View: https://x.com/i/status/2024263632889270697
Hitting on players like this is huge in roster building.
McClendon had a nice very season
- Thread starter methomas50
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View: https://x.com/i/status/2024263632889270697
Hitting on players like this is huge in roster building.
WestCoastRam
Legend
Well, I'm open to revising my opinions on him. I knew his pass blocking was very good and apparently his run blocking was 5th in NFL from other sources so lock him up.
Just wasn't blown away by his run blocking when watching him but maybe I just wasn't looking at the right thing.
Just wasn't blown away by his run blocking when watching him but maybe I just wasn't looking at the right thing.
WestCoastRam
Legend
Wow. Impressive. Had no idea he would be that high. Especially impressive when you consider strength of schedule.
I said this at some point the last couple months but I am very happy to eat crow on McClendon. I was not one who thought he'd develop more after the previous couple of seasons but that boy came in with a vengeance this year and won himself a starting job and a new contract. Very happy to be wrong on this one.
Imagine where we would be if he hadn't developed out.
A huge hole on the offensive line that we would have to spend a high draft pick on or waste money in free agency. Hopefully he signs for something reasonable.
A huge hole on the offensive line that we would have to spend a high draft pick on or waste money in free agency. Hopefully he signs for something reasonable.
Yes I'd sign him this offseason. Barring a situation where he's stupid about his expectations.
Then I'd sign a FA Center to upgrade us over Shelton. Who I would cut.
Then I'd have Avila and Dotson play 2026 on their final years. Avila because I'm not high on him right now and don't think he deserves the early payday. Dotson because he's going to be 32 next year around this time. And also because OG are relatively easy to find in comparison to the T/C types.
In the draft I'd take a shot on one OG mid to late rounds. Then in the 2027 draft prioritize OG if necessary but that's a worry for next offseason.
Then I'd sign a FA Center to upgrade us over Shelton. Who I would cut.
Then I'd have Avila and Dotson play 2026 on their final years. Avila because I'm not high on him right now and don't think he deserves the early payday. Dotson because he's going to be 32 next year around this time. And also because OG are relatively easy to find in comparison to the T/C types.
In the draft I'd take a shot on one OG mid to late rounds. Then in the 2027 draft prioritize OG if necessary but that's a worry for next offseason.
Regarding OC. I’m thankful for what Shelton brought to stabilize that position. But Id like to see the Rams replace him this year. Not only would it I’mprove the OC position, but I think it would improve the two OG positions who have to help him out especially on passing downs.
I don’t see the Rams selecting an OC before R3 of the draft, which means that a FA would have to be picked up to replace Shelton. Linderbaum would be great but too expensive. I think there’s a couple others that would be an improvement over Shelton but in my head, It looks like McVey trusts and values Shelton enough that I think they carry him 1 more year. And maybe select a R3/R5 OC to replace him next year.
Yeah we're gonna need to disagree on this one. I don't think the Rams are particularly good at drafting centers, so I don't trust they can hit on a dude who can come in here and unseat Shelton quickly.
But if they cut Shelton's ass and replace him with a FA upgrade it's done and the new Center anchors our OL this year to maximize the run.
Also this is a crossroads offseason for the OL, this one and next. 4 of 5 dudes pending FA after the season. Bring in a FA center and now it's 3 of 5. Get McClendon inked (due to him being young) and now it's 2 of 5. Let those two OGs play out their final season before FA then figure it out in the 2027 offseason.
Mcclendon has been one of the biggest personnel surprises for me along with AJax. I won't lie when we drafted him I thought his physical profile wasn't that impressive and he kind of looked like just a guy at Georgia but all he's done is win in pass protection and seems to be decent as a run blocker as well.
Nothing to write home about but looks like a long term starter for us and eliminates a position of need that can be really hard to fill and will kill a team if they have a hole there. Kudos to the coaching staff and talent evaluators.
Nothing to write home about but looks like a long term starter for us and eliminates a position of need that can be really hard to fill and will kill a team if they have a hole there. Kudos to the coaching staff and talent evaluators.
I'm sure they'll want to extend one of those OGs. They like continuity and addressing potential needs early.
WestCoastRam
Legend
WestCoastRam
Legend
Isn't Dotson 29?
If we resign him he'll be playing during the prime of a OG's career 28-32 and he's one of the top guards in the league.
Right now we have two strong OGs when they're healthy. When one of them misses time, Shelton gets exposed.
If you sign a FA Center, then we have strong interior with that addition and those two next to him for the 2026 run.
If you sign a FA Center plus McClendon, then you have three players being paid starter money at LT, C, RT. So at that point the way to proceed is plug 'n play at the guard spots which are the easiest spots to find and can be drafted a bit later than the tackles.
Yeah not sure where I got 31. Might have been Sportrac and probably had someone else's page up.
See above though. Can't pay everyone. With LT being paid and the other 4 spots all pending FA, decisions must be made.
I understand your plan and it makes some sense to me. A couple of obstacles though.
The first being that there's only one good free agent Center and he's projected to cost $17 mil/year. I don’t see the Rams paying that especially since Shelton stabilized the OL this year to the point that it was a top unit.
Secondly, it seems the Rams like inexpensive centers but are willing to pay guards.
I think they extend McClendon and one of Avila or Dotson.
WestCoastRam
Legend
Centers are the easiest to find and that's one reason why their market rate is below every other offensive lineman. Another is that they're generally the least important part of the offensive line.
Paying a center over a guard is criminal behavior unless it's like a top 3 center.
Good centers are hard to find. And they'd be signing a top FA at the spot. It would be brilliant.
Not that I think it's gonna happen. But it's definitely what I'd do.
Not that I think it's gonna happen. But it's definitely what I'd do.
Probably correct. And Dotson is most deserving of being the one to get the payday early.