Projecting Rams’ starting offensive line after initial free agency moves

[BonifayRam]

Offseason position reset: Offensive line​

Apr 21, 2022 at 01:00 PM
Stu Jackson

Rams 2022 offseason position reset: Offensive line

www.therams.com

 

[den-the-coach]

Offseason position reset: Offensive line​

Apr 21, 2022 at 01:00 PM
Stu Jackson

Rams 2022 offseason position reset: Offensive line

www.therams.com

Read that, but all of us can't wait for the draft as this year we are convinced that Rams will add one or maybe two additional offensive linemen to the mix. Again, I'm down on Bobby Evans, he needs to come into camp in much better shape plus showcasing the ability to capture the RG position which is up for grabs. Again I believe Coleman Shelton will start at RG with adding someone in the draft that can serve as a backup at Center & Guard.

 

[So Ram]

Shelton is the main backup at Center. The Rams released Drake Jackson. Is it wise to start him at guard?

Do they draft a G/C that could start? So they hold Shelton in reserve?

If Shelton is the best player they have to replace Corbin, then the depth sucks.

My thoughts in a way as well.

I think everyone is down playing a Rams player,so there’s that.

 

[So Ram]

Read that, but all of us can't wait for the draft as this year we are convinced that Rams will add one or maybe two additional offensive linemen to the mix. Again, I'm down on Bobby Evans, he needs to come into camp in much better shape plus showcasing the ability to capture the RG position which is up for grabs. Again I believe Coleman Shelton will start at RG with adding someone in the draft that can serve as a backup at Center & Guard.

Well I was going to reply on that & now I’ll just blast The Rams fans that want to doubt Bobby Evans.

IMO Bobby Evans competes for one of the Guard positions.Did I think his preseason showing last season 2021 was questionable. YES!
I just have to think Bobby Evans has started every season & has started in a playoff game.He is in his 3rd season.The Rams didn’t draft Humphries so if Les Sneads proves anything it won’t be a Center/guard type of player your suggestioning. Your track record is poor.
I was with you on Brian Allen early & was pissed off at him for a couple of reasons.Those reasons became cheers & rooting for him to succeed.Especially when if you look back Bobby Evans was going to be The Rams starting RG.
I don’t know why Ram Fans seem to forget that & that Bobby Evans should only get better. It’s easy to be negative,but being realistic is another thing.

I won’t say who The Rams will draft,but a CB early in a deep draft shows me how Les Snead is such a chess player.He has drafted multiple position players such as Noteboom,Allen,Demby or Rapp,D.Long & Scott. Then Fuller & Burgees. Then Hav,Brown,Fresno & Kanas O”Lineman.
Everyone was complaining about Morris & the DB’s. Weedle cameback from retirement & Williams is gone.

Just a couple of hints. To me it is always easy to tell the direction the Rams will draft. Last season with Tutu Atwell was a surprise,but playmakers are keys. The Rams play an interesting Defense so a 3/4 Edge Rusher could be high on the list.
Sony Michael is gone so a bigger RG is something I would like to see.Les has had a different opinion,but has since changed to having more depth under Mcvay.

 

[Riverumbbq]

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.

Unfortunately for the Rams, this Center class is lacking in real appeal. The idea of Shelton starting scares the hell out of me, and should we suffer an IOL injury, ... I don't even want to think about it. Fortner seems like a good developmental player who could benefit from a season on the bench to learn our system/calls and get in some strength training to prepare him for the real deal, and that still might happen even if Allen were to go down for some reason, as it's likely that Shelton would be moved to replace him, opening up a spot at OG. Like you've already stated, writing off Evans feels inevitable, so let's just hope that Anchrum & Brewer are up to the task if called upon.
jmo.

 

[den-the-coach]

I don't even want to think about it. Fortner seems like a good developmental player who could benefit from a season on the bench to learn our system/calls and get in some strength training to prepare him for the real deal, and that still might happen even if Allen were to go down for some reason, as it's likely that Shelton would be moved to replace him, opening up a spot at OG. Like you've already stated, writing off Evans feels inevitable, so let's just hope that Anchrum & Brewer are up to the task if called upon.
jmo.

There have been plenty of Guards drafted in the 3rd round that were ready, but might agree on someone like Tremayne Anchrum, who played RT at Clemson and started many games, but is better suited inside, however, last season in preseason was up & down to post the least.

I believe Fornter's floor is higher than his ceiling and could step in and play right away, but there are others too that could offer something in their rookie years. You have to start your best five and if Shelton is one of them, then he deserves to start, but Fortner or maybe even someone like Chris Paul from Tulsa could compete for that position and again, I am writing off Bobby Evans because he was just awful IMO and so bad, that when Allen went down against the Vikings, the Rams pivoted by moving Edwards back to LG, Shelton to Center & Alaric (or AJ) Jackson to LT. That's why I don't believe Evans is even in the conversation.

 

[So Ram]

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.

That’s what you want. Anchrum has been talked about the last 2 seasons & now he is not even in the picture to some. The dude came out of Clemson,the winningest team in college & was like 21 years old.Mature as can be,but a little short.
I think he deserves a chance.
Brewer played & sat.Then last year The Rams depth really made it hard for him to get a shot to play.
Jamal Demby & Kolone have still stuck around .so that shows me there concept.
If there is a player available then draft him. If not you build within & it saves salary cap. Simple formula.

 

[den-the-coach]

Jamal Demby & Kolone have still stuck around .so that shows me there concept.
If there is a player available then draft him. If not you build within & it saves salary cap. Simple formula.

The reason all of us keep forgetting about Demby & Kolone is well, they are forgettable. I expect both to be cut after the draft, Demby's proven he can't step up to this level of competition and the only reason that Jeremiah "Was a bullfrog" Kolone continues to linger is because he's currently the 3rd center on the team. That's why he's been able to stay on the practice squad, plus he had some experience in the AAF League too, but he offers nothing IMO and again I expect both he & Demby to be gone sooner rather than later.

 

[Rams43]

I‘m just gonna say it. Evans has been a colossal disappointment to me and I’m a big Sooner honk.

So I certainly understand why many posters are skeptical about his Rams future.

As an aside, I predict a CB at #104. Probably the best intersection of talent and need for Rams.

 

[Merlin]

I wouldn't rule anyone on that depth chart out tbh, not even Evans, and I want to believe me given how shitty he looked last time we got to see him. Boom is a great example for me (when I saw him being ragdolled early in his career at OG I basically wrote him off). I have since realized that since we never get to see these guys and how they are progressing, and I'm talking depth types here, that it's better to just wait and see with the OL. Rams are dedicated to development in that room and it's a good approach IMO given the way college teams don't have them play the full NFL style of game.

Speaking of which I am wondering what they think of Pircher. He is one gigantic human being. I certainly have expectations with some of these guys, particularly the ones I've been able to see in games, but it's interesting to consider that maybe there's a guy or two on that depth chart who has been making big strides and the Rams are keeping that shit on the downlow as they should. Anyway here's Pircher next to another monster-sized dude in Havenstein:

 

[den-the-coach]

Speaking of which I am wondering what they think of Pircher. He is one gigantic human being. I certainly have expectations with some of these guys, particularly the ones I've been able to see in games, but it's interesting to consider that maybe there's a guy or two on that depth chart who has been making big strides and the Rams are keeping that shit on the downlow as they should. Anyway here's Pircher next to another monster-sized dude in Havenstein:

Being a L.A. King fan, love pic as to Maximilian Pircher, great roots because my daughter-in-law is due in two weeks a boy, which will be named Maximillian so I love that. Anyway, he's big and a wildcard as I don't expect much from him coming from Italy, however, I'm thinking if they like him, maybe he'll get sometime in preseason and possibly another year on the practice squad with NFL strength & conditioning and then maybe, just maybe, the Rams might have something, but as much as I love the name and the country he's from, I need to see him play in preseason before we can make a proper evaluation.

 

[oldnotdead]

They extended Shelton on a prove-it type 2 year deal. That means something. Right now I believe he's penciled in as a starter. If they draft a OG I doubt they would start a rookie at LG. If Edwards was a FA I have my doubts about his being extended. Both Edwards and Corbett graded out as basically average IMO. Edwards was probably at the low end of average and Corbett at probably a solid middle grade. The fact that Corbett was signed away by the Panthers at what is basically an average market value contract tells me that the Rams didn't make much of an effort to sign him if they made one at all. The Rams had a softer schedule in 2020 so IMO it covered the warts at OG. But those warts were exposed this year when they played higher competition. This year the competition is even better.

IMO actions speak louder than words. IMO Shelton needs to play above average to keep his job. I would expect Anchrum or Evans to be coached up as a backup center. I also expect the Rams to sign a vet OG/C for a look at OG. They might even trade for one as they did with Corbett. Of all their backups Evans IMO has the highest ceiling at OG. This is a make-it or break-it year for him and Edwards. Both Edwards and Evans were OTs converted to OG so that normally extends their development by a year. But Edwards was starting and he struggled two consecutive years with marginal if any improvement. His technique remains inconsistent.

They could very well leave Edwards at LG this year. That said he would have to make an Allen-like jump in his performance to be on the team next year. He like Havenstein might be considered future comp picks. But if the Rams truly want to upgrade their OL then this is the year they make a move to do so either by trade, or draft as it would give them the redshirt year they like for their OL prospects.

Demby, Kolone and Brewer have stuck around because the Rams have seen something in all three. But that doesn't mean they will make the cut this year. UDFAs have to compete each year for roster spots. Coleman Shelton was a UDFA himself. They might very well mine the waiver wire in September after the last cutdown or PS of other teams This is where they found Shelton.

A lot can happen between now and the beginning of the season. It will be interesting to see if they make a trade after the draft, which is what they did in October, 2019 for Corbett who was a backup in Cleveland. The Rams need to rebuild the OG part of their OL and signing Shelton to a prove-it deal was just the start.

 

[oldnotdead]

Boom is a great example for me (when I saw him being ragdolled early in his career at OG I basically wrote him off).

Kromer started him at a position he had never played, even in college. His play at OT was solid before that. Why Kromer thought it was a no-brainer to just stick him in at LG as the starter proved to me beyond all doubt that Kromer sucked as a coach. It proved to me Kromer doesn't know the difference between the positions. Playing style is completely different, as Edwards can attest with his still inconsistent technique and Evan's struggles.

I understand the concept of drafting OTs and converting them to OGs because you normally get a more athletic OG. It's an old-school approach to drafting OL. But physical metrics do matter at positions as the playing styles differ. OTs play more upright and need greater strength and quicker feet. They can give ground as they redirect the edge around the perimeter of the pocket. OGs need more sand. They must play with leverage and can not give up ground. As such their play is lower to gain that leverage. Edwards when he is driven back is playing too upright and the DT is under his pads controlling him.

Look at the physical metrics for Evans and you see a prototypical OG. Good length at 6'4" with long arms giving him a good play radius but not too tall to hamper his ability to play with leverage. Good weight and smooth feet to slide or pull as a former OT normally would have. If any of the backups step up this year I think it will be Evans and Anchrum. I think Evans will be given a shot at OG, particularly in OTAs. But as we saw with Corbett at center you can't take OTAs as anything more than what they are, positional experiments.

TC is where you see who is where on the depth chart. Noteboom has always been their primary backup at OT. I think Kromer putting Noteboom at LG and his injury was a nail in Kromer's coffin that eventually led to the hiring of Carberry who has really proved himself.

 

[Riverumbbq]

That’s what you want. Anchrum has been talked about the last 2 seasons & now he is not even in the picture to some. The dude came out of Clemson,the winningest team in college & was like 21 years old.Mature as can be,but a little short.
I think he deserves a chance.
Brewer played & sat.Then last year The Rams depth really made it hard for him to get a shot to play.
Jamal Demby & Kolone have still stuck around .so that shows me there concept.
If there is a player available then draft him. If not you build within & it saves salary cap. Simple formula.

I'm sorry, but I find most of this to be bullshit. This so-called simple formula has left the Rams lacking in quality IOL depth. Evans, Demby & Kolone are jags, on the team because we've basically ignored the OL following the 2019 draft. Havenstein, Edwards, Brewer, Evans & Ealy are all approaching free agent status following this next season, and we have no clue whether Max Pircher or Ealy will amount to anything. I don't wish to continue beating a dead horse, but drafting Tutu Atwell last year ahead of Creed Humphrey seems near criminal, and our draft this season will pivot around a certain desperation due to that lack of interior depth. We were very fortunate last year not to have any long term OL injury issues, I can only pray that this holds true for 2022 as well.
The Rams have proven they can draft OL adequately when they want to, and since Whitworth was brought in as a free agent we've drafted Noteboom, Allen, Evans, Edwards, Demby & Anchrum, ... with Evans & Demby being the exceptions to drafting well, at least so far. Noteboom & Evans were drafted in the 3'rd round, all the rest came lower. The Rams rank 21'st this year on pay scale for an OL, so it's easy to see how much value they place here. Building & developing from within is great when you have decent talent, but maintaining guys like Evans & Demby for years due to salary CAP is not good accounting. Of course, there is a caveat, that McCarberry knows far more than we fans do and they are going to get the last laugh.
jmo.

 

[So Ram]

I‘m just gonna say it. Evans has been a colossal disappointment to me and I’m a big Sooner honk.

So I certainly understand why many posters are skeptical about his Rams future.

As an aside, I predict a CB at #104. Probably the best intersection of talent and need for Rams.

Totally agree with both statements.I’m still not giving up on Bobby Evans after 3 years.I think he has(will) only improved.
I like the CB group in 2022,& think there is a find. Those gunner special teams type players really are a need.

Rumor is a good punting group.Snead spent a 5th on Greg the Leg,also on that 7th rd bust.He almost cost The Rams a playoff spot. Salam salam.

 

[So Ram]

I'm sorry, but I find most of this to be bullshit. This so-called simple formula has left the Rams lacking in quality IOL depth. Evans, Demby & Kolone are jags, on the team because we've basically ignored the OL following the 2019 draft. Havenstein, Edwards, Brewer, Evans & Ealy are all approaching free agent status following this next season, and we have no clue whether Max Pircher or Ealy will amount to anything. I don't wish to continue beating a dead horse, but drafting Tutu Atwell last year ahead of Creed Humphrey seems near criminal, and our draft this season will pivot around a certain desperation due to that lack of interior depth. We were very fortunate last year not to have any long term OL injury issues, I can only pray that this holds true for 2022 as well.
The Rams have proven they can draft OL adequately when they want to, and since Whitworth was brought in as a free agent we've drafted Noteboom, Allen, Evans, Edwards, Demby & Anchrum, ... with Evans & Demby being the exceptions to drafting well, at least so far. Noteboom & Evans were drafted in the 3'rd round, all the rest came lower. The Rams rank 21'st this year on pay scale for an OL, so it's easy to see how much value they place here. Building & developing from within is great when you have decent talent, but maintaining guys like Evans & Demby for years due to salary CAP is not good accounting. Of course, there is a caveat, that McCarberry knows far more than we fans do and they are going to get the last laugh.
jmo.

Of course they will get the last LOL.I’m on the side that last season was shocking to me that The Rams didn’t go OL.
I’d say in 2022 as much as you want to cal BS it won’t matter much. Anchrum is a swing guy I think The Rams like?
—My question to you on Anchrum is how long does it take to develop a O”Lineman? Then also what is his age & upside?
—Bobby Evans was depth in 2019 with Edwards & Demby. Austin Corbett was a HUGE save for McSnead. Cutting John Sullivan is & was a BIG mistake.If you were to ask both Whitworth & Mcvay they will & have agreed.
—Anyway We’ll see what happens.I’ve always thrown in my 2 cents.Still have some more loose change.

 

[Riverumbbq]

Of course they will get the last LOL.I’m on the side that last season was shocking to me that The Rams didn’t go OL.
I’d say in 2022 as much as you want to cal BS it won’t matter much. Anchrum is a swing guy I think The Rams like?
—My question to you on Anchrum is how long does it take to develop a O”Lineman? Then also what is his age & upside?
—Bobby Evans was depth in 2019 with Edwards & Demby. Austin Corbett was a HUGE save for McSnead. Cutting John Sullivan is & was a BIG mistake.If you were to ask both Whitworth & Mcvay they will & have agreed.
—Anyway We’ll see what happens.I’ve always thrown in my 2 cents.Still have some more loose change.

As far as Anchrum goes, I also hope he can take his next step this year, I'm similarly hopeful with Brewer, although a lot of it may come down to how off-season work-outs went and whether they attended any EFT Sports Performance classes for extra training. Anchrum was a 7'th rounder & Brewer was a UDFA, so expectations were less than for someone like the 3'rd round Bobby Evans, who hopefully also took off-season work-outs more seriously. Anchrum & Brewer looked pretty good as rookies, Evans enjoyed brief success at RT during his rookie year after Havenstein was injured, although he's never looked good at OG, ... for Brewer & Evans this is a pivotal year as both are due to become free agents following the current season. Other than Coleman Shelton, not one of the reserves has really impressed much on the IOL.

 

[dang]

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.

You have been wrong about Hav for the last 2 years. You were wrong about Allen. Not saying Edwards had been anything but above average but I believe you will be wrong about him this year. Perhaps you need to pick another position group to be some adamant about.

 

[Allen2McVay]

You have been wrong about Hav for the last 2 years. You were wrong about Allen. Not saying Edwards had been anything but above average but I believe you will be wrong about him this year. Perhaps you need to pick another position group to be some adamant about.

Shelton has been behind Edwards for the past two seasons but that he will change in 2022?

OK.

 

[OldSchool]

I see we've pivoted slightly away

You have been wrong about Hav for the last 2 years. You were wrong about Allen. Not saying Edwards had been anything but above average but I believe you will be wrong about him this year. Perhaps you need to pick another position group to be some adamant about.

Thing with Edwards and Evans for that matter is their rookie deals run out next year (Havenstein too but that's another discussion). They both are likely gone after their rookie deals and hopefully somebody signs them for more than they deserve for our comp pick formula. Drafting 2 IOL this year covers Edwards and we either bring Hav back next year or they trust Jackson or Anchrum there. It is really starting to look like McVay is willing to cycle guards but seems to like stability in Tackles and Centers.