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Todd Gurley, Rob Havenstein, Jamon Brown could start for St. Louis Rams
By Nick Wagoner
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-ra...ein-jamon-brown-could-start-for-st-louis-rams
NFL Nation reporter Nick Wagoner assesses which rookies on the Rams could earn a starting berth this season.
Why RB Todd Gurley could start: The Rams spent the 10th overall pick in the draft on Gurley because they view him as a game-changer in the mold of Seattle's Marshawn Lynch and Minnesota's Adrian Peterson. Coach Jeff Fisher even acknowledged that Gurley could be to his Rams what Eddie George once was to his Tennessee Titans. The question isn't whether Gurley will start but when. The Rams have been slow to plug rookie runners into the starting lineup the past two seasons, with Zac Stacy and Tre Mason not getting the nod until the fifth game. And neither Stacy nor Mason was coming off a torn left anterior cruciate ligament, as Gurley is. Once Gurley is back to full speed, the Rams believe he can improve a run game that was ranked 19th in yards per game and 17th in yards per carry over the past three seasons under Fisher.
Why OT Rob Havenstein could start: The Rams said goodbye to both of their 2014 Week 1 starting tackles in the offseason. They released Jake Long in a cost-cutting move and allowed Joe Barksdale to leave for the San Diego Chargers in free agency. While Greg Robinson was already set to take Long's spot, the Rams maintained some level of interest in Barksdale. Until Havenstein arrived. As part of their offensive line makeover, the Rams spent a second-round pick on the big tackle out of Wisconsin. At 6-foot-8 and 321 pounds, Havenstein comes from a power-run-heavy offense similar to what the Rams want to be. Havenstein started 42 games for the Badgers, including 41 straight at right tackle. In 2014, he was an anchor for an offense that rushed for 320.1 yards per game and helped running back Melvin Gordon land a spot in the first round of the draft. The Rams believe that combination of power and experience makes Havenstein a Day 1 starter who could eventually develop into a Jon Runyan type of mauler on the right side of their line. At this point, it would take a major upset or injury for anyone but Havenstein to start the season at right tackle.
Why OG Jamon Brown could start: Much like with Havenstein, the Rams appear content to go with a rookie at a spot where there simply doesn't appear to be much in the way of competition. The Rams did not re-sign veteran guard Davin Joseph in free agency and also opted not to spend any money on another veteran option such as former Atlanta Falcons offensive guard Justin Blalock. It's still possible the Rams could change their mind after getting a closer look at their rookies in organized team activities. For now, Brown looks to be on track to secure a starting guard job. He worked at right guard throughout OTAs after a college career spent at tackle. Brown, who is listed at 6-foot-6 and 323 pounds, also comes with extensive starting experience. He started 40 games at Louisville between both tackle spots but projects more on the interior because of his power. The Rams have a veteran option in Garrett Reynolds, but they seem to prefer him as a key backup at both guard and tackle spots. If Brown develops over the next few months as the Rams hope, he'll have every opportunity to start against the Seattle Seahawks on opening day.
By Nick Wagoner
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-ra...ein-jamon-brown-could-start-for-st-louis-rams
NFL Nation reporter Nick Wagoner assesses which rookies on the Rams could earn a starting berth this season.
Why RB Todd Gurley could start: The Rams spent the 10th overall pick in the draft on Gurley because they view him as a game-changer in the mold of Seattle's Marshawn Lynch and Minnesota's Adrian Peterson. Coach Jeff Fisher even acknowledged that Gurley could be to his Rams what Eddie George once was to his Tennessee Titans. The question isn't whether Gurley will start but when. The Rams have been slow to plug rookie runners into the starting lineup the past two seasons, with Zac Stacy and Tre Mason not getting the nod until the fifth game. And neither Stacy nor Mason was coming off a torn left anterior cruciate ligament, as Gurley is. Once Gurley is back to full speed, the Rams believe he can improve a run game that was ranked 19th in yards per game and 17th in yards per carry over the past three seasons under Fisher.
Why OT Rob Havenstein could start: The Rams said goodbye to both of their 2014 Week 1 starting tackles in the offseason. They released Jake Long in a cost-cutting move and allowed Joe Barksdale to leave for the San Diego Chargers in free agency. While Greg Robinson was already set to take Long's spot, the Rams maintained some level of interest in Barksdale. Until Havenstein arrived. As part of their offensive line makeover, the Rams spent a second-round pick on the big tackle out of Wisconsin. At 6-foot-8 and 321 pounds, Havenstein comes from a power-run-heavy offense similar to what the Rams want to be. Havenstein started 42 games for the Badgers, including 41 straight at right tackle. In 2014, he was an anchor for an offense that rushed for 320.1 yards per game and helped running back Melvin Gordon land a spot in the first round of the draft. The Rams believe that combination of power and experience makes Havenstein a Day 1 starter who could eventually develop into a Jon Runyan type of mauler on the right side of their line. At this point, it would take a major upset or injury for anyone but Havenstein to start the season at right tackle.
Why OG Jamon Brown could start: Much like with Havenstein, the Rams appear content to go with a rookie at a spot where there simply doesn't appear to be much in the way of competition. The Rams did not re-sign veteran guard Davin Joseph in free agency and also opted not to spend any money on another veteran option such as former Atlanta Falcons offensive guard Justin Blalock. It's still possible the Rams could change their mind after getting a closer look at their rookies in organized team activities. For now, Brown looks to be on track to secure a starting guard job. He worked at right guard throughout OTAs after a college career spent at tackle. Brown, who is listed at 6-foot-6 and 323 pounds, also comes with extensive starting experience. He started 40 games at Louisville between both tackle spots but projects more on the interior because of his power. The Rams have a veteran option in Garrett Reynolds, but they seem to prefer him as a key backup at both guard and tackle spots. If Brown develops over the next few months as the Rams hope, he'll have every opportunity to start against the Seattle Seahawks on opening day.
