For those who want to remake the O-line

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oldnotdead

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In 2018 the Rams began to rebuild their O-line. That year they drafted Noteboom and Allen their LT and C of the future. In his limited snaps in 2018 Noteboom played well at LT displaying the potential they saw in their scouting. In Allen, they had their Center who spent the year being mentored by an excellent John Sullivan who was brought in on a short contract for that purpose.

In 2019 they finished their starting 0-line rebuild with drafting Edwards and Evans and trading for Corbett someone they had targeted in his draft but was picked by Cleveland before they had a chance to grab him.

How have they done? Before his injury, Allen was rated by many services including PFF as playing as well or better than Sullivan.

#LARams Austin Corbett and David Edwards were able to provide some impressive production in 2019 during a period of OL uncertainty

Among all Guards (min 500 snaps):
- Corbett allowed 11 pressures (4th) and 1 sack (T-7th)
- Edwards allowed 14 pressures (T-6th) and 1 sack (T-7th)

According to the rankings, the Ram rebuilt interior o-line is looking pretty darn good. There is no question that Evans easily outplayed Havenstein at RT. Give this unit time to gel and there is real talent on the o-line. Their problems were in essence poor technique in the run attack. That IMO is at the feet of Kromer and Dickerson who did a piss poor job in coaching them up to make the transition from a simplistic outside zone to more of a power gap scheme. But the underlying talent is clearly there if it is properly developed.

Poor coaching also was apparent in the RBs when they really struggled to understand how to execute the new run scheme.

They look to have decent depth with Brewer and Shelton as their gameday reserves.

The only concern would be when Noteboom will be 100% ready. In that case, they could simply move Edwards to LT and Brewer or Shelton at RG until Noteboom returns. What I'm saying is that McVay and Snead have assembled their starters on the o-line, they simply need time to develop and gel as a unit. IMO this could be a very good o-line, especially in pass protection which is in actuality the most difficult skill the o-line must master.

As I've postulated in another tread I see this team moving to a power gap run attack. I think they might draft a FB or they simply could have Mundt or better yet Blanton at 6'6" 266 lbs, as a lead blocker out of a pulling TE or H-back position. They also add value as receivers as well.

The bottom line I simply don't see the need to spend draft capital on the o-line at this point and neither do I see a reason to be overly concerned. As long as the coaches step up their game the unit should be fine.
 

ArkyRamsFan

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oldnotdead,
I appreciate your optimistic stance concerning our OL, but I have a question for you about Brian Allen. Many on this board were criticizing his play before he got injured and others already think he's a bust.
What did you see in his play that gives you a different take on Allen's future as a starter?
Thanks,

~ArkyRamsFan~
 

LARAMSinFeb.

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No way can we compete with SF and the rest of our division, much less the conference, unless we make big moves (plural) regarding the OL. Speculation and overly optimistic projections on the cheap didn't work out. I really hope we learned the hard lesson of 2019.
 

dang

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The run game was generally piss pour the entire year. Some of that may be the RBs or scheme but I saw a lot of defenders in the backfield was too often. Need some guaranteed improvement which I believe could be accomplished by finding an excellent Run blocking OC. I want to minimize the likelihood of a repeat performance.
 

Memento

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We need a good center, and I'd rather draft one this year, since it's a deep and talented O-line draft. Biadasz, Muti, Hennessey, or Ruiz would be my choices at center. I wouldn't be shocked to see another tackle/guard type taken either because - again - it's a deep and talented O-line draft.

I agree with the rest of the fellow posters: Brian Allen was atrocious. He was much worse than Sullivan, even in the latter's final year. And Corbett is completely unproven at center; the last time he played was in his Brown preseason.

I don't know why you have no faith in Evans at left tackle, but he's clearly a better pass blocker than Edwards. That's not to say that Edwards isn't a good player, but he's a much better fit at guard.
 

Karate61

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No way can we compete with SF and the rest of our division, much less the conference, unless we make big moves (plural) regarding the OL. Speculation and overly optimistic projections on the cheap didn't work out. I really hope we learned the hard lesson of 2019.
No way? We almost beat them twice. I think you overstated actuality!
 

Elmgrovegnome

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There's no candy coating it. The entire Oline sucked in comparison to our competition. They banked on Kromers skills and it bit them in the ass. I could see a few of them stick but if they go into the season gambling on this group as a whole, then McVay and Snead deserve the e tire that will be laid.
and Brian Allen should be the first guy cut this year. I t wasn't hard to see that he wasn't going to make it from his play in 18'.
 

…..

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Goff got rid of the Ball pretty fast to avoid negative stats. And the play calling had to be at increased tempo to get the ball out quickly. I mean, I was proud of the guys and how they came together but despite that, Goff helped them out a lot.

Having said that, I’m not a thinking we need to rebuild the line. We might just be one piece away. Maybe two. That’s the thing about offensive line groupings.....you never know when one guy could bring the whole thing together.

Hoping Rob makes a return to previous form, when he graded out nicely as #10 overall in previous year.

But he’s a technical guy not a mauler, so we need that physical guard that we missed by losing Roger. A guy that’s nasty, grungy, strong and intimidating. We got bounced a bit in the trenches and that shits gotta go.
 

fearsomefour

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No way? We almost beat them twice. I think you overstated actuality!
They manhandled the Rams in the first match up. The score wasn’t terrible but the Rams never really had a chance.
The second game the Rams were right there and did good things on offense.
 

fearsomefour

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Hard to not see a need for improvements.
Hard to see where improvements will come from.
A mid level FA?
A mid round draft pick?
The Rams could develop from within and be just fine.
If that’s the plan and it works they could go 11-5 or 12-4.
If that’s the plan (see Noteboom and Allen) and it doesn’t work they could go 6-10.
The key to me is Whitworth coming back without breaking the bank and Havenstein returning to form.
Having Whitworth and Hav back at the T’s allows Edwards to settle in at one G spot.
This is also the most likely scenario for success in my opinion.
I think it is very possible Corbett settles in at LG as well.
That leaves C.....question marks abound.
 

CGI_Ram

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In 2018 the Rams began to rebuild their O-line. That year they drafted Noteboom and Allen their LT and C of the future. In his limited snaps in 2018 Noteboom played well at LT displaying the potential they saw in their scouting. In Allen, they had their Center who spent the year being mentored by an excellent John Sullivan who was brought in on a short contract for that purpose.

In 2019 they finished their starting 0-line rebuild with drafting Edwards and Evans and trading for Corbett someone they had targeted in his draft but was picked by Cleveland before they had a chance to grab him.

How have they done? Before his injury, Allen was rated by many services including PFF as playing as well or better than Sullivan.

#LARams Austin Corbett and David Edwards were able to provide some impressive production in 2019 during a period of OL uncertainty

Among all Guards (min 500 snaps):
- Corbett allowed 11 pressures (4th) and 1 sack (T-7th)
- Edwards allowed 14 pressures (T-6th) and 1 sack (T-7th)

According to the rankings, the Ram rebuilt interior o-line is looking pretty darn good. There is no question that Evans easily outplayed Havenstein at RT. Give this unit time to gel and there is real talent on the o-line. Their problems were in essence poor technique in the run attack. That IMO is at the feet of Kromer and Dickerson who did a piss poor job in coaching them up to make the transition from a simplistic outside zone to more of a power gap scheme. But the underlying talent is clearly there if it is properly developed.

Poor coaching also was apparent in the RBs when they really struggled to understand how to execute the new run scheme.

They look to have decent depth with Brewer and Shelton as their gameday reserves.

The only concern would be when Noteboom will be 100% ready. In that case, they could simply move Edwards to LT and Brewer or Shelton at RG until Noteboom returns. What I'm saying is that McVay and Snead have assembled their starters on the o-line, they simply need time to develop and gel as a unit. IMO this could be a very good o-line, especially in pass protection which is in actuality the most difficult skill the o-line must master.

As I've postulated in another tread I see this team moving to a power gap run attack. I think they might draft a FB or they simply could have Mundt or better yet Blanton at 6'6" 266 lbs, as a lead blocker out of a pulling TE or H-back position. They also add value as receivers as well.

The bottom line I simply don't see the need to spend draft capital on the o-line at this point and neither do I see a reason to be overly concerned. As long as the coaches step up their game the unit should be fine.

There is a lot here for good discussion.

The oline is a big mystery for me. I see where @oldnotdead is coming from. There seems good pieces.

How do you project how it could gel?

A big concern... we GOT to run the ball better. Is this that unit?
 

So Ram

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In 2018 the Rams began to rebuild their O-line. That year they drafted Noteboom and Allen their LT and C of the future. In his limited snaps in 2018 Noteboom played well at LT displaying the potential they saw in their scouting. In Allen, they had their Center who spent the year being mentored by an excellent John Sullivan who was brought in on a short contract for that purpose.

In 2019 they finished their starting 0-line rebuild with drafting Edwards and Evans and trading for Corbett someone they had targeted in his draft but was picked by Cleveland before they had a chance to grab him.

How have they done? Before his injury, Allen was rated by many services including PFF as playing as well or better than Sullivan.

#LARams Austin Corbett and David Edwards were able to provide some impressive production in 2019 during a period of OL uncertainty

Among all Guards (min 500 snaps):
- Corbett allowed 11 pressures (4th) and 1 sack (T-7th)
- Edwards allowed 14 pressures (T-6th) and 1 sack (T-7th)

According to the rankings, the Ram rebuilt interior o-line is looking pretty darn good. There is no question that Evans easily outplayed Havenstein at RT. Give this unit time to gel and there is real talent on the o-line. Their problems were in essence poor technique in the run attack. That IMO is at the feet of Kromer and Dickerson who did a piss poor job in coaching them up to make the transition from a simplistic outside zone to more of a power gap scheme. But the underlying talent is clearly there if it is properly developed.

Poor coaching also was apparent in the RBs when they really struggled to understand how to execute the new run scheme.

They look to have decent depth with Brewer and Shelton as their gameday reserves.

The only concern would be when Noteboom will be 100% ready. In that case, they could simply move Edwards to LT and Brewer or Shelton at RG until Noteboom returns. What I'm saying is that McVay and Snead have assembled their starters on the o-line, they simply need time to develop and gel as a unit. IMO this could be a very good o-line, especially in pass protection which is in actuality the most difficult skill the o-line must master.

As I've postulated in another tread I see this team moving to a power gap run attack. I think they might draft a FB or they simply could have Mundt or better yet Blanton at 6'6" 266 lbs, as a lead blocker out of a pulling TE or H-back position. They also add value as receivers as well.

The bottom line I simply don't see the need to spend draft capital on the o-line at this point and neither do I see a reason to be overly concerned. As long as the coaches step up their game the unit should be fine.

Was of the same impression, good article.
Now fired up !! EXTRA PISSED !!!
 

So Ram

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oldnotdead,
I appreciate your optimistic stance concerning our OL, but I have a question for you about Brian Allen. Many on this board were criticizing his play before he got injured and others already think he's a bust.
What did you see in his play that gives you a different take on Allen's future as a starter?
Thanks,

~ArkyRamsFan~

Great question & I HATED THE RAMS & MCVAY about this!! Just the fact he cut Sullivan Late !! Then never put Brian Allen in to WIN the Center Job !!! Plus backups ???
 

So Ram

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So Ram

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No way can we compete with SF and the rest of our division, much less the conference, unless we make big moves (plural) regarding the OL. Speculation and overly optimistic projections on the cheap didn't work out. I really hope we learned the hard lesson of 2019.
Don’t agree - but valid point. Think your overstating it
 

bubbaramfan

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Evans better than Havenstien? I don't know about that. Evans almost never was left on an Island by himself, he got a lot of help from the TE's.

Big Rob had an off year. He had a lot going on and came in to TC out of shape. Evans has a ways to go before he equals Big Rob's 2018 form.

I expect havenstien to be the starting RT coming into TC. If Whitworth is gone it could be Edwards and Evens competing for the LT spot.

There are at least 5 centers in the draft that are better than Allen. Rams need to come away with one.
 

So Ram

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We need a good center, and I'd rather draft one this year, since it's a deep and talented O-line draft. Biadasz, Muti, Hennessey, or Ruiz would be my choices at center. I wouldn't be shocked to see another tackle/guard type taken either because - again - it's a deep and talented O-line draft.

I agree with the rest of the fellow posters: Brian Allen was atrocious. He was much worse than Sullivan, even in the latter's final year. And Corbett is completely unproven at center; the last time he played was in his Brown preseason.

I don't know why you have no faith in Evans at left tackle, but he's clearly a better pass blocker than Edwards. That's not to say that Edwards isn't a good player, but he's a much better fit at guard.

Fucked up !! The Rams put themselves in a tough spot!! Don’t know if to agree with you or not ?? Say Evans is that guy ??

I like Evans at 22 years old , but youth ??
Edwards showed well inside as well at 22??

I can’t even look at the draft, because of the young depth The Rams have. I’m torn. Then you go through a full rebuild & Offensive Line is Excellent for seasons to come.

Whitworth to me, means the WORLD as a Long time RAMS Fan !!! Just SAD about 1 player & draft pick !!! Kromer & Mcvay F@d up .
 

So Ram

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There's no candy coating it. The entire Oline sucked in comparison to our competition. They banked on Kromers skills and it bit them in the ass. I could see a few of them stick but if they go into the season gambling on this group as a whole, then McVay and Snead deserve the e tire that will be laid.
and Brian Allen should be the first guy cut this year. I t wasn't hard to see that he wasn't going to make it from his play in 18'.

I”ll say this about Brian Allen!! Your right in the sense of what we saw in Brian Allen & Mcvay & Snead need to be Accountable!!

MCVAY ducked the PoochOn this one
 

So Ram

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Goff got rid of the Ball pretty fast to avoid negative stats. And the play calling had to be at increased tempo to get the ball out quickly. I mean, I was proud of the guys and how they came together but despite that, Goff helped them out a lot.

Having said that, I’m not a thinking we need to rebuild the line. We might just be one piece away. Maybe two. That’s the thing about offensive line groupings.....you never know when one guy could bring the whole thing together.

Hoping Rob makes a return to previous form, when he graded out nicely as #10 overall in previous year.

But he’s a technical guy not a mauler, so we need that physical guard that we missed by losing Roger. A guy that’s nasty, grungy, strong and intimidating. We got bounced a bit in the trenches and that shits gotta go.

I think you triggered me on my view, but I’m off my meds now. Need to comeback & venture this . My main thing is this was the missing piece right here!!