Offseason Depth Chart

[Robert]

His being serviceable is what makes him great trade bait. We wouldn't be talking about him if he had an inspiring season, but he didn't, and that goes hand in hand with carrying over a fairly large CAP hit ($7.8mil) into a new season where every dollar is going to count. If the Rams bring back Whitworth for a final run next year, they'll also have Noteboom, Evans, Edwards & Brewer who can compete at RT, and that doesn't count another OT potentially being drafted as some here believe they should. This is just the kind of thing fans are going to talk about when a player gets paid and then regresses, so is it absurd ?, ... not imo.

So let’s potentially trade Rob in his prime because Evans played average down the stretch? Weren’t we just complaining about our oline being our weak point? I don’t see a top 5 right tackle declining at 27 years of age for no reason so yes it’s absurd people want to jump off a cliff over a bad year. I would bet he was playing through injury but only time will tell. If he isn’t on the roster come next season we will have our answer

 

[Riverumbbq]

So let’s potentially trade Rob in his prime because Evans played average down the stretch? Weren’t we just complaining about our oline being our weak point? I don’t see a top 5 right tackle declining at 27 years of age for no reason so yes it’s absurd people want to jump off a cliff over a bad year. I would bet he was playing through injury but only time will tell. If he isn’t on the roster come next season we will have our answer

We once knew what we had with Havenstein, now i'm not as sure. He was a very capable run blocker and far less in pass pro, and while it often hurts to dismiss a veteran who should be in his prime, he comes at a pretty steep price for what we're getting. Again, the Rams could have Noteboom, Evans, Edwards, Brewer & a new draft pick competing for his job if Whitworth returns, so it's not like we are without options. Hell, we may not have even heard the last of Demby on this team yet. Havenstein hopefully returns to his 2018 form next year, but should some team make a value offer for his services, i'm going to listen. If the savings to our CAP is enough to be able to extend Littleton, I make the hard choice. jmo.

 

[So Ram]

Overall like the analysis.

O line:
Havenstein stays and starts at RT....Evans and Edwards will be very good at guard. We need a center who isn't blown back all the time...2nd round: I understand there are 3 quality centers who can start in the NFL as rookies.
Ya, it would be nice if Whit stayed around at a low price, waiting for NOteboom to get healthy.
Defense:
I say "nay" to Fowler being resigned....not even at 12 mill a year....hit and miss all the time.
Cory should stay on Rams. Do the Rams have a #32 CB....is Troy Hill that good, and can David Long play as a starter???

going to stay on you Steve with Big Rob !!
Why is he not starting right now ?? Isn’t he off IR & on the roster ??? I’m not saying anything your saying is wrong Except !!!


The Rams are NOT drafting a Center in 2020 with a 2nd rd Pick !!

Still need to see what happens with the coaching front . Do we even know where Mcvay will go with a DC ??

 

[Robert]

We once new what we had with Havenstein, now i'm not as sure. He was a very capable run blocker and far less in pass pro, and while it often hurts to dismiss a veteran who should be in his prime, he comes at a pretty steep price for what we're getting. Again, the Rams could have Noteboom, Evans, Edwards, Brewer & a new draft pick competing for his job if Whitworth returns, so it's not like we are without options. Hell, we may not have even heard the last of Demby on this team yet. Havenstein hopefully returns to his 2018 self next year, but should some team make a value offer for his services, i'm going to listen. If the savings to our CAP is enough to be able to extend Littleton, I make the hard choice. jmo.

The guys you named are unproven and no where near Havenstein’s level as a proven starter. I’m pretty sure people said the same thing when Saffold left that we have young guys that can step in and compete in camp, look how that turned out. This teams success revolves around the offense and it’s proven when Goff has time he is a great QB. Why roll the dice for a 4th round pick?

 

[So Ram]

It's hard for me to think we have the cap to go get a FA left tackle on the open market. Those guys don't usually hit the market when they still have something left, and even if Castonzo were to make it to the market he will have multiple suitors and bidders. Rams are probably too cap strapped to open bid for a key position like that.

But interior OL seems more doable which is why I think that's the route the Rams go.

LT is definitely the key though. I'd love to hear their internal discussions on what/how/why they'll do what they do.

I think it is a pretty simple call !! Whit are you coming back for opening day at the NEW Stadium 2020 ?? Whit - yes . Demofff,Snead,& Mcvay - It’s a done deal. Will work it out with your agent !!!

It’s going to be a Happy New Year !!!

 

[So Ram]

So let’s potentially trade Rob in his prime because Evans played average down the stretch? Weren’t we just complaining about our oline being our weak point? I don’t see a top 5 right tackle declining at 27 years of age for no reason so yes it’s absurd people want to jump off a cliff over a bad year. I would bet he was playing through injury but only time will tell. If he isn’t on the roster come next season we will have our answer

big Rob had a injury with his FOOT (ankle) ?? Back with Fisher. He sat out a couple years with it. This year he seemed to come into camp heavy(fat) & maybe out of shape ?? I don’t know the answer except he is getting paid very well.
Bobby Evans played VERY well !! His rookie year to me was outstanding. If he is just a depth chart guy this season ?? The Rams have an excellent foundation & depth up front.

—Blythe & Havenstein we’re weak this season at RG/RT combo.
—Bylthe to me is not a RG !!!! A swing C/G yes !! The Rams already have better options on there roster though !!

once again though . Why is Big Rob sitting right now ????

 

[Riverumbbq]

The guys you named are unproven and no where near Havenstein’s level as a proven starter. I’m pretty sure people said the same thing when Saffold left that we have young guys that can step in and compete in camp, look how that turned out. This teams success revolves around the offense and it’s proven when Goff has time he is a great QB. Why roll the dice for a 4th round pick?

The NFL is all about rolling the dice, especially as we try to mitigate potential problems. Everyone is untested until they are not, change is inevitable in this game, ... the CAP, the aging & health of players, player regression and others developing behind them, it's all about turning turmoil into something positive and which teams are best at reading the tea leaves.

Anyway, i'm not really rolling the dice on a 4'th round pick, if you want to characterize it this way, i'm rolling the dice on deep competition and superior coaching providing the answer. In my mock i'm adding a 3'rd round pick at OT to increase competition, although should Whitworth be re-signed as I hope, I believe another 3'rd rounder, Noteboom, would be the early favorite at RT if Havenstein is traded.
jmo.

 

[Robert]

big Rob had a injury with his FOOT (ankle) ?? Back with Fisher. He sat out a couple years with it. This year he seemed to come into camp heavy(fat) & maybe out of shape ?? I don’t know the answer except he is getting paid very well.
Bobby Evans played VERY well !! His rookie year to me was outstanding. If he is just a depth chart guy this season ?? The Rams have an excellent foundation & depth up front.

—Blythe & Havenstein we’re weak this season at RG/RT combo.
—Bylthe to me is not a RG !!!! A swing C/G yes !! The Rams already have better options on there roster though !!

once again though . Why is Big Rob sitting right now ????

Rob missed 3 games in his rookie year not sure if it was due to injury. He hurt his knee in the Steelers game or at least that is when they announced it. I think 2 reasons he isn’t playing is he might not be 100% and they are giving Evans reps.

 

[Robert]

The NFL is all about rolling the dice, especially as we try to mitigate potential problems. Everyone is untested until they are not, change is inevitable in this game, ... the CAP, the aging & health of players, player regression and others developing behind them, it's all about turning turmoil into something positive and which teams are best at reading the tea leaves.

Anyway, i'm not really rolling the dice on a 4'th round pick, if you want to characterize it this way, i'm rolling the dice on deep competition and superior coaching providing the answer. In my mock i'm adding a 3'rd round pick at OT to increase competition, although should Whitworth be re-signed as I hope, I believe another 3'rd rounder, Noteboom, would be the early favorite at RT if Havenstein is traded.
jmo.

The rams seem to be have a different opinion on rolling the dice because they have proven they will give up picks for proven players. I think you are giving up way to early on Rob. I find it funny people are so quick to give up on guys like Hav, Gurley, Cooks over injuries and a bad year. Remember the rams gave them extensions because they were at the top of their position and earned it, you are entitled to your opinion but I’m not so easily going to through in the towel.

 

[So Ram]

The guys you named are unproven and no where near Havenstein’s level as a proven starter. I’m pretty sure people said the same thing when Saffold left that we have young guys that can step in and compete in camp, look how that turned out. This teams success revolves around the offense and it’s proven when Goff has time he is a great QB. Why roll the dice for a 4th round pick?

Have to lol - at the analogy, only because of how The Rams treated this last offseason & years past.

— I don’t believe there are to many Ram fans that are as on point right now with The O”-Line !!! Far to bash me for saying that.

I keep going back to my first post about The Big 5 & how it evolved 3 seasons ago.

1. Big Rob ??? Don’t know The Rams thoughts, but he was a big part of it.My disappoint in him is he needed to be The Man !! A team leader up front !! He has been a hands on guy years past. Just came in out of shape & sort of took a turd. Thought he was a ascending player. That said the talent is there & if he still has the fire in the belly ?? Kromer will know.

2. Blythe ?? Solid,smart player who plays hard. He just is not a starting offensive lineman. The Rams rolled the dice 2 years in a row. Brown with his suspension messed The Big 5 up !!
3. Whitworth— I believe he still wants to play & open up as The starting LT of The LA
RAMs for The New Stadium SoFI !!! This season he was a top Penalty man !! Needs to play better & he knows it !!

4. —Saffold ??! Pure Salary Cap Issue !! The Rams rolled the dice again !! Noteboom was capable though imo(Rams opinion)

Cut this short !!! Bottom line about what your saying about experience is horse puckey . Noteboom & Allen never have had the experience Corbett,Edwards,&Evans have had !! They stood up to the challenge!!

Anyone that wants to say otherwise??! Can !! I’m just saying STRONGLY that The Rams put in High Draft Picks for these 3 Players !!
They got good experience & The Rams should be going to the playoffs !!!

WHY - Mcvay sat Noteboom & Allen is still BEYOND me ??? Talk about no Experience & unproven it was ALLEN & NOTEBOOM !!!

Practice ?? We are Talking about Practice & not to play even in a Practice Game ??
Injuries happen !! Didn’t help being save with them !!!

Saffold got into more preseason games than Allen & Noteboom under Mcvay !!

 

[Riverumbbq]

The rams seem to be have a different opinion on rolling the dice because they have proven they will give up picks for proven players. I think you are giving up way to early on Rob. I find it funny people are so quick to give up on guys like Hav, Gurley, Cooks over injuries and a bad year. Remember the rams gave them extensions because they were at the top of their position and earned it, you are entitled to your opinion but I’m not so easily going to through in the towel.

I haven't thrown in the towel on Havenstein, I just see him the same as I do with many NFL players, as commodities. I'm not particularly a fan boy of individual players, although I do have some favorites, but I am a serious L.A. Rams TEAM fan, so I look at tough choices when presented, and I obviously have opinions which get expressed rightly or wrongly. I've tried to explain my reasoning as best as possible and we disagree, I can accept that. Whatever happens, we both seem to want what is best for our team.
jmo.

 

[So Ram]

Rob missed 3 games in his rookie year not sure if it was due to injury. He hurt his knee in the Steelers game or at least that is when they announced it. I think 2 reasons he isn’t playing is he might not be 100% and they are giving Evans reps.

My thought as well . In an offseason at UCI he sat out. Hard knocks I thinks was there & he raced I think maybe Aaron Donald??

not sure about the race, but he did not get reps in training camp. There was something weird going on with him.He had foot injury & I believed it might be a career ending thing ??? Was just on the low down about what the injury actually was ???
The Rams did sign him to that big contract, so whatever it was The Rams were oaky with it.
—btw - my passion for what this offense line can become is what gets me excited !!
I believe the pieces are right there. Just need to keep building the foundation the Right Way !!
Hey, I’ve never been a Mcvay genius guy !!
I have been a believer of we not me & building of Men !! This is where The Rams will get ahead in the next 5 years.

 

[So Ram]

I haven't thrown in the towel on Havenstein, I just see him the same as I do with many NFL players, as commodities. I'm not particularly a fan boy of individual players, although I do have some favorites, but I am a serious L.A. Rams TEAM fan, so I look at tough choices when presented, and I obviously have opinions which get expressed rightly or wrongly. I've tried to explain my reasoning as best as possible and we disagree, I can accept that. Whatever happens, we both seem to want what is best for our team.
jmo.

Well said & emotions still flying !!!

This all said !! The St./At. Cards game is the final game & at home !!!

The Rams destroyed the Cardinals & beat the Hags !!! Arz. Cards just beat up on the Hags in Washington!!
This is a division game with both teams playing for Pride !! Also to end the season on a Winning note.

 

[PhillyRam]

Think this works a lot better with the entire roster vice having two threads so please excuse the reposting of the offense:

Key
Elite
Above Average
Average
Below Average / Unproven
Not Good Enough
(Cap hit or FA status for 2020 is in parenthesis)

OFFENSE

WR: Kupp ($1.1M); Webster (ERFA) ; Natson (RFA)
WR: Woods ($9.1M); Reynolds ($.8M)
WR: Cooks ($16.8M with a potential out in 2021 that brings $13M cap hit); Thomas (UFA)

LT: Whitworth (UFA); Brewer ($.5M)
LG: Corbett ($1.1M); Noteboom ($.9M)
C: Blythe (UFA); Shelton (ERFA); Allen ($.8M)
RG: Edwards ($.6M); Demby ($.6M)
RT: Evans ($.8M); Havenstein ($7.8M, dead cap drops to $1.6M after 2020 season)

TE1: Higbee ($8.6M); Mundt (ERFA)
TE2: Everett ($1.9M); Blanton (ERFA)

QB: Goff ($36M); Bortles (UFA)
RB: Gurley ($17.2M); Brown ($1.1M); Henderson ($.9M)

Offense notes:

I bumped Higbee up to blue, think he's here to stay as a plus passing game weapon now. I know Whit's a weak blue, but he's still upper half of the starters in this league IMO. Gurley & Goff I am giving the benefit of the doubt due to OL play this season. There are some guys in that below average/unproven range who might turn things around or step it up, but overall the sheer amount of them in the OL group shows the roster weakness.

Contract-wise Whit coming off the books will be $16.6M relief. This is very likely due to the Rams estimating that he will continue to decline.

Offseason outlook for this side of the ball shows that the WR group is relatively locked due to contract to Cooks. TE group is unlikely to change. Offensive backfield also unlikely to change very much. Major renovation is all going to occur on the OL.

DEFENSE

5T: Brockers (UFA) ; Fox (RFA)
1T: Joseph ($.7M) ; Gaines ($.7M)
3T: Donald ($25M) ; Smart ($.7M)

WILL: Fowler (UFA) ; Ebukam ($.8M) ; Okowrongkwo ($.7M)
OLB: Matthews ($5.7M) ; Patrick ($.6M) ; Lawler ($.7M)

ILB: Littleton (UFA) ; Howard ($.6M) ; Hager (UFA)
ILB: Reeder ($.6M) ; Young ($.7M) ; Kiser ($.7M)

LCB: Hill ($3.5M) ; Williams ($.7M)
RCB: Ramsey ($13.7M) ; Long ($.9M) ; Deayon (RFA)
Slot: Robey ($4.5M)

SS: Rapp ($1M) ; Christian (UFA) ; Gervase ($.6M)
FS: Weddle ($4.7M) ; Johnson ($1M) ; Scott ($.6M)

Defense notes:

Defense is going to see enormous change due to departure of key starters in FA and projected cuts. It's unavoidable if they plan to sign Ramsey IMO.

Contract-wise Brockers coming off the books frees up $10.7M. Fowler is $12M. Littleton is $3M. Hager is $.5M. Christian is $.7M. Potential gains could be had with Robey-Coleman coming off (no cap hit) from trade or cut, Weddle ($.5M cap hit), Matthews ($2M cap hit). At this point and of those we can say Weddle is a sure cut and Matthews is likely if they need extra wiggle room.

I can see why they might be considering the change at DC. When this much flux is expected it's probably a good call to get your guy in house to be part of the decision making.

SPECIAL TEAMS

P: Hekker ($4.6M)
K: Zuerline (UFA)
LS: McQuaide ($1M)
PR: Webster (ERFA)
KR: Henderson ($.9M)

Teams notes:

I'm good with the teams as-is. Hekk has had a down season, so has Zuerline, but both should bounce back. Web & Hendy both are still unproven in that you don't know what they can be just yet but I'm comfortable with both. Natson probably won't be tendered very highly but I doubt he has many options so if the Rams want to bring him back I think it happens.

Zuerline represents a cap savings of $2.5M if he departs in FA. Not a big number there have to think they retain him given all the other needs.

Just one note. Guys like Brockers and Zeurlien do not save cap space off the existing cap figure for 2020.

That figure for 2020 sits at right around $26M and their contracts are already not included because they don't have 2020 contracts as of now.

So sure giving them new deals cuts into that figure, but not resigning them does not improve the existing $26M cap figure for 2020.

 

[So Ram]

Rob missed 3 games in his rookie year not sure if it was due to injury. He hurt his knee in the Steelers game or at least that is when they announced it. I think 2 reasons he isn’t playing is he might not be 100% and they are giving Evans reps.

Like some have said though. Big Rob has value !!
If The Rams wanted to shop him ?? Would you play him, or sit him ??

Giving Evans & Edwards more experience is always good. Kromer will find out how he will prepare game in & game out . Plus can he be coached ??
Will David Long get much playing time .. I’m one of the few who respect Robey-Coleman’s game,but think The Rams need to sit him Sunday !!!
Morgan Fox needs to sit as well !!
I’m not sure about Weddle ????
You can’t really bench Brockers ???
—Will see how Mcvay plays it ?? Will be interesting finishing up the season.

 

[Robert]

I haven't thrown in the towel on Havenstein, I just see him the same as I do with many NFL players, as commodities. I'm not particularly a fan boy of individual players, although I do have some favorites, but I am a serious L.A. Rams TEAM fan, so I look at tough choices when presented, and I obviously have opinions which get expressed rightly or wrongly. I've tried to explain my reasoning as best as possible and we disagree, I can accept that. Whatever happens, we both seem to want what is best for our team.
jmo.

I respect your opinion and if he is not the same guy he was in 2018 I will be fine with doing what needs to be done. I trust the rams front office to make that choice, I just don’t see it happening this offseason.

 

[Merlin]

Goff is like Mace Windu baby, all about that purple.

Dude has the ability to play at an elite level, I'm not going to knock him down just because he's young and still growing.

As annoyed as I've been with his play this season I think he rebounds and gets back on track. Pocket QBs at this level are just not going to shine when the OL struggles, and Goff hasn't been the guy we saw in 2018 really at any point this season.

All that aside I do think this will be a big growth season for him when we look back at it down the road. He's definitely going to end up at that level as far as I'm concerned.

 

[fearsomefour]

big Rob had a injury with his FOOT (ankle) ?? Back with Fisher. He sat out a couple years with it. This year he seemed to come into camp heavy(fat) & maybe out of shape ?? I don’t know the answer except he is getting paid very well.
Bobby Evans played VERY well !! His rookie year to me was outstanding. If he is just a depth chart guy this season ?? The Rams have an excellent foundation & depth up front.

—Blythe & Havenstein we’re weak this season at RG/RT combo.
—Bylthe to me is not a RG !!!! A swing C/G yes !! The Rams already have better options on there roster though !!

once again though . Why is Big Rob sitting right now ????

He was a “healthy” scratch vs SF.
McVay said he didn’t want to rush him back.
I’m assuming this means he has been cleared to play but isn’t 100%.

 

[So Ram]

He was a “healthy” scratch vs SF.
McVay said he didn’t want to rush him back.
I’m assuming this means he has been cleared to play but isn’t 100%.

well what part of the season is left ??? Clogging up a roster spit &maybe even a practice squad guy ?? Why take him off IR ??
Just a thought .Due or die game though.
The practice reps are worth something I guess . Either way Evans is & was up for the task at RT !!

 

[So Ram]

Just one note. Guys like Brockers and Zeurlien do not save cap space off the existing cap figure for 2020.

That figure for 2020 sits at right around $26M and their contracts are already not included because they don't have 2020 contracts as of now.

So sure giving them new deals cuts into that figure, but not resigning them does not improve the existing $26M cap figure for 2020.

So Whitworth & Littleton fall into that same category ?? As well as Flower ??

that a big part of The Rams core right there !!

Crazy in a sense , but I’ll keep going to the young Offensive Line !! They are the future because of the Cap Space they provide. A young core group with friendly cap space & all hopefully ascending players.
Same with the DB’s !!! That is what is making the end of the season fun !! You can see the future right there with real bullets sort of speak.