Offensive Line Breakdown….Who Will Make the Final 53?

[Soul Surfer]

Not sure why you brought GR into this

Because pain makes you know you're alive!

 

[bubbaramfan]

So does being tickled soul, and much more fun.:rolllaugh:

 

[DR RAM]

LT…Andrew Whitworth…The linchpin to the OL and some will debate that Whitworth was less effective towards the end of the season including the playoff game against the Falcons, but there is no debating that Whit is a major locker room presence and will be look upon to assist some of the draft class in their transition into the NFL.

LG…Rodger Saffold….IMO, it was Saffold’s best year under Offensive Line Coach Aaron Kromer as Saffold was rock solid week in and week out. Playing in between established pros like Whitworth & Sullivan helped as Saffold did not have to cover for anyone and one will surmise is a contract extension in his future?

C…John Sullivan…Loved Sully all last year and there were a couple of games many of us were concerned about Sullivan getting injured, but Big John was always ready the following week. Sullivan really knows the offense, which assisted Goff greatly and I’m glad the Notre Dame alum is back and can teach new Center Brian Allen a few things about what it takes to be a professional.

RG…Jamon Brown….Some were tough on Brown, but I felt once he settled in at RG, he improved greatly week over week and created many holes for TGIII. Brown also improved in his pass protection and actually graded out well in the playoff game against the Falcons.

RT…Rob Havenstein…Big Rob came back after being dinged up in 2016 to play very solid at RT. Havenstein will always have us holding our breath against the speed rushers (The Texan Game) but he rallies to always just get enough of the guy to give Goff the opportunity to make a play and is one of the better run blockers on this team, really can create some gaps for the running backs and that was his claim to fame at Wisconsin.

The Draft Class:

LT…Joseph Noteboom….The more I read about Noteboom the more I liked, granted a third round pick, so there are going to be question marks, however, Noteboom is very athletic and under the tutelage of Aaron Kromer should be ready to contribute sooner rather than later. Also an Academic all American so all of us should not have to worry about Noteboom picking up the scheme and stunts that are run by the defense.

C…Brian Allen….This was the surprise pick of the draft for me as I knew the Rams might draft a Center, just did not realize Brian Allen was on their radar. Allen a leader that backs down to no one and has a wrestling background that seems to be preferred by OL Coach Aaron Kromer because of leverage combined with quick hands and feet to aid at the point of attack. Allen not a big as Sullivan, but was essential in the ground attack for the Spartans of Michigan State.

OG….Jamil Demby….One of my favorite picks, but I might be a tad biased because I work with several colleagues that played at the University of Maine and being a connect a dots guy with the addition of Liam Cohen to the coaching staff as he was the OC at Maine, felt good that Demby was headed to Southern California. Anyway big kid that played LT for the Black Bears and will transition to Guard and reminds me of Saffold, but will have to get stronger at the next level, but I feel really good about Demby making the team and being a future starter for many years to come.

First Man Up:

C/G...Austin Blythe…A real surprise to me last season as he was released by the Indianapolis Colts (who really need offensive linemen) and I did not expect him to make the team, but from the start of preseason, Blythe showcased the ability to play Center & Guard without much drop-off. Blythe another former wrestler that is very quick off the ball will have challenges again making the squad with the addition of Allen and the bigger Jake Eldrenkamp, but Blythe was very valuable last season and I don’t see things changing in 2018 for the former Hawkeye.

The Rest:

LT/RT…Cornelius Lucas….Did not expect much from the big man from Kansas State, but he caught my eye against the 49ers in the final game of the year as he played an excellent RT not allowing any pressures whatsoever. Lucas will be challenged as he will have an opportunity to play both positions come Training Camp, but he has the size that OL Coach Aaron Kromer covets in his tackles and one would surmise the Rams want to keep two tackles on the final 53 as they did all of last season.

This is how I see it. I know that is 10. The bigger question to me, is which 8 are on the game day roster? Too early to tell, but it sounds like Kromer is moving guys around a lot, and seeing what they got. I have Demby, or Noteboom starting for Brown, while he is suspended. If Noteboom starts, then you probably keep Lucas to be the swing OT on the active roster.

 

[ReekofRams]

LT…Andrew Whitworth…The linchpin to the OL and some will debate that Whitworth was less effective towards the end of the season including the playoff game against the Falcons, but there is no debating that Whit is a major locker room presence and will be look upon to assist some of the draft class in their transition into the NFL.

LG…Rodger Saffold….IMO, it was Saffold’s best year under Offensive Line Coach Aaron Kromer as Saffold was rock solid week in and week out. Playing in between established pros like Whitworth & Sullivan helped as Saffold did not have to cover for anyone and one will surmise is a contract extension in his future?

C…John Sullivan…Loved Sully all last year and there were a couple of games many of us were concerned about Sullivan getting injured, but Big John was always ready the following week. Sullivan really knows the offense, which assisted Goff greatly and I’m glad the Notre Dame alum is back and can teach new Center Brian Allen a few things about what it takes to be a professional.

RG…Jamon Brown….Some were tough on Brown, but I felt once he settled in at RG, he improved greatly week over week and created many holes for TGIII. Brown also improved in his pass protection and actually graded out well in the playoff game against the Falcons.

RT…Rob Havenstein…Big Rob came back after being dinged up in 2016 to play very solid at RT. Havenstein will always have us holding our breath against the speed rushers (The Texan Game) but he rallies to always just get enough of the guy to give Goff the opportunity to make a play and is one of the better run blockers on this team, really can create some gaps for the running backs and that was his claim to fame at Wisconsin.

The Draft Class:

LT…Joseph Noteboom….The more I read about Noteboom the more I liked, granted a third round pick, so there are going to be question marks, however, Noteboom is very athletic and under the tutelage of Aaron Kromer should be ready to contribute sooner rather than later. Also an Academic all American so all of us should not have to worry about Noteboom picking up the scheme and stunts that are run by the defense.

C…Brian Allen….This was the surprise pick of the draft for me as I knew the Rams might draft a Center, just did not realize Brian Allen was on their radar. Allen a leader that backs down to no one and has a wrestling background that seems to be preferred by OL Coach Aaron Kromer because of leverage combined with quick hands and feet to aid at the point of attack. Allen not a big as Sullivan, but was essential in the ground attack for the Spartans of Michigan State.

OG….Jamil Demby….One of my favorite picks, but I might be a tad biased because I work with several colleagues that played at the University of Maine and being a connect a dots guy with the addition of Liam Cohen to the coaching staff as he was the OC at Maine, felt good that Demby was headed to Southern California. Anyway big kid that played LT for the Black Bears and will transition to Guard and reminds me of Saffold, but will have to get stronger at the next level, but I feel really good about Demby making the team and being a future starter for many years to come.

First Man Up:

C/G...Austin Blythe…A real surprise to me last season as he was released by the Indianapolis Colts (who really need offensive linemen) and I did not expect him to make the team, but from the start of preseason, Blythe showcased the ability to play Center & Guard without much drop-off. Blythe another former wrestler that is very quick off the ball will have challenges again making the squad with the addition of Allen and the bigger Jake Eldrenkamp, but Blythe was very valuable last season and I don’t see things changing in 2018 for the former Hawkeye.

The Rest:

LT/RT…Cornelius Lucas….Did not expect much from the big man from Kansas State, but he caught my eye against the 49ers in the final game of the year as he played an excellent RT not allowing any pressures whatsoever. Lucas will be challenged as he will have an opportunity to play both positions come Training Camp, but he has the size that OL Coach Aaron Kromer covets in his tackles and one would surmise the Rams want to keep two tackles on the final 53 as they did all of last season.

This is how I see it. I know that is 10. The bigger question to me, is which 8 are on the game day roster? Too early to tell, but it sounds like Kromer is moving guys around a lot, and seeing what they got. I have Demby, or Noteboom starting for Brown, while he is suspended. If Noteboom starts, then you probably keep Lucas to be the swing OT on the active roster.

I can see you've already eliminated Neary, Williams, and Kolone, which I agree with you 100%.
My eight would include Blythe, Noteboom, and Demby, with Allen assigned to the practice squad. Now they may go with Lucas instead of Demby taking the risk of him passing waivers and making it to the practice squad, but I highly doubt it. This is a guess and only a guess.

 

[Soul Surfer]

My eight would include....

Being that they are potentially going to look to develop a few players for next year's O line, I'm thinking they go with nine players on the 53 and a couple on the practice squad as well.

I wouldn't be too shocked if they actually kept 10 on the 53.

 

[ReekofRams]

Being that they are potentially going to look to develop a few players for next year's O line, I'm thinking they go with nine players on the 53 and quite a couple on the practice squad as well.

I wouldn't be too shocked if they actually kept 10 on the 53.

I can see that. Whitworth, Saffold, Sullivan, Brown, and Havenstein as your starters. Then Noteboom, Demby, Allen, Lucas, and Blythe as your backups.
Interesting how no one is even mentioning Eldrenkamp this year. Just goes to show how much deeper the Rams are this year.

 

[So Ram]

I can see you've already eliminated Neary, Williams, and Kolone, which I agree with you 100%.
My eight would include Blythe, Noteboom, and Demby, with Allen assigned to the practice squad
. Now they may go with Lucas instead of Demby taking the risk of him passing waivers and making it to the practice squad, but I highly doubt it. This is a guess and only a guess.

IMO - Lucas is gone !!

Williams seems more connected to the team.
I watched a lot of reps the last couple days.Just think he is holding his own. As long as he knows the plays he can get away with a couple ugly snaps. His foot work off the snap needs help. He also does not use his arms well, everything is in tight.He is showing more pop on contact.

Neary looks undersized , but his timing and understanding of blocks is good.

 

[Soul Surfer]

I think Williams is gone.

I think the tackles they are going to keep are going to be Whitworth, Havenstein, Noteboom and Lucas.

 

[So Ram]

I can see that. Whitworth, Saffold, Sullivan, Brown, and Havenstein as your starters. Then Noteboom, Demby, Allen, Lucas, and Blythe as your backups.
Interesting how no one is even mentioning Eldrenkamp this year. Just goes to show how much deeper the Rams are this year.

Eldrenkamp was a guy draft folks liked. Now reality is going to set in.

I Demby will end up on the practice squad ?
Then again having players locked up more
& potential is the way to go.

Williams will beat out Lukas for sure !!

Noteboom can play LT & guard
.Demby is playing both
Williams is playing both
Allen Center mainly
Blythe center guard
With The Big 5
Those are my top 10

3 TE’s
3 RB’s
6 wr’s
2 Qb’s
10’OL ? — core special teams will come from defensive players.

—Brown, Hemmingway,Thomas,

 

[ReekofRams]

Williams will beat out Lukas for sure !!

And I have no doubt that Williams is a goner, I would even be surprised if he makes the practice squad. Williams has been a turnstile come game day. Where as Lucas has shown respectable ability at RT, even doing very well in the final game against the whiners.

 

[ReekofRams]

I Demby will end up on the practice squad ?

I don't think he'd ever make it to the practice squad, as some team, which it only takes one, would pick him up.

 

[Ram65]

I don't think he'd ever make it to the practice squad, as some team, which it only takes one, would pick him up.

Rams could wait till the very last minute to try to get him on the practice squad. A team will have to have him on their 53 man roster. It's a gamble but, has been done before. From the reports though it seems like Demby could beat out the veterans.

 

[bubbaramfan]

So Ram, those "ugly snaps" DWilliams commits Kromer is just going to ignore? Those are the kind of plays that QB's end up on IR. Williams hasn't shown me he's gotten better from last season. Lucas has. Since the pads went on, Williams has been exclusively with 2nd team, whereas Lucas has taken snaps at LT with the 1st team and A LOT of snaps at RT 1st team. Monday's practice, only Havenstien and Lucas took snaps at RT.

Does number of snaps at certain position indicate if one is ahead of the other? Maybe not. What is certain is Lucas is definitely getting a lot of looks at RT, and DWilliams is not.

Nothing will be sorted out til after 4th pre season game. I'm sure there will be surprises.

We'll find out come cut down time.

 

[So Ram]

And I have no doubt that Williams is a goner, I would even be surprised if he makes the practice squad. Williams has been a turnstile come game day. Where as Lucas has shown respectable ability at RT, even doing very well in the final game against the whiners.

Well the last place Williams would ever wind up is the practice squad !!
Will see how things play out ?
We can make a Wager on. Lucas over Williams?
Rod dollars ?) If Williams makes it on IR, then I don’t think that counts as getting cut ? If a guy is hurt then he has no chance of making the squad. He does have a chance to get cut.

Well later he could get cut like Ryan Reynolds?

 

[So Ram]

I don't think he'd ever make it to the practice squad, as some team, which it only takes one, would pick him up.

Well what I do know is McVay really likes his rookie OLine picks. The Rams have some tough choices to make.

 

[ReekofRams]

Well what I do know is McVay really likes his rookie OLine picks. The Rams have some tough choices to make.

The only one I could see them trying to slip into the practice squad is Brian Allen, but I could be wrong as usual.

 

[ReekofRams]

We can make a Wager on. Lucas over Williams?
Rod dollars ?)

I'm game. How much do you want to wager, and since this would be first time, how do we do this? I think it's going to be close.

 

[den-the-coach]

LT…Andrew Whitworth…The linchpin to the OL and some will debate that Whitworth was less effective towards the end of the season including the playoff game against the Falcons, but there is no debating that Whit is a major locker room presence and will be look upon to assist some of the draft class in their transition into the NFL.

LG…Rodger Saffold….IMO, it was Saffold’s best year under Offensive Line Coach Aaron Kromer as Saffold was rock solid week in and week out. Playing in between established pros like Whitworth & Sullivan helped as Saffold did not have to cover for anyone and one will surmise is a contract extension in his future?

C…John Sullivan…Loved Sully all last year and there were a couple of games many of us were concerned about Sullivan getting injured, but Big John was always ready the following week. Sullivan really knows the offense, which assisted Goff greatly and I’m glad the Notre Dame alum is back and can teach new Center Brian Allen a few things about what it takes to be a professional.

RG…Jamon Brown….Some were tough on Brown, but I felt once he settled in at RG, he improved greatly week over week and created many holes for TGIII. Brown also improved in his pass protection and actually graded out well in the playoff game against the Falcons.

RT…Rob Havenstein…Big Rob came back after being dinged up in 2016 to play very solid at RT. Havenstein will always have us holding our breath against the speed rushers (The Texan Game) but he rallies to always just get enough of the guy to give Goff the opportunity to make a play and is one of the better run blockers on this team, really can create some gaps for the running backs and that was his claim to fame at Wisconsin.

The Draft Class:

LT…Joseph Noteboom….The more I read about Noteboom the more I liked, granted a third round pick, so there are going to be question marks, however, Noteboom is very athletic and under the tutelage of Aaron Kromer should be ready to contribute sooner rather than later. Also an Academic all American so all of us should not have to worry about Noteboom picking up the scheme and stunts that are run by the defense.

C…Brian Allen….This was the surprise pick of the draft for me as I knew the Rams might draft a Center, just did not realize Brian Allen was on their radar. Allen a leader that backs down to no one and has a wrestling background that seems to be preferred by OL Coach Aaron Kromer because of leverage combined with quick hands and feet to aid at the point of attack. Allen not a big as Sullivan, but was essential in the ground attack for the Spartans of Michigan State.

OG….Jamil Demby….One of my favorite picks, but I might be a tad biased because I work with several colleagues that played at the University of Maine and being a connect a dots guy with the addition of Liam Cohen to the coaching staff as he was the OC at Maine, felt good that Demby was headed to Southern California. Anyway big kid that played LT for the Black Bears and will transition to Guard and reminds me of Saffold, but will have to get stronger at the next level, but I feel really good about Demby making the team and being a future starter for many years to come.

First Man Up:

C/G...Austin Blythe…A real surprise to me last season as he was released by the Indianapolis Colts (who really need offensive linemen) and I did not expect him to make the team, but from the start of preseason, Blythe showcased the ability to play Center & Guard without much drop-off. Blythe another former wrestler that is very quick off the ball will have challenges again making the squad with the addition of Allen and the bigger Jake Eldrenkamp, but Blythe was very valuable last season and I don’t see things changing in 2018 for the former Hawkeye.

The Rest:

LT/RT…Cornelius Lucas….Did not expect much from the big man from Kansas State, but he caught my eye against the 49ers in the final game of the year as he played an excellent RT not allowing any pressures whatsoever. Lucas will be challenged as he will have an opportunity to play both positions come Training Camp, but he has the size that OL Coach Aaron Kromer covets in his tackles and one would surmise the Rams want to keep two tackles on the final 53 as they did all of last season.

This is how I see it. I know that is 10. The bigger question to me, is which 8 are on the game day roster? Too early to tell, but it sounds like Kromer is moving guys around a lot, and seeing what they got. I have Demby, or Noteboom starting for Brown, while he is suspended. If Noteboom starts, then you probably keep Lucas to be the swing OT on the active roster.

One of your best posts

 

[Soul Surfer]

Well what I do know is McVay really likes his rookie OLine picks. The Rams have some tough choices to make.

Which is a great position to be in.

I remember when we had starters like Quinn Ojinnaka.

 

[DR RAM]

One of your best posts

I put so much detailed work into it.

Really though. We see this pretty much the same, and I couldn't have written it better.