I've been saying all along that Allen is a very good center when healthy. That many of the OL injuries were caused by poor technique. Now the Rams have a new OL coach who played in the NFL for 9 years on the OL, including center, the Rams are going to give Allen a year to "prove-it" i.e. stay healthy. The Rams were impressed by how much Allen helped Mayfield by making the OL blocking calls dependent upon what he read. This only confirms what I know about Allen. Good centers are hard to come by.
It's why they re-signed Shelton, because he's almost as good, at center. I hope they keep both long term. I see Shelton at probably LG with Bruss and Thomas competing for the start at LG.
LT Noteboom
LG TBD (Bruss or Thomas with Zach having the edge IMO)
C Allen
RG Shelton
RT Havenstein (they should start Jackson but won't because of cap cost of Havenstein, not because he's better)
Shelton is a better RG than Allen. Right now Swings look like OT/OG Jackson, OG/C Toner, OG Thomas or Bruss. I wouldn't completely discount Toner earning that last OG spot right now. He's a vet who has played decently when he's gotten snaps. On a scale of 1-10 this OL would be a 6-7 with Havenstein the weak link. With Jackson at RT they would be a 7 which is a good OL. They would have good movement skills with Thomas, Shelton, and Allen allowing them to play run blocking schemes they haven't been able to. This is bringing clarity to the OL and why I don't see it as a priority this year, especially in light of their needs at edge, LB and CB.
BTW remember Budda Baker (5 pro bowls) was taken by the Cards at 36. So those who think good DBs only go in the first round are sadly mistaken. Baker had the speed and agility to play CB but safety was his best fit due to his stature.
Tyson Campbell was taken at 33 and has outplayed his draft value as well.
As far as edges are concerned 5 of the top 10 edges on many boards are projected to go at the top of the second round. So a good edge will be there. These are things that Snead is looking at so signing both Allen and Shelton saves them a pick in this draft.