RAMS 2016 Roster Battles OFFENSIVE LINE.. take a look

[den-the-coach]

Again courtesy of Florida Ram:

Full breakdown & Analysis of the Offensive Line Position Battles for the 2016 Final 53 man roster.

(obviously subject to change on a weekly basis due to performance, injuries and player/upgrades: transactions)



PFF Ranks The Rams Offensive Lines

RAMS: Overall Rank 28th

Pass-blocking rank: 25th
Run-blocking rank: 27th
Penalties rank: 22nd

[www.profootballfocus.com]
Stud: Journeyman guard-tackle Garrett Reynolds came in and was particularly impressive in the run game. Dud: Another year like this one, and Greg Robinsonwill be well on the way to bust status. It’s not just the penalties causing problems—it’s the consistent amount of pressure he’s allowing.

Summary: With so much young talent, it may take a while for the Rams’ Line to come together. Unfortunately, it’s biggest risk(Robinson)isn’t paying off right now, but if there’s solace, it’s that Ron Havenstein looked the part as a rookie. This whole group needs to make a big leap in 2016.


FOOTBALL OUTSIDERS Ranks The NFL Offensive Lines
[www.footballoutsiders.com] Link for detailed charts/graphs

RAMS:
Pass-Blocking rank: 1st
Sacks Allowed 18
Ajusted Sack Rate 3.5%

Run-Blocking rank: 24th
Run-Power Blocking rank: 20th
Run-Stuffed rank: 28th



2016 RAMS OFFENSIVE LINE: (Players/Positions)


#73 LT GREG ROBINSON 6'5 332 lbs (Turns 24 on 10/21/2016)



Greg Robinson working with LeCharles Bentley in Arizona: Nick Wagoner ESPN Staff Writer Apr 5, 2016
"He’s learned a lot," general manager Les Snead said. "He got more consistent down the stretch this year than let’s call it the first eight games and like we were talking about, long story short he was a redshirt sophomore from a spread offense when he got there. [espn.go.com]

Hey, playing at Auburn his junior year probably would have been good for him, maybe even his senior year. He had to learn the hard way in our league. Because he played out there on an island and he’s a left tackle we all see the moments where he’s not where you want him to be. But in that, there’s some moments where like 'Holy cow, he just did that to Calais Campbell.’

When you see that you want to continue developing him and getting him to be a more consistent player."To that end, the onus falls on Robinson himself even more than it does the Rams coaching staff. Which is why Robinson has been spending most of his offseason working to make himself better. Last year at this time,Robinson was recovering from a toe surgery that prevented him from having a full offseason to prepare.

With no such limitations this year, he's spending his offseason at "O-Line Performance," a training center in Scottsdale, Arizona, run by former NFL offensive lineman LeCharles Bentley. ( VIDEO: Training Center Link [twitter.com] )



#68 G JAMON BROWN 6'4 323 lbs (Turns 24 on 03/15/2017)



[www.rotoworld.com] (In week 10 vs Chicago the rookie guard injured his right leg)
Rams RGJamon Brown is out for the season with a broken leg. Brown opened the season as St. Louis' left guard. He was later moved to right guard and wound up struggling mightily at both positions, currently ranking 77th among 82 qualified guards in Pro Football Focus' charts. A third-round pick in May's draft, Brown will return to compete for playing time in 2016 training camp.

Jul 23, 2015 Third-round G/T Jamon Brown will be the Rams' starting left guard. Brown was initially penciled in at right guard, but has settled in on the left side. Rodger Saffold will man the right. The Rams reportedly believe Brown can be a "dominant run blocker."

[espn.go.com] Jul 23, 2015
Per Wagoner, the Rams see Brown's future as a "dominant run blocker at guard." NFL.com's Gil Brandt reported earlier this month that St. Louis believes Brown, who played tackle in college, could be a Pro Bowler. Brown is an upside prospect, but he can't be counted on to immediately thrive for an offensive line the Rams pieced together on the fly this offseason.



#61 C TIM BARNES 6'3 300 lbs (Turns 29 on 05/14/2017)



[www.rotoworld.com]
Rams re-signed C Tim Barnesto a two-year, $5.5 million contract.
A 2011 undrafted free agent, Barnes emerged as a 16-game starter last year. He graded out No. 32 of 40 in Pro Football Focus' center rankings. He'll have the inside track on starting duties in camp, but might not make it another full season. Mar 9, 2015: Source: Sam Farmer on Twitter

[espn.go.com] Dec 27, 2015
Just like you never expected, it took the center to break the streak. As the St. Louis Rams' fourth-quarter lead bounced awkwardly around the CenturyLink Field turf, it was center Tim Barnes who came to the rescue. Barnes recovered two fumbles in a span of three plays, extending the fourth-quarter drive that ultimately allowed running back Todd Gurley to put Sunday's game away with a 2-yard touchdown run.

And with each Barnes recovery, the Rams took a step closer to doing what they hadn't done in Seattle since Jan. 8, 2005: Beat the division rival SeattleSeahawks on their home field and sweep the season series. As it turned out, that's exactly what the Rams did as they produced a dominant defensive performance and just enough offense to close out a 23-17 victory. That ended Seattle's streak of 10 consecutive home wins against the Rams.

For Barnes, it was the culmination of an interesting year in which he was non-tendered as a restricted free agent, re-signed at a cheaper rate, won the starting job and held on to it throughout the year despite some rough outings.



#76 G/T RODGER SAFFOLD 6'5 318 lbs (Turns 28 on 6/06/2018)



[www.rotoworld.com]
Rams RG Rodger Saffold (shoulder surgery) tweets he's been cleared to play. Mar 11, 2016
It's in line with the five-month timeline Saffold was given after going under the knife in October. Saffold was bandied about as a potential cap casualty, but survived the Rams' roster purge. Saffold was performing as one of the league's worst players before going down last season, but he'll get another shot for the Rams' shaky line.

[espn.go.com] Feb 11, 2016
Saffold had his left shoulder surgically repaired last January and landed on injured reserve in October with a torn labrum in his right shoulder. He is expected to be fully healed by mid-March, but his long injury history and below-average play make him a strong candidate to be cut. Saffold is set to count $5.65 million against the cap next season.

It's possible the Rams might decide they don't need the additional cap space so they could hang onto Saffold, but they haven't showed much hesitation to go young on the offensive line, and Saffold's experience is the most appealing part of retaining him.


#79 RT ROB HAVENSTEIN 6'7 321 lbs (Turns 25 on 05/13/2017)



Los Angeles Rams right tackle Rob Havenstein received an impressive accolade on Tuesday.
(Havenstein was the only OT to play 12 plus games andnot give up a single sack in 2015.)

[www.scout.com]
Rams RT Rob HavensteinNamed to PFWA All-Rookie Team: NATE LATSCH 01/19/2016
The Los Angeles Rams' top two draft picks in 2015 both earned some honors on Tuesday from the Pro Football Writers of America. Running back Todd Gurley, the team's first-round pick a year ago, was honored by the PFWA as the 2015 Rookie of the Year, 2015 Offensive Rookie of the Year and a member of the All-Rookie team.

The team's second-round pick, offensive tackle Rob Havenstein, also landed on the All-Rookie squad. The Havenstein selection in the second round didn't make the same kind of headlines like the Gurley pick did, but he quietly pieced together a strong rookie campaign as the team's starting right tackle. A three-year starter at the University of Wisconsin, Havenstein proved to be exactly what the Rams needed in that position.



#71 G/T GARRETT REYNOLDS 6'7 310 lbs (Turns 29 on 07/01/2016)



[espn.go.com] Oct 15,2015
With Rodger Saffold lost for the season because of shoulder surgery, the St. Louis Rams will turn to the one backup on the roster with extensive NFL experience to replace him. That would be seventh-year veteran Garrett Reynolds, a free-agent offseason addition from Detroit. After playing the first four games with the same five offensive linemen in place,

Reynolds got his first extended action with the offense last week in Green Bay when he came in for Saffold. According to coach Jeff Fisher, Reynolds fared well upon entering the game. "When Garrett went in, it was kind of almost a settling factor in there," Fisher said. Where it goes now that Saffold is on injured reserve is that Reynolds will step into the starting lineup at one of the guard positions.

He filled in for Saffold at right guard against the Green Bay Packers but he played a lot of left guard in the preseason. Some in the organization believe he's more suited to that side, though he's played both guard spots and right tackle in his career. Either way, Reynolds instantly becomes the most experienced lineman on the roster with 57 games and 27 starts to his credit. In his time with Atlanta and Detroit, Reynolds has moved around on the line which makes him a logical fit in the sense that there's very little he hasn't seen.

[www.rotoworld.com] March 18, 2015
Rams signed G/T Garrett Reynolds to a two-year, $2.2 million contract. Reynolds appeared in 10 games (four starts) as a versatile reserve for Detroit last year. He can play both guard and right tackle, and knows OL coach Paul Boudreau's scheme from their time in Atlanta March 18, 2015



#63 OT DARRELL WILLIAMS 6'5 296 lbs (Turns 23 on 08/03/2016)



[espn.go.com]
Williams wasn't selected in the 2015 NFL draft despite a solid career at South Florida. Even after the Rams spent four draft picks on offensive linemen, Williams saw an opportunity and elected to sign with them as a rookie free agent. Still, Williams figured to face an uphill battle to make the 53-man roster, odds that only grew longer when the Rams used a supplemental draft pick on Clemson offensive tackle Isaiah Battle over the summer.

Hiding under the radar from many of the casual fans, Williams played above his draft stock rating in last years camp and preseason. He quietly earned his place on the Rams 53-man roster.

Williams was a pregame inactive in the Rams' first two games and four of the first five games before injuries elsewhere allowed him to be on the game-day roster and get a few snaps, mostly on special teams. In that game against Chicago, right tackle Robert Havenstein suffered a calf injury that got Williams onto the field.

Just 10 snaps into Williams' first extended action, Rams quarterback Nick Foles threw an interception to Bears linebacker Willie Young. As Young raced down the Rams sideline, Williams and fellow rookie offensive lineman Jamon Brown pursued him. Williams lunged to tackle Young and landed awkwardly on his wrist.

"I'm excited to get started for next season, get in the weight room, get strong, bigger, watch some more film," Williams said. "Obviously it sucks that my season is over, but everything happens for a reason, and like I said, stay in the weight room, stay in the film room, keep a positive attitude and get ready."



#69 OG CODY WICHMANN 6'5 324 lbs (Turns 25 on 03/25/2017)



[www.stltoday.com]
Rams coach Jeff Fisher likes the progress he’s seen from the 6-5, 319-pound Wichmann. “He’s coming on, yeah,” Fisher said. “He’s a strong inside player. He’s smart. He’s been playing some good three-techniques and some good defensive tackles, so he’s hanging in there. He understands angles downfield and he’s getting to the second level. He and Rob (Havenstein) are doing a good job communicating.

It’s valuable playing experience for him.” After Sunday’s game in Seattle, the Rams will remain in California to train in Napa Valley to prepare for the season finale against San Francisco. “I have some buddies there, but I don’t think I’ve been to Napa,” said Wichmann, who’s from Mariposa, Calif., which is about 2½ hours from Levi’s Stadium, home of the 49ers.



#64 G/T ANDREW DONNAL 6'5 296 lbs (Turns 25 on 03/03/2017)



[www.rotoworld.com] Nov 22, 2015
Rams RT Andrew Donnal exited Week 11 against the Ravens with a knee injury and will not return. Donnal got the start with starting RT Rob Havenstein (calf) and backup Darrell Williams (wrist) hurt. LG Garrett Reynolds has moved to right tackle, LG Cody Wichmann shifted to right guard, and Demetrius Rhaney is at right guard.

Rams T/GAndrew Donnalsuffered a sprained MCL in the Week 11 loss to the Ravens. Donnal went down in considerable pain and was immediately ruled out, so this is actually viewed as a positive. He's expected to miss multiple weeks. The fourth-round rookie has made a couple spot starts on the Rams' injury-riddled line. Mon, Nov 23, 2015

Rams selected Iowa G/T Andrew Donnal with the No. 119 overall pick in the 2015 draft. May 2, 2015
Donnal only started one year in college, book ending Brandon Scherff as the Hawkeyes' right tackle. He was an honorable mention All-Big Ten pick. Donnal is a passable athlete with adequate arm length (33 1/2), but struggled as
a run blocker at Iowa and demonstrated limited strength at the Combine, managing 17 reps on the bench. Donnal's calling card is versatility, as he can play both tackle and guard. He could carve out a career as a "swing" reserve.



#77 OT ISAIAH BATTLE 6'6 312 lbs (Turns 23 on 02/10/2017)



[www.profootballrumors.com]
Rams Promote OTIsaiah Battle: In the wake of injuries to the offensive line, the Rams will promote supplemental draft pick Isaiah Battle to the active roster, coach Jeff Fisher told reporters (Twitter link via Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch). Battle will help bolster the offensive line now that rookie offensive linemen Jamon Brown and Darrell Williams are done for the year with injuries, as Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com tweets. Brown will undergo leg surgery while Williams will have his wrist treated. Fisher added that in addition to promoting Battle, the Rams will look for outside offensive line help.

Of course, with the trade deadline in the rear view mirror, the Rams can only find out-of-house solutions via free agency or the waiver system. Battle, who had been penciled in as Clemson’s starting left tackle for 2015, decided to enter the supplemental draft instead, citing “family” reasons, including a forthcoming child. Earlier in the year, Mike Huguenin of NFL.com had identified Battle as a candidate to play in next year’s Senior Bowl, writing that the Clemson lineman “remains somewhat raw, [but] is a good athlete who plays with some nastiness.” Of the seven prospects eligible for the supplemental draft,

Battle was considered the one most likely to be picked, with some pundits suggesting that a team could go as high as a third-rounder for the lineman.However, teams were reportedly wary of Battle due to possible off-the-field concerns, so he ultimately cost the Rams only a fifth-rounder. As it turns out, Battle was the only player taken in this year’s supplemental draft.



#65 C/G DEMETRIUS RHANEY 6'2 300 lbs (Turns 24 on 06/22/2016)



[espn.go.com] Nov 26, 2015
Most of Rhaney's preseason was spent battling for the role as starting center, a job he lost to Tim Barnes. Since, he's worked as a backup at all three interior spots. The Week 11 loss to Baltimore was Rhaney's first extended action aside from special teams. In his own evaluation of his play, Rhaney said he felt comfortable but didn't deny having his own "welcome to the NFL" moment as Ravens defensive tackle Brandon Williams beat him and got to running backTodd Gurley quickly in the backfield.

"I talked to coach Bou [offensive-line coach Paul Boudreau] and said we got to cut him, that’s a grown man out there," Rhaney said. "It was a rude awakening. Him beating me across my face was a technique issue. I took a bad first step. "In an effort to get up to speed, Rhaney said injured guard Rodger Saffold has been helping him with technique this week. "He stayed back and worked with me on a few technique things, my steps and my hands and hand placement," Rhaney said.

[www.rotoworld.com] June 12, 2014
Rams signed No. 250 overall pick C Demetrius Rhaney to a four-year contract. Rhaney can play any position along the interior of the offensive line. He is also athletic, running a 4.9-forty and vertical jumping 29 inches at his Pro Day. Rhaney lacks starting upside, but he could carve out a niche as a reserve interior lineman in the NFL.



#67 C/G BRIAN FOLKERTS 6'4 303 lbs (Turns 27 on 01/30/2017)



[www.turfshowtimes.com]
Ability to play both center and guard, Folkerts was an undrafted free agent in the 2012 NFL Draft. He played college football for Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas. He’s played in 26 games since being drafted, but has started in none. Since joining the league, he’s made the practice squad or active roster for theSaints, Panthers, 49ers, and now Rams. For a brief period he played for the San Jose SaberCats of the Arena Football League.



#66 G/C DAVID ARKIN 6'5 306 lbs (Turns Turns 29 on 10/07/2016)



[www.turfshowtimes.com]
Also a guard, David Arkin was added to the practice squad today by the Rams. He was drafted in the 4th round of the 2011 NFL Draft [110th overall] out of Missouri State. He’s played in only one game since being drafted. In his 4+ year
career in the NFL, he’s been on the roster in some capacity for the Cowboys, Dolphins, Seahawks, Colts, and now Rams.

[www.spotrac.com]
David Arkin signed a 2 year, $1,450,000 contract with the St. Louis Rams, including an average annual salary of $725,000. In 2016, Arkin will earn a base salary of $675,000. Arkin has a cap hit of $675,000.



#60 C ERIC KUSH 6'4 304 lbs (Turns 27 on 09/09/2016)



[www.turfshowtimes.com]
Recently signed [and released] by the Texans, Kush was drafted in the 6th round of the 2013 NFL Draft [170 overall]. He played his college ball at California [PA]. He’s played in only three games since being drafted, and has started in only one. In a little over two years, he’s made the practice squad or active roster for theChiefs, Buccaneers, Panthers, Texans, and now Rams.



#70 T JORDAN SWINDLE 6'7 307 lbs (estimated age 23 DOB N/A)



[www.rotoworld.com]
Kentucky T Jordan Swindle completed 22 reps on the bench and ran a 5.38 second forty at the Wildcats' pro day on Friday. Some felt Swindle was robbed of a Combine invite. Since he was, this was his time to shine. That's because only one NFL team was not represented in Lexington. Cincinnati Bengals coach Marvin Lewis was on hand in addition to the directors of college scouting for the Kansas City Chiefs and New York Jets. Swindle added a broad jump of 9-5 and a vertical jump of 29 inches. Mar 7, 2016

[www.ukathletics.com]
Two-year starter at right tackle Following the departure of Darrian Miller, spent a lot of time at left tackle in the spring. Has played the position before when Miller was not in the game. Has shown plenty of toughness and competitive fire. Team’s top reserve at offensive tackle as a true freshman. Very intelligent player whose toughness enabled him to play his first season. Has played in 35 games, starting 24. Aspires to be a doctor.

2014 (Junior): Started every game, one at left tackle and the final 11 on the right side. In his two seasons as a starter, the UK offense has improved from 18 points per game, to 20 ppg, to 29 ppg last season. UK had five players rush for at least 300 yards, first time that has happened since 1977. 2013 (Sophomore): Started every game at right tackle. Big, physical tackle that helped three different UK players rush for 400-plus yards.

[nflmocks.com]
Jordan Swindle has all the physical attributes you’d like to see in an offensive tackle. However, for him to fully maximize his potential he will have to focus on the technical side of game. If he can improve his balance, footwork, and play with a lower pad level he should vastly improve in pass protection.

He needs to improve his lateral motion, as he is just too slow right now to hang with the speed rushers he’ll face in the NFL. Due to his physical size and upside I expect to see Swindle make it on an NFL roster for the 2016 season. However, I do not think he’ll be drafted and instead be picked up by a team as a UDFA.

YOUTUBE: (College Highlights #70)
[www.patriots.com]
[www.nfl.com]



#72 OT/G PACE MURPHY 6'6 296 lbs (Turns 24 on 05/15/5017)



NWState 2015: USA College Football Preseason All-American List, Second Team, Offensive Tackle (Played College at Northwestern State) 2014 Southland Conference Second Team, Left Tackle: Louisiana Sports Writers Association All-Louisiana College Football Team, second-team Offensive Lineman

2013 Season: Played in every game, including seven starts. Earned an 85 percent grade on 40 snaps against Southern. Played 81 snaps and received a 79 percent at Sam Houston State. Earned a 79 percent grade on 19 snaps against Central Arkansas. A 71 percent grade on 83 snaps at UAB.

[www.nfldraftscout.com] ( Rated #66 out of 108 OT's )

YOUTUBE: (College Career Highlights)
[www.youtube.com]


OFFENSIVE LINE TIER Groupings for the 53 Man Roster

T) G.ROBINSON 100% Lock to make 53.(Now in his 3rd season.. Will his upside finally shine with some consistancy?)
T) R.HAVENSTEIN 100% Lock to make 53.(His critics blasted his early draft selection & his play shut them all up)
C)T.BARNES 95% Lock to make 53.(The journeyman Center is nothing special but good enough for this line?)

G) J.BROWN 95% Lock to make 53.(His play last season was sub-par but he's young & was a 3rd round pick)
G) C.WICHMANN 95% Lock to make 53.(He played well in injury relief and has some game experience)
G|T) G.REYNOLDS 95 Lock to make 53.(Seasoned reliable Vet played well when needed & showed his value)

T) D.WILLIAMS 90% Lock to make 53.(Surprise UDFA last season earned a roster spot & will fight for another)
G) R.SAFFOLD 85% Lock to make 53.(7th year veteran. Are his broken Glass shoulders fully rebuilt for the last time?)
T) I.BATTLE 75% Lock to make 53.(5th round Supplemental pick/project now has a full year under his belt)

T|G) A.DONNAL 70% Lock to make 53.(Versatile player from Iowa entering his 2nd season & should be in he mix)
C|G) C.RHANEY 65% Lock to make 53.(Underwhelming draft pick in his 3rd season has competition at Backup center)
C|G) B.FOLKERTS 65% Chance to make 53.(Bounced around Vet Will battle Rhaney for the backup center position)

C|G) D.ARKIN 40% Chance to make 53.(Odds are not very favorable for the misplaced veteran drifter)
C) E.KUSH 40% Chance to make 53.(Long shot veteran will need to prove he's not just a camp body)

T) J.SWINDLE 70% Chance to make P.Squad.(Big OT from Kentucky (SEC) will likely try to lock up a PS spot)
T) P.MURPHY 60% Chance to make P.Squad.(Small school player from 'NWstate' hopes to earn a PS spot)


SUMMARY: These are just mid May roster projections and obviously there is plenty of Roster movement and turnover that can happen to change things in a hurry. Any opinions from you great Herd members is always appreciated. As you all know the Offensive Line is such an intricate important unit for the offense to have any consistent chance of keeping this team competitive. (How many O-Lineman with make the 53?) 9-10? or the P.Squad 1-3?

As we all know, Snead and Fisher will turn over the bottom of the roster at the drop of a hat like all NFL teams do this time of year. There is only 10 practice squad spots available so more than 2 of these offensive lineman making the PS is probably unlikely unless there are significant reasons to do so.

As June, July and August anxiously get closer, we always have the Herd Board to help us pass the time. So many here with great insight, theories, depth chart analysis and just plain old good clever Rams subjects to chat about.

Thanks for observing and I welcome your feedback, Florida

 

[Tron]

GROB will be better this year, and our young line will grow together. We have a great line in the making.

Goff is going to be in heaven after that turn style o-line he had at Cal!!! If he could succeed with that line, imagine what he could do with even an average unit!!

 

[bubbaramfan]

To all of GRob's critics. Had Robinson stayed in college and completed his senior year, he would have been in this years draft and would be a rookie in 2016. He played in a spread offense and rarely had to pass block or figure out blitz'. He 's been learning all that under the NFL spotlight. Very difficult circumstances for such a young inexperienced guy and I thinks he's handled it very well. The last 5 games of last season GRob showed he has what it takes to play LT in the NFL. No sacks, no penalties and did very well in pass pro. Rams knew when they drafted GRob it would take him 2 or 3 years. He has the desire and puts in the work. Lets see what he does in 2016. I think he will have a very good year.

Rams centers. Barnes only had 4 starts before last year. Now he has a whole season under his belt. He also showed improvement as the season progressed. With an off season of weight and condition and some bulking up, his play should improve, especially if they can settle on the two guards and leave them in so they can get some continuity. Kush and Folkerts means bye bye Rahney.

Garrett Reynolds. Best FA OL signing by the Rams in 10 years. Smart guy who knows all the tricks defenses throw at O lines. Reynolds was instrumental in GRobs progression when started next to him at LG, sort of like a coach on the field. Reynolds was the Rams best LG last year and it should be his job to lose.

Wichmann looks like a starter. He played and worked well at RG with RT Havenstien.

Saffold. With his injury history and his ability to play all along the OL, he should be relegated to "first guy off the bench". Rams finally have some good young depth on the bench.

I think the OL will be surprise and be a strength of the '16 season.

 

[Picked4td]

idk who the best 5 are but im quite confident theres at least 5 solid long term starters on this team right now. Just hope we can keep at least 4 of them long term

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

To all of GRob's critics. Had Robinson stayed in college and completed his senior year, he would have been in this years draft and would be a rookie in 2016. He played in a spread offense and rarely had to pass block or figure out blitz'. He 's been learning all that under the NFL spotlight. Very difficult circumstances for such a young inexperienced guy and I thinks he's handled it very well. The last 5 games of last season GRob showed he has what it takes to play LT in the NFL. No sacks, no penalties and did very well in pass pro. Rams knew when they drafted GRob it would take him 2 or 3 years. He has the desire and puts in the work. Lets see what he does in 2016. I think he will have a very good year.

Rams centers. Barnes only had 4 starts before last year. Now he has a whole season under his belt. He also showed improvement as the season progressed. With an off season of weight and condition and some bulking up, his play should improve, especially if they can settle on the two guards and leave them in so they can get some continuity. Kush and Folkerts means bye bye Rahney.

Garrett Reynolds. Best FA OL signing by the Rams in 10 years. Smart guy who knows all the tricks defenses throw at O lines. Reynolds was instrumental in GRobs progression when started next to him at LG, sort of like a coach on the field. Reynolds was the Rams best LG last year and it should be his job to lose.

Wichmann looks like a starter. He played and worked well at RG with RT Havenstien.

Saffold. With his injury history and his ability to play all along the OL, he should be relegated to "first guy off the bench". Rams finally have some good young depth on the bench.

I think the OL will be surprise and be a strength of the '16 season.

I am curious to know, why you think Kush and Folkerts beat out Rhaney. I am not saying one is better than the other, but how have you seen enough of the three to form that opinion?

 

[den-the-coach]

Last year the Rams kept 11, will they do the same this year? I feel strongly they will keep at the very minimum 10, but that means most likely someone like Donnal or Battle will be released, barring injury of course.

I concur with @bubbaramfan Barnes should be even better after one solid year under his belt and some continuity at the guard position. And Cody Wichmann I felt stabilized the RG position just needed to get more push running the football, but coming out of Fresno State, Wichmann was considered a better pass blocker than run blocker.

The back-up to Barnes might not be on the roster although Folkerts and Kush do have some expereince, but unless Rhaney showcases major improvement I don't hold out much hope for him. Anytime he was in games last year the Rams offensive line were far worse, he was at RG before Wichmann and that was horrendous and then when Donnal was hurt against the Ravens (Where he actually was playing well at RT) and Rhaney came in at LG moving Reynolds to RT and that was an abysmal performance for Rhaney again.

Now maybe, just maybe, Demetrius Rhaney is a Center and that's all, however, even at Center during preseason his shotgun snaps left something to be desired. In the end I would go with Brown at LG and Wichmann at RG, it's nice for GROB to have a vet next to him and I realize he's still learning, but I would like to Reynolds being the first guy off the bench and Rodger Saffold traded (if they can) unless he's truly healthy, but I will believe Saffold being healthy like I will believe after mowing my lawn I will drink H20 instead of two ice cold Bass Ales.

 

[Roman Snow]

Last year the Rams kept 11, will they do the same this year? I feel strongly they will keep at the very minimum 10, but that means most likely someone like Donnal or Battle will be released, barring injury of course.

I concur with @bubbaramfan Barnes should be even better after one solid year under his belt and some continuity at the guard position. And Cody Wichmann I felt stabilized the RG position just needed to get more push running the football, but coming out of Fresno State, Wichmann was considered a better pass blocker than run blocker.

The back-up to Barnes might not be on the roster although Folkerts and Kush do have some expereince, but unless Rhaney showcases major improvement I don't hold out much hope for him. Anytime he was in games last year the Rams offensive line were far worse, he was at RG before Wichmann and that was horrendous and then when Donnal was hurt against the Ravens (Where he actually was playing well at RT) and Rhaney came in at LG moving Reynolds to RT and that was an abysmal performance for Rhaney again.

Now maybe, just maybe, Demetrius Rhaney is a Center and that's all, however, even at Center during preseason his shotgun snaps left something to be desired. In the end I would go with Brown at LG and Wichmann at RG, it's nice for GROB to have a vet next to him and I realize he's still learning, but I would like to Reynolds being the first guy off the bench and Rodger Saffold traded (if they can) unless he's truly healthy, but I will believe Saffold being healthy like I will believe after mowing my lawn I will drink H20 instead of two ice cold Bass Ales.

I was going to respond after reading your first paragraph and suggest not ruling out Saffold. Then you mentioned him later. I was cracking up about the mowing comment (I usually will have a Sierra Nevada) But it is true. We tell ourselves Saffold will be healthy, then "boom".

( :flanders: This just in: Roger Saffold has torn the tag off his mattress. He is expected to miss OTAs and the beginning of camp. )

In light of his surgery recently, and the fact that we have lost a few Vets, I would like to see Roger given one more shot.

 

[den-the-coach]

In light of his surgery recently, and the fact that we have lost a few Vets, I would like to see Roger given one more shot.

I would give Saffold a shot, however, if he comes up lame at all in OTA's or the beginning of camp then I would look to move him. What Rodger Saffold does bring to the table is a veteran that could play LT too if something happened to GROB because one thing that GROB has been is durable. But I like the younger guys especially Darrell Williams, he beat out Battle last year and looked very natural at LT.

BTW about the Sierra Nevada I enjoy those too, funny, you always think that you're original and I tell my wife that all the time and come to find out, you're not. It's like I say to my wife all the time, I don't know what everybody is talking about all my friends are voting the same way I am and my wife of 24 years rolls her eyes and says "That's why they are your friends, Den."

 

[bubbaramfan]

Elmgrovegnome--I've seen enough of Rhaney. How could these two guys be worse? First snap he was in for Barnes, he bobs his head on the snap and gets a five yard procedure penalty. First thing you learn as a center, don't bob your head" . I could be wrong but I don't think it will take much for Folkets or Kush to beat out Rhaney, especially if they can play G too.

 

[LACHAMP46]

No worries about G-Rob here....Really like Jamon Brown & Havenstein...It was a terrible play when Brown & Williams got hurt on that int....Brown was moving like G-Rob trying to make a tackle...Funny Brown was rated so low, yet he was doing well in pre-season before moving to the right side....Oh well....
Battle & Wichman are keys....we need them both to come back stronger & ready...just in case....injuries and all

I really like Saffold...Dude is a natural team leader and a good guy....I think we'll need him to be successful....


Williams was a real surprise as well. I wanna see if he was a fluke or is he a real player.

Donnal & Rhaney both were huge disappointments...Rhaney did look like garbage....Donnal was a real player at Iowa....and he looked overwhelmed....I have more faith in him, but if it came down to Reynolds, Williams, or Wichman...Hell even Saffold...I'm cutting Donnal first....His legs look too little...you know me...measurables guy....Reynolds surprised me as well...But he's not as good as some of you make it out to be...meh kinda player...esp. in run blocking...

Overall, I finally feel comfortable with the line, and the depth....Best line since 2004

 

[DaveFan'51]

Pass-blocking rank: 25th

I question this ranking a little, because they only gave up 18 sacks all year!

#77 OT ISAIAH BATTLE 6'6 312 lbs (Turns 23 on 02/10/2017)

I do wonder, If GRob doesn't pick it up a notch this year, If he will be moved inside, and Battle will go to starting OLT!

#76 G/T RODGER SAFFOLD 6'5 318 lbs (Turns 28 on 6/06/2018)

If Saffold can stay Healthy an entire year It will go a long way in solidifying our O-Line!

Run-Blocking rank: 24th
Run-Power Blocking rank: 20th
Run-Stuffed rank: 28th

I also question this, because of what Gurrrley was able to accomplish in his Rookie year!

 

[Limey]

Was initially concerned when I saw the PFF ratings, but when I got to the bit about "Ron" Havenstein, it reminded me about the (lack of) quality of that particular organisation.

If we avoid too many injuries, I think the OL will be one of the strengths of this team, both in terms of quality and depth.

 

[Prime Time]

Hey QBKlass, over at TST, if you're reading this - thanks for your articles, you do a great job!
*******************************************************************************************
http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2016/5...-st-louis-rodger-saffold-scouting-report-tape

The 2016 Los Angeles Rams Need Rodger Saffold For Cohesion On The Offensive Line
By QBKlass  @QBKlass on May 23, 2016

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Rodger Saffold gave the Rams offensive line cohesion and a true anchor. He is no superstar, but he was the most talented, violent and savvy linemen that the Rams had.

Cohesion is the most important trait an offensive line needs to have. The offensive line is a unit that is as good as the sum of its parts. At skill positions and along the defensive line, exceptional players can have a great impact on the game in their own right. Along the offensive line, generally, all five players have to be competent and flow together for any given play to work.

Rodger Saffold gave the Rams offensive line cohesion and a true anchor. He is no superstar, but he was the most talented, violent and savvy linemen that the Rams had. Sadly, Saffold only survived the first four games of the season, going down with a season ending injury in the fifth week of the season versus the Green Bay Packers. The Rams offensive line was never truly good last year, but Saffold's presence made it functional.

With Saffold

Cohesion, violence and savvy. Saffold puts all of his best traits on display here. The Rams are running an outside zone play with the offensive line moving to the left and Lance Kendricks coming the opposite way to lock up the free defender. Center Tim Barnes' first step off of the line is poor and he does not get into great position to make this block in his own right.

Saffold, knowing he has the room to get help his center and still get to the linebacker, delivers a massive blindside blow to Rodney Gunter (95), putting him in the dirt. Saffold then quickly readjusts his body, moves to Deone Buccanon and stands him up. Todd Gurley ends up taking the cut back route here because of Barnes' poor effort off the line and inability to win his own block.

This example really highlights Saffold's nuance. He understands tendencies and how to counter them. Frostee Rucker (92) tries to get to Saffold's right shoulder and drive him back. Saffold fires his left hand into Rucker's chest and jolts him back a bit while he uses his right hand to pull Rucker out of his gap. Once Rucker is out of the gap a bit, Saffold resets his feet and continues to force him out of the way.

Saffold could be counted on more than any other offensive lineman on the team. He did more in his own right than anyone else, on top of his ability to help out others on his way to his assignment. Now, Saffold also had times where he completely spaced on his assignment or got beat to his spot, but those moments for Saffold did not happen all too often, in comparison to the rest of the line. He was the constant anchor that the Rams needed up front.

Without Saffold

The Rams could not get it together without Saffold. A handful of players, from Jamon Brown to Cody Wichmann, stepped in for Saffold throughout the remainder of the season. None of his replacements had sustained success, and Brown's move to right guard also weakened his normal left guard spot. With Saffold sidelined, teams began teeing off on the guards, which also exposed Barnes at center. The interior fell apart.

Wichmann (69) is lost here. Arizona shifts their defensive line just before the snap. As the play goes live, Wichmann steps off the line and hesitates as if he was going to help Barnes with his block. Without making a physical effort to help Barnes, Wichmann tries to get over to help out Rob Havenstein (79) with a double team block before Havenstein moves up to the second level.

Havenstein, expecting Wichmann to have been there, works to the linebacker, but Wichmann is not yet in position because of his previous hesitation, allowing Ed Stinson (91) into the backfield. Wichmann's mental mishap derailed any shot at cohesively blocking the Cardinals defense on this play.

Barnes needs to help Garrett Reynolds (71) on this play. He moves as if he is going to help Wichmann, but Gunter, the defender in the left A-gap, looks slanted toward Barnes and away from Reynolds. Gunter is able to gain a lot of ground with his first step because he already is not head up with Reynolds. Between Gunter's alignment and slant, this is a very low percentage block for Reynolds unless he gets a chip from Barnes to allow Reynolds to swivel his feet and get square with Gunter. Ultimately, Barnes halfheartedly assists Wichmann before moving to the linebacker, who he fails to cut block.

This play is different from the last because Barnes' assignment is the second level, meaning he shoudl have the time to chip and move on. In the Wichmann play beforehand, Wichmann's assignment was to get to the far defender, double team him with Havenstein momentarily and then allow Havenstein to move to the second level. The two errors may look the same because of the nature of zone blocking, but that is not the case.

Of course, the offensive line had its moments without Saffold and created room for a handful of stellar runs. Barnes can be a road grader when he gets clear one-on-one situations, Havenstein was fine when he was healthy, Greg Robinson was a high variance player whose good plays gave hope for the future, and Brown found his footing a bit, at his unnatural position, more as the year went on. Though, the line was night and day when the Rams had Saffold as opposed to when they did not. A full year of Saffold leading the way for Gurley is going to be pivotal for the rushing offense.

 

[BonifayRam]

OL Injuries have always robe the Rams offense for well over a decade now. Expecting the OL to remain fairy consistent for any period of time is a major break for us. We did have a period of time late in the season where we were running out the same five & going very well (without Saffold), highly unusual for us.

Any OL that has Rodger Saffold as the main OL'er that the Rams are depending on for its Cohesion :shocking:is not going to have any. A half decade of 16 game seasons is seriously more than enough evidence, but the Saffold sage continues on & on & on like he is some kind of mythical Ram legend. Like I have said before its no real mystery IMO going into TC & pre season that the real Rams OL success in 2016 is in OL'ers like Reynolds/Havenstein/Robinson/Barnes/Wichmann/Brown/Williams & Donnal.

Five on my list above OL'ers are entering their second TC!.Two others are entering the first TC as starters. In the NFL most of the battle for successful OL'ers is remaining able to suite up on Sundays after Sunday & play hard along with trying to remain healthy after that the rest little by little turns usually into positive Cohesive OL play. Snead & Fisher have built an OL over the last few seasons with younger better players & they should start receiving dividends here by early fall. I am overjoyed with what they have done & expect good things from this OL cadre in the future.

 

[DaveFan'51]

I made a similar observation the other day, on another thread. IF Saffold can stay Healthy for an entire year, we will have a very, very good O-Line this year! I think it all depends on him. If he can hang in there at RG and Brown at LG we'll have a GREAT Line!!

 

[LACHAMP46]

Any OL that has Rodger Saffold as the main OL'er that the Rams are depending on for its Cohesion :shocking:is not going to have any.

ahahahhaha...have faith my friend...the LA air

shall keep him healthy....LOL

I expect big things from Saffold...Not the Glassfold of old....Nope...full season...and in case he doesn't last...Reynolds or Wichman ready to step in....

 

[tavian]

Garrett Reynolds. Best FA OL signing by the Rams in 10 years. Smart guy who knows all the tricks defenses throw at O lines. Reynolds was instrumental in GRobs progression when started next to him at LG, sort of like a coach on the field. Reynolds was the Rams best LG last year and it should be his job to lose.

He seems to be a forgotten man on many depth charts that i've seen.
Don't understand why.All the man did was come in and out play everyone on the line(except Havenstein),
and that includes Saffold for that brief moment he was healthy.
I say let Saffold be a backup.Maybe he will at least be able to stay healthy.

 

[BonifayRam]

He seems to be a forgotten man on many depth charts that i've seen.
Don't understand why.All the man did was come in and out play everyone on the line(except Havenstein),
and that includes Saffold for that brief moment he was healthy.
I say let Saffold be a backup.Maybe he will at least be able to stay healthy.

I am in full agreement with you here on Garrett Reynolds. Here's my story on what happened to the 2015 OL & who is the real hero. I have not forgotten GR at all. For most of GR's NFL career (GR is now entering his 8 seasons) he has been a top reserve for the RIGHT side of the OL (OG/OT). In college he was a pure Right OT. Back in 2011 in Atlanta, GR did win a starting post @ ORG when Boudreau was the Falcon OL coach but was injured & loss it the following season.

Early in 2015 pre-season we observed Boudreau work GR exclusively on the right side. Very early Jamon Brown looked very strong @ left OG & had secured that starting post at the end of the 3rd pre-season game. Should I kindly fail to remind everyone that Rodger Saffold was inured on the first series of the first pre-season game @ ORG with that dislocated shoulder & never returned in pre season! This might be his 3rd pre season when this has happen. But we know missing an entire pre season adds to cohesion :headexplosion: But never the less Saffold was once again awarded starter @ RG when the season began & his play was far from solid do not care what the above article made it sound but Saffold has his moments. While Saffold was out recovering from the shoulder injury his OL post saw many different OL'ers. The best play came from Garrett Reynolds. Rhaney did play a lot of OG too but looked bad.

I was of the opinion GR would secure the starting ORT post early until rookie Havenstein was ready but as we all know now, Havenstein was more than NFL ready. RG was able to win first top #6 spot OL'er over Rhaney who settled in @ #7.With rookie OG/ORT Donnal @#8, OLT/ORT rookie Williams @ #9 & OG rookie Wichmann coming in @ #10. So when the first week of the regular season Boudreau 3 reserve OL'ers were GR @ OT, Rhaney @ center & Wichmann @ OG.

Rams 2015 #1 injury did not occur until early wk 5, Want to guess who lead the Rams 2016 list of OL injuries???? yes the alleged Ram leader starting OLG Saffold off to the IR once again for the 3rd time since 2011. Now the ( musical chairs post) rotations begin....GR now got his first major action of the 2015 season @ left OG. This was an unfamiliar place for GR he had always been a right side OL'er. Andrew Donnal took up GR's spot on the game day reserve suite ups.

Wk #8 the 2nd OL injury took place. A bad lower leg inquiry to starting ORT Havenstein caused Boudreau to flip GR back to start @ Right OT. With rookie Donnal moving into starting OLG & GR in @ ORT (this proved to be a bad mistake bares no repeating). Wk #8 Boudreau is playing with only 3 original starters & starting two reserves. OT rookie Darrell Williams finally got called up for his first suite up reserve action action. That same OL line up started wk 9. Things were just fixing to get far worsealm:.

The famous wk 10 game the OL got knocked out. Havenstein who was still limping suited up @ ORT but soon went down after aggravating his calf injury. Darrell Williams saw his first NFL action @ starting ORT. Both RT Williams & ORG Brown were seriously injured on the same play. Williams to his credit continued to play after dislocating his wrist for several series until late when GR went from starting OLG to starting ORT. Demetrius Rhaney & Cody Wichmann came off the bench to start @ both OG posts. It was Wichmann's first NFL action. Boudreau was left with no healthy able bodied OL's. After this game Rams added 3 interior WWC OL'ers Kush/ Folkerts/ Arkins. Brown & Williams both joined Saffold on the IR.

Week #11 Boudreau had a new OL only Barnes & Robinson remained. His new OL was LT Robinson/ LG Reynolds/ OC Barnes/ RG Wichmann & RT Donnal. Boudreau had a new suited up reserve cadre too, where he dressed Kush/ Rhaney/ Folkerts. Rams injury viruses continues to run wild this time they struck new starting ORT Donnal he was the fourth different starting Right OT thus far this 2015 season. GR has to return to finish the game @ ORT. Rhaney who was by now the #6 OL'er was forced back into action @ starting OLG.

Week #12 Boudreau had starting ORT Andrew Donnal down with a grade 3 knee sprain, not ever to return to action the rest of that season. GR was now back starting @ ORT for the 4th time. Rhaney was also back in for the 4th time next to Robinson. Cody Wichmann started his 2nd game @ ORG. Tim Barnes sure had his hands full with those two new OG's starting next to him. Boudreau dressed 2 brand new reserves Kush & Folkerts. For those wondering where was OT Isaiah Battle was ??? because he was added to the 53 player roster but he was so behind that Boudreau went with two new WWC's instead.

Now for the good:yess:...week #13 Havenstein limped back into the starting lineup @ ORT returning GR back to OLG & Cody started his 3rd game @ ORG. Rhaney returned back to the top reserve with Kush being #7. This OL remained the same for the last 5 games & produced IMO very well. This is the time when I saw the best OG play of the season occurred! Both Cody Wichmann & GR were getting the job done. IMO Garrett Reynolds game performances were the best I had seen since the four game Saffold put together back in 2013 season. Garrett gets :bow:from me. GR was moved all over the place & many times in many games was forced to move into different posts due to injuries. GR's 2016 season should merit articles praising his full 16 game performances over any other Ram OG!