Projecting Rams’ starting offensive line after initial free agency moves

[Elmgrovegnome]

That's a good question and we'll probably learn more based on if or how high the Rams draft an interior offensive lineman. Each year Evans has been here he has received the most pre-season opportunities to win a back-up role somewhere, and I suspect he'll get that shot again. McVay doesn't usually use his starting OL during the pre-season, so while Evans will get his chance at RG, it's still likely to become a free for all at several positions along that line.
jmo.

I’m with you on the Oline needs. I think the Rams ignore it too often in the draft. Compare the run blocking of the 49ers to the Rams. Night and day.

 

[Riverumbbq]

I’m with you on the Oline needs. I think the Rams ignore it too often in the draft. Compare the run blocking of the 49ers to the Rams. Night and day.

Being somewhat prepared for 2023 should be as high 'on the agenda' as this seasons 2022 should be. Not only are Havenstein & Edwards heading into a 'contract' year this year, ... Evans, Brewer & Ealy are also scheduled to hit free agency following the season, so one might think OL depth should be something to consider, and sooner rather than later.

 

[BonifayRam]

The Ram's top most experienced OL'er Rob Havenstein will be a UFA in March 2023.

Rob Havenstein | NFL Contracts & Salaries | Spotrac.com

Rob Havenstein contract and salary cap details, full contract breakdowns, salaries, signing bonus, roster bonus, dead money, and valuations.

www.spotrac.com

I think this Spotrac Market Value is underestimated when you consider what RG Austin Corbett got in the open market. Hav is far superior to Corbett in all areas in his skills backpack.

The Rams also have David Edwards & Bobby Evans finishing their Ram contracts when this 2022 season concludes. I would consider both being able to play RT if needed. Edwards's loss at LG will hurt but as it's been discussed DE has better skills to be a better starting RT than LG in the NFL. I would look for DE who has started since he was a rookie, to sign & start @ RT for many other teams.

I do not think that BE has much value after what we observed last season unless he has dedicated himself to reconstructing & reforming his ultra-soft flabby body. I expect him to be released before the regular season begins.

I would guess the coach Carberry's future plans is for youngins OT's Chandler Brewer, Max Pircher & Adrian Ealy to get a ton of snaps in this upcoming TC & preseason @ RT post, with the likely departures of the 3 above Ram UFA OL'ers. Brewer was a very good starting RG for several seasons in college before his battle/fight with life-threatening cancer. This will be a very important TC & preseason for the future as a Ram for him.

When you look past this season you can clearly see a big need for reinforcements in the Interior OL'er unit.

 

[PARAM]

They have plenty of lineman under contract. That gives them a number of options. There are also a couple of UFAs still available and the draft.

Nobody knows if they're going to draft any OL or if so, when. But if we go by Rams fans consensus, this is the year they'll go OL earlier rather than later.

In 2020 amateur Ram fan draft experts said they were going to draft OL early. They took Anchrum in the 7th. Last year, those same fans said we'd get a center. We didn't. In fact they passed over a good one, much to the disgust of Ramsnation, that was only slightly quelled by a Lomardi Trophy.

This year the consensus is Edge and CB. Not that I doubt the expertise of Ram draftniks, (I don't) but if I'm to follow their track record, this will be the year they take OL earlier rather than later, probably eschewing an Edge or CB prospect in the process.

Hell, I expect them to take a RB or TE with one of their first 3 picks (maybe both). But I'm no draft expert so what do I know? I do know this....they have shocked draft experts the last couple of years, so why would we expect 2022 to be any different?

 

[oldnotdead]

People don't realize that Brian Allen injured his elbow in week 9 against the Titans. He tried playing with a brace for a few games but discarded it when it affected his play. He finished the season playing with that elbow. The Rams saw that and knew it was what they wanted to see from him. That's why they signed him to a 3 year deal.

The weakness on the OL is David Edwards for the second year in a row. He finished as the lowest-rated starting OL of the unit. He will have to defend his starting position. I don't see him as a lock to start in September. It wouldn't surprise me if they drafted an OG somewhere in rounds 3 thru 5.

Havenstein at this point is a comp pick next year. Jackson then should have one more year to develop. He looked good last year.

How do I see the draft? In rounds 3 thru 5 I see an edge, OG, and punter.

Myjai Sanders should be on the board in the 3rd round. He's a developmental player who has the type of physical metrics that the Rams like. His shortcomings are largely, coachable issues, and strength and conditioning. He's fast off the edge with a good first step. His inconsistent play seems to be technique related which can be corrected with coaching and physical conditioning. This draft is deep in edge rushers.

Ed Ingram OG probably will drop to the 3rd day so he likely will be on the board when the Rams pick in the 4th round. He's good in pass protection and has the movement skills to play in either zone or gap power. He has early 2nd round skills, so he would be a steal in the 4th.

In the 5th I see them taking their punter. Either Stout or Araiza depending upon what they want. Another Hekker then it would be Stout. If they want a potential field flipper then Araiza.

 

[den-the-coach]

I would guess the coach Carberry's future plans is for youngins OT's Chandler Brewer, Max Pircher & Adrian Ealy to get a ton of snaps in this upcoming TC & preseason @ RT post, with the likely departures of the 3 above Ram UFA OL'ers. Brewer was a very good starting RG for several seasons in college before his battle/fight with life-threatening cancer. This will be a very important TC & preseason for the future as a Ram for him.

Again, I don't hold out much hope for Pircher, I believe maybe he'll be added to the practice squad again this season, but maybe not as it's such a long shot. Brewer did show promise in 2019, but regressed last season IMO during preseason. Maybe it was the whole year off, but I know they though he had a chance prior to his play last year because Snead spoke about Brewer as to one of the reasons why they didn't draft an OL in the draft.

Ealy, well, they could be looking at him down the road at RT, but again I strongly believe in this draft they will draft two Offensive Linemen, a Tackle/Guard & a Center/Guard. Especially if Shelton wins the job at RG as they will need someone who can play center in case something happens to either Shelton or Allen.

 

[OldSchool]

She’s right!


View: https://twitter.com/JourdanRodrigue/status/1517507517852438528

 

[den-the-coach]

She’s right!


View: https://twitter.com/JourdanRodrigue/status/1517507517852438528

Interesting to see who the Rams draft because I could see them drafting Luke Fortner of Kentucky because he knows the scheme (Coen) plus can play Center & Guard. This opens it up for Shelton at RG, giving the Rams a legitimate backup at both positions, plus someone who could battle for RG too. I believe in Shelton, he was very good when called upon and listed at 300lbs, is bigger at 6-4 and might be even stronger with the offseason.

 

[OldSchool]

Interesting to see who the Rams draft because I could see them drafting Luke Fortner of Kentucky because he knows the scheme (Coen) plus can play Center & Guard. This opens it up for Shelton at RG, giving the Rams a legitimate backup at both positions, plus someone who could battle for RG too. I believe in Shelton, he was very good when called upon and listed at 300lbs, is bigger at 6-4 and might be even stronger with the offseason.

Add to that Edwards and Evans are in the last year of their rookie deal. We know the Rams draft ahead of need so at least one iol makes sense.

 

[oldnotdead]

Edwards struggled at LT for two consecutive years. IMO they could start Shelton at LG and either draft a RG like I think they might or play Anchrum, Brewer, or Evans at RG. Edward consistently plays too upright to play OG. I said this back in 2019 and it's still true today. Kromer had him at RG and it made no sense. Edwards should transition back to OT and play swing. But Jackson IMO is a better OT.

 

[Ram Ts]

She’s right!


View: https://twitter.com/JourdanRodrigue/status/1517507517852438528

This is freaking awesome. Some good shotgunning there too. Note going with the double beer format. Well done gentlemen - well done!

 

[1maGoh]

@Kupped I think you're mashing to much out of physical gifts. There's a huge list of successful players without the ideal physical gifts for their position. That's not to say that it isn't helpful to have ideal physical measurements, but once a guy proves he doesn't have what it takes banking on his physical gifts is pointless.

That's being said, (on a totally unrelated note) I see a lot of people (not all of them here) making a big deal out of height but ignoring height to weight ratio. I would rather have an OL that's 6'2" 300 lbs than one who is 6'4" 315. Taller people have more non muscle mass (bones, veins, connective tissue). Assuming the body fat percentage is the same that means that the extra 15 pounds is just them existing, not them being stronger. A shorter guy with the same weight is stronger (unless he's fatter). A taller guy who is only slightly heavier is going to have less muscle mass, thus likely to be functionally weaker.

 

[Riverumbbq]

That's being said, (on a totally unrelated note) I see a lot of people (not all of them here) making a big deal out of height but ignoring height to weight ratio. I would rather have an OL that's 6'2" 300 lbs than one who is 6'4" 315. Taller people have more non muscle mass (bones, veins, connective tissue). Assuming the body fat percentage is the same that means that the extra 15 pounds is just them existing, not them being stronger. A shorter guy with the same weight is stronger (unless he's fatter). A taller guy who is only slightly heavier is going to have less muscle mass, thus likely to be functionally weaker.

You didn't differentiate, so while I might agree that 6'2", 300 lbs. might be more ideal for a Center, it wouldn't be for an OT. OG's also go larger depending on assignment, like whether they are more gifted in pass pro or rush blocking. NFL strengthening coaches are developing many players in ways that went unheard of a decade or more ago, and that along with diet is greatly improving performance, without the use of steroids. I don't particularly like tall OG's or Centers as I don't wish for opposing defensive linemen to be getting underneath their pads, but good OT's with size, reach and excellent foot movement can use their length to keep others at bay ...
For the Rams, I believe the size of pretty much every starter other than Edwards at LG is quite practical, he seems more ideally suited at OT.
jmo.

 

[Kupped]

@Kupped I think you're mashing to much out of physical gifts. There's a huge list of successful players without the ideal physical gifts for their position. That's not to say that it isn't helpful to have ideal physical measurements, but once a guy proves he doesn't have what it takes banking on his physical gifts is pointless.

That's being said, (on a totally unrelated note) I see a lot of people (not all of them here) making a big deal out of height but ignoring height to weight ratio. I would rather have an OL that's 6'2" 300 lbs than one who is 6'4" 315. Taller people have more non muscle mass (bones, veins, connective tissue). Assuming the body fat percentage is the same that means that the extra 15 pounds is just them existing, not them being stronger. A shorter guy with the same weight is stronger (unless he's fatter). A taller guy who is only slightly heavier is going to have less muscle mass, thus likely to be functionally weaker.

I look at the physical traits because they’re a useful guide.
Shelton could be good enough to get the job done at guard, but I don’t see a slam dunk. He’s actually older than Evans, and didn’t do much until this season. I say that to point out Evans could still figure it out.

On the other point… the first and second team all pro guards were all at least 6-4 & 310.

 

[oldnotdead]

LT Noteboom
LG Shelton
C Allen
RG TBD (probably drafted rookie)
RT Havenstein (last year with the team. Jackson to start 2023)

Swing: OT Jackson

Edwards has played OG IMO on the low end of average. His improvement from 2020 was marginal. It's clear that he simply isn't a OG starter. He might be fine as a backup OT/OG. Both he and Evans are in their contract year. Thus far neither has shown the development they should have. IMO I have more hope for Evans at RG. His problem has been pass protection, the most difficult skill they develop as it is technique intensive. He showed promise in 2019 in his run blocking. Bobby Evans has the prototypical physical metrics for a OG. He has long arms, big hands, at 312 lbs he has the weight and he appears to move well. His problem has been technique and physical strength. He's had 3 years to strengthen and develop his technique. He's in his 4th season so now he has to break out or they will replace him.

Both Edwards and Evans are in their contract year. That's why I see them taking an OG with one of their first 3 picks and a second one ub the 6th round for developmental depth. The mini camps will be where teams experiment with positions. It will be interesting to see if Evans, Brewer and Anchrum get time with the 1s.

 

[So Ram]

I think Coleman Shelton is the floor for this position for the Rams next season. He's got real physical limitations.. but is obviously a scrapper and knows his assignments.
I have to think they hope Evans wakes up... or maybe a draft pick can win the position. Shelton's got short arms.. isn't particularly athletic or strong. I just think that they'd want someone with appreciably more upside at that spot.

From what I saw from Shelton last season was impressive at times. He had some real nice pancakes with Nasty to it.

Last season if anyone wants to recall what The O”Line looked like coming out of OTA’s.

I know I can eat some Crow all the way around.My call is to wait & see.
Yes Bobby Evans as much as Bonifay’d May hate it has a chance of starting?

 

[So Ram]

LT Noteboom
LG Shelton
C Allen
RG TBD (probably drafted rookie)
RT Havenstein (last year with the team. Jackson to start 2023)

Swing: OT Jackson

Edwards has played OG IMO on the low end of average. His improvement from 2020 was marginal. It's clear that he simply isn't a OG starter. He might be fine as a backup OT/OG. Both he and Evans are in their contract year. Thus far neither has shown the development they should have. IMO I have more hope for Evans at RG. His problem has been pass protection, the most difficult skill they develop as it is technique intensive. He showed promise in 2019 in his run blocking. Bobby Evans has the prototypical physical metrics for a OG. He has long arms, big hands, at 312 lbs he has the weight and he appears to move well. His problem has been technique and physical strength. He's had 3 years to strengthen and develop his technique. He's in his 4th season so now he has to break out or they will replace him.

Both Edwards and Evans are in their contract year. That's why I see them taking an OG with one of their first 3 picks and a second one ub the 6th round for developmental depth. The mini camps will be where teams experiment with positions. It will be interesting to see if Evans, Brewer and Anchrum get time with the 1s.

Dude I respect a lot of your post,but come on MAN!!

We will get an idea soon. Maybe I’ve missed something in 2022 OTA’s still anything can happen. The Tams were kicking the tire last season.I don’t think anyone would have predicted the outcome? I mean I challenged what was going on,but when training camp started it was a no brained.
The hate & bad play by Bobby Evans was the biggest topic of him getting cut.

OND - you have been against Havenstien saying just cut him. Now as we all can see is The Rams leader there taking over for Big Whit.

 

[CGI_Ram]

Shelton has much bigger value to this offense as the main game day reserve for the three interior posts

That’s what I see in Shelton, and it’s an important piece.

When you look past this season you can clearly see a big need for reinforcements in the Interior OL'er unit.

If the Rams follow their MO, they will add some players to the offensive line. What round? Anyone’s guess… but my guess is later round.

Sucks not having those Von 2nd and 3rd rounders.

 

[Florida_Ram]

oldnotdead said:
LT Noteboom
LG Shelton
C Allen
RG TBD (probably drafted rookie)
RT Havenstein (last year with the team. Jackson to start 2023)

Swing: OT Jackson

Edwards has played OG IMO on the low end of average. His improvement from 2020 was marginal. It's clear that he simply isn't a OG starter. He might be fine as a backup OT/OG. Both he and Evans are in their contract year. Thus far neither has shown the development they should have. IMO I have more hope for Evans at RG. His problem has been pass protection, the most difficult skill they develop as it is technique intensive. He showed promise in 2019 in his run blocking. Bobby Evans has the prototypical physical metrics for a OG. He has long arms, big hands, at 312 lbs he has the weight and he appears to move well. His problem has been technique and physical strength. He's had 3 years to strengthen and develop his technique. He's in his 4th season so now he has to break out or they will replace him.

Both Edwards and Evans are in their contract year. That's why I see them taking an OG with one of their first 3 picks and a second one ub the 6th round for developmental depth. The mini camps will be where teams experiment with positions. It will be interesting to see if Evans, Brewer and Anchrum get time with the 1s.

So Ram said: Dude I respect a lot of your post,but come on MAN!!

We will get an idea soon. Maybe I’ve missed something in 2022 OTA’s still anything can happen. The Tams were kicking the tire last season.I don’t think anyone would have predicted the outcome? I mean I challenged what was going on,but when training camp started it was a no brained.
The hate & bad play by Bobby Evans was the biggest topic of him getting cut.

OND - you have been against Havenstien saying just cut him. Now as we all can see is The Rams leader there taking over for Big Whit.
We will get an idea soon. Maybe I’ve missed something in 2022 OTA’s still anything can happen. The Tams were kicking the tire last season.I don’t think anyone would have predicted the outcome? I mean I challenged what was going on,but when training camp started it was a no brained.
The hate & bad play by Bobby Evans was the biggest topic of him getting cut.

OND - you have been against Havenstien saying just cut him. Now as we all can see is The Rams leader there taking over for Big Whit.

Yeah @So Ram, I'm confused by @oldnotdead logic here.

I agree that David Edwards is nothing special, but to assume the Rams are going to draft a rookie, move Shelton to LG and bench Edwards is a bit over the top imo.

The Rams are trying to be the first NFL team to win back-to-back SB's since 2004-2005. I'm pretty sure they're going to put there best 5 (most experienced) O-Lineman on the field.

If healthy, Noteboom - Edwards - Allen & Havenstein are 99% guaranteed to be the opening day starters. Who the other starting O-lineman will be is the only question as of 04/23/2022.

 

[den-the-coach]

If healthy, Noteboom - Edwards - Allen & Havenstein are 99% guaranteed to be the opening day starters. Who the other starting O-lineman will be is the only question as of 04/23/2022.

Not only do I agree about Edwards, but let's keep in mind that the Rams moved Edwards to LT and Shelton to LG when Noteboom was not available. So I believe they think highly of Edwards and next year, he might be the one extended to take over at RT as maybe they let Havenstein walk because of age.

Anyway I still believe the Rams are drafting an OL early, either somebody that will battle for the RG and also offer the flexibility to backup at both Guard & Center. Luke Fortner might be that guy. Fortner played both Center & Guard and rated very high at Center. He's a cerebral type of player and Kentucky ran the same scheme as the Rams (Coen), plus according to Pro Football Focus, he played at least 600 snaps each at center, right guard and left guard while at UK.

IMO, Fortner would be an excellent selection in the 4th with a CB in the 3rd although our esteemed @Florida_Ram thinks that Punter Matt Araiza might be the selection in the 3rd and although I disagree, it would not upset me if they did.

LT...Noteboom/Jackson
LG...Edwards/Brewer
C..Allen/Fortner
RG...Shelton/Anchrum
RT....Havenstein/Brewer

Rams could add another Offensive Lineman besides Fortner, but like I wrote off Brian Allen last year, I am writing off Bobby Evans with hope of a similar result, but understanding lightning doesn't strike twice unless you're Lee Trevino.