continuing to improve from last year."

Edwards credits that growth to Rams run game coordinator and offensive line coach Aaron Kromer as well as veteran offensive lineman Andrew Whitworth. "The level of mastery that he has in every situation or scenario is just huge for me, because he allows me to play with a quieted mind," Edwards said.

Asked about Edwards on Monday, Whitworth said his performance is a reflection of him seizing his opportunity.
"I think Dave's done a great job," Whitworth said earlier this week. "He's one of those guys that stepped in and played extremely well with his opportunity, and you always want that."

Rams head coach Sean McVay has seen continued improvement in Edwards since last season, and his assessment has been reinforced by external evaluators.

PFF had Edwards with the third-highest pass-blocking grade of any offensive lineman entering Week 4. Entering Week 5, Edwards has the top run block win rate (79 percent) of any offensive guard, according to ESPN.

"He's playing at a really high level," McVay said. "I love David out there at the left guard spot for us."

 

[BonifayRam]

Rams lineman David Edwards’ versatility clears path to success

The former high school QB, college tight end and tackle is starting again at left guard, contributing to the offensive line's improvement.

Rams lineman David Edwards’ versatility clears path to success

The former high school QB, college tight end and tackle is starting again at left guard, contributing to the offensive line’s improvement.

www.ocregister.com

When David Edwards reported to Rams training camp this summer, he didn’t know exactly what role he’d be training for. He only knew he was up for it. That spirit has made Edwards a key to the improvement of the offensive line, helping the running game be more productive and the passing game more efficient.

“I think the biggest thing I learned from high school to college is just the more you can do, the willingness to help the team, whether that’s changing a position or play a different spot, the better off you’ll be and the better off the team will be,” Edwards said Wednesday.

Edwards, 23, has taken an unusual route to the starting left guard spot for the Rams (3-1), who play Washington (1-3) on Sunday in Landover, Md. Having grown from a high school option quarterback in Illinois to a college tight end and later tackle in Wisconsin, the 6-foot-6, 308-pounder cross-trained at tackle and guard as the Rams’ fifth-round draft choice in 2019.

After gaining unexpected experience as a rookie by starting 10 games at left and then right guard in place of injured teammates, he was slotted as a backup again in 2020 before Joe Noteboom tore a calf muscle in Week 2.

Now Edwards is back starting at left guard. He hasn’t been flagged for a penalty or been blamed for a sack of Jared Goff. Pro Football Focus gives him a 78.9 (out of 100) player grade so far this season, up from 61.1 last year. That’s second to left tackle Andrew Whitworth’s 88.9 on a Rams line where center Austin Blythe and right guard Austin Corbett also are benefiting from experience forced upon them by others’ injuries in 2019.

“I think that just shows how deep we are at the offensive line position,” Blythe said of Edwards’ success. “Last year helped a tremendous amount, getting the experience as a starter. He’s just a tremendous athlete, very smart.”

 

[Psycho_X]

I wonder if, god forbid, Whitworth retires after this season if Edwards could make a play for LT? If I remember correctly he doesn't have the best speed to kickout for speed rushers though so that's probably not a good idea. But seems like if Whitworth retires and Havenstein ends up being a cap casualty next year (not saying he will be but you never know) we have a lot of cheap tackle candidates between Edwards, Noteboom, and Evans at least. Preferably we have a proven tackle of course and leave people where they are already excelling but thinking of worst case scenarios down the line.

 

[jap]

The way Big Whit has looked rejuvenated our future left tackle might still be in high school.

Andrew Whitworth: "I will be here until Jared wins his first Super Bowl, mark my words!!!"

 

[BonifayRam]

I wonder if, god forbid, Whitworth retires after this season if Edwards could make a play for LT? If I remember correctly he doesn't have the best speed to kick out for speed rushers though so that's probably not a good idea. But seems like if Whitworth retires and Havenstein ends up being a cap casualty next year (not saying he will be but you never know) we have a lot of cheap tackle candidates between Edwards, Noteboom, and Evans at least. Preferably we have a proven tackle of course and leave people where they are already excelling but thinking of worst-case scenarios down the line.

It would be best that Edwards remain in the same starting Left OG position. Continuing to build with him as a cornerstone rock on that blindside.

The real element here involving your point about the future LT post is........ Kromer needs to figure out where or if Joseph Noteboom is a possible bonafide starting LT 2020 prospect? Kromer preferred Noteboom over Edwards as his starter on the left side. That Kromer decision alone causes me big concern especially since Edwards is by far the better overall performing LG.

Many here & that would include me, believed from just our fan observations from watching the Rams 16 gms in the 2019 season & for the 11 gms that Rookie Edwards:

#1- was better LG than Noteboom in 2019.
#2- performed much better @ LG than RG in 2019.
#3- should have been the starting LG from the beginning of the 2020 season.

If or when Noteboom does return from the injured reserve designation & he replaces Edwards in the LG post .....then Kromer will have done permanent damage with me (Not that he cares). If Kromer is foaming @ the mouth on getting Noteboom snaps with the offense every week then the road is wide open as the all-important swing OT.........I would blend him in @ the LT post with Whitworth.

This would keep the near 39 yr old LT rested & fresh for the playoff run. Keeping the NFL's oldest starting OL'er in this condition is a very wise move. Kromer has NO current need to have Noteboom in "stand & ready" position @ OG posts. Kromer is fat (maybe corpulent) with reserve interior OL'ers but his healthy OT reserve shelf is vacant & empty.

Two Rams make PFF’s first-quarter All-Pro team

Can you guess which Rams were selected by PFF through four weeks?

sports.yahoo.com

Two Rams were recognized by Pro Football Focus on the site’s first-quarter All-Pro team, one on each side of the ball. Andrew Whitworth got the nod as the best left tackle in the league,

 

[tomas]

Kromer preferred Noteboom over Edwards as his starter on the left side. That Kromer decision alone causes me big concern especially since Edwards is by far the better overall performing LG.

I think team politics (Snead-McVay) pressured Kromer to pick Boomer over Edwards.

 

[RamsOfCastamere]

It would be best that Edwards remain in the same starting Left OG position. Continuing to build with him as a cornerstone rock on that blindside.

The real element here involving your point about the future LT post is........ Kromer needs to figure out where or if Joseph Noteboom is a possible bonafide starting LT 2020 prospect? Kromer preferred Noteboom over Edwards as his starter on the left side. That Kromer decision alone causes me big concern especially since Edwards is by far the better overall performing LG.

Many here & that would include me, believed from just our fan observations from watching the Rams 16 gms in the 2019 season & for the 11 gms that Rookie Edwards:

#1- was better LG than Noteboom in 2019.
#2- performed much better @ LG than RG in 2019.
#3- should have been the starting LG from the beginning of the 2020 season.

If or when Noteboom does return from the injured reserve designation & he replaces Edwards in the LG post .....then Kromer will have done permanent damage with me (Not that he cares). If Kromer is foaming @ the mouth on getting Noteboom snaps with the offense every week then the road is wide open as the all-important swing OT.........I would blend him in @ the LT post with Whitworth.

This would keep the near 39 yr old LT rested & fresh for the playoff run. Keeping the NFL's oldest starting OL'er in this condition is a very wise move. Kromer has NO current need to have Noteboom in "stand & ready" position @ OG posts. Kromer is fat (maybe corpulent) with reserve interior OL'ers but his healthy OT reserve shelf is vacant & empty.

Two Rams make PFF’s first-quarter All-Pro team

Can you guess which Rams were selected by PFF through four weeks?

sports.yahoo.com

Two Rams were recognized by Pro Football Focus on the site’s first-quarter All-Pro team, one on each side of the ball. Andrew Whitworth got the nod as the best left tackle in the league,

Whitworth gets a day off from practice each week. Noteboom has to be getting those 1st team reps, right?

 

[CGI_Ram]

Whitworth gets a day off from practice each week. Noteboom has to be getting those 1st team reps, right?

Once healthy, it would be nice to give Noteboom some game reps at LOT to see what we have.

He is becoming an unknown entity it feels... He’s performed well before, but it feels like a while since we were talking highly about Noteboom.

 

[Merlin]

Of course it's not realistic to expect every draft pic to be a hit, but some front offices do so more than others and that separates the great ones from the rest. Even though there are guys that are getting playing time now, no one cannot deny that this is the worst draft of the McVay era.

Specifically I'm referring to rounds 3 and 4. There's still quality talent in those rounds and those players theoretically should be the best of this class, but if Noteboom's play doesn't improve it's probably safe to say that we missed on those first three picks. Yes, it takes time for players to develop, but Evans and Edwards were at least serviceable starting unexpectedly as rookies and some say they played pretty well. Edwards has shown flexibility playing at both guard spots and may keep Boom's spot if he plays well against the Bills.

I'm sure they were hoping Allen and Noteboom would be starters right now, but we had to move Blythe to center and bring Whitworth back for a few more years until an LT is develops. We had to spend a 5th rounder bringing in Corbett for that guard spot that Demby did a horrible job fulfilling. And apparently the team doesn't trust SJD with a larger roll at this point either since they brought in A'Shawn AND brought Brockers back.

I'm not saying this class is a failure since there are guys getting playing time, and there are guys that had injury setbacks, but at this point they're unproven guys with potential that we hope will get better.

Agreed on that class. And another thing to consider here is the business side of the draft. If you draft a guy, let's say round 3 since we're discussing Joseph here, you're not thinking he's going to be an elite starter. You may get lucky, sure, but what you want from that round 3 pick at a minimum is to be able to log starts and give you a cheap starter-level fill during his first contract for your roster.

Boom hasn't been able to do that. His longest stretch of playing in 2019 he was subpar and then injured. His start this year was great to see, but he got injured again and now Edwards has upgraded us at LG. RG isn't a possibility either since (as per Kromer) the Rams wanted Joseph on the left side for his eventual transition to LT. And even if they did consider it Corbett is playing better than Boom has ever shown he can play.

So IMO the only way that draft gets "saved" is if Boom settles in as our LT of the future. But even then the pick itself did not pay off over the course of his rook contract. Which means the pick itself has underperformed as per what you'd want to see from a third round pick.

 

[BonifayRam]

Whitworth gets a day off from practice each week. Noteboom has to be getting those 1st team reps, right?

Yes, Whitworth continues to not practice on Thursdays, but as to which Ram OL'er is getting any practice snaps @ LT when Whitworth is getting rest is an unknown. OT Bobby Evans the listed LT back up is also not practicing due to injury.

It sure was not Noteboom last season because he was the starting LG until he was injured. As to which OL'er was getting them in 2019 was mostly speculation as best I know. This Training Camp Noteboom was primarily working on the LG post since he was once again the designated starter there. I did read where Rookie Tremayne Anchrum was getting snaps @ LT.

Since Noteboom is injured again he sure would not be getting any snaps @ any position since he on the injured reserve.