Re-sign Saffold?

[Soul Surfer]

I think we've both made our opinions perfectly clear in this thread.

Nothing wrong with that just don't tell me what I think.
If I use a "partial quote" it is because I'm only responding to that part of your post not because I am "playing a "game", so again your assumptions about me are incorrect.

Jrry and I, though we feel differently on the subject were both able to express our opinions without telling each other what we "think" or saying that one of us is "afraid" or accusing each other of "playing a game" or getting personal in any way because that is the way mature people debate a subject.

 

[Kevin]

And FWIW, here is an article from June about the importance of continuity on the offensive line. Like we didn't already know this.
https://www.therams.com/news/ol-continuity-key-for-rams-offensive-success-20716027

 

[Soul Surfer]

David Bahktiari was a fourth round pick for the Green Bay Packers. He's one of the best left tackles in the game.

Jared Veldheer was a third round pick. He was a mainstay at left tackle for the Raiders, and the only reason he fell off was because of injury.

Jermon Bushrod was a fifth round pick, and he was excellent for the Saints.

I didn't say it DOESN'T happen, I said it doesn't happen REGULARLY and 3 out of 32 examples actually proved my point on that.

 

[iamme33]

I imagine that Tru and Watkins are going to be third round picks, a nd we still have a first[/QUOTE

yeah but that first pick is going to be #32.

 

[FrantikRam]

I think it's also worth pointing out that our first two draft picks appear to be replacements for our older offensive linemen - Sully and Whit - and not necessarily Brown/Saffold/Hav.

I think it's significant because I'm sure they are counting on re-signing at least one of those guys - my money would be on Hav. And then investing more draft capital into the OL.

 

[Soul Surfer]

our first two draft picks appear to be replacements for our older offensive linemen - Sully and Whit - and not necessarily Brown/Saffold/Hav.

Noteboom for Whitworth and Allen for Sullivan is definitely plan A.

Plan B is developing Noteboom into a starter in one of the other positions on the line and Allen as the backup center and Demby into a starter.

Allen had some of the best technique and success of all the centers in the draft. His one drawback is that he's only a 6'1/302-pounder.

 

[Akrasian]

Allen had some of the best technique and success of all the centers in the draft. His one drawback is that he's only a 6'1/302-pounder.

Sullivan is listed at 312. I would think it likely that a year in a pro weight room with an NFL dietary plan would close that gap.

 

[jrry32]

Sullivan is listed at 312. I would think it likely that a year in a pro weight room with an NFL dietary plan would close that gap.

I think he maxes out at 305 (if that) if you want him at a good weight. But that's big enough. The bigger concern is his length.

 

[Akrasian]

I think he maxes out at 305 (if that) if you want him at a good weight. But that's big enough. The bigger concern is his length.

FWIW, therams.com has him at 6'2" and 303. https://www.therams.com/team/players-roster/brian-allen/

 

[jrry32]

FWIW, therams.com has him at 6'2" and 303. https://www.therams.com/team/players-roster/brian-allen/

He measured in at 6'1" 298 at the Combine. He doesn't have a lot of growth potential. Sullivan is 6'3.5". It's a lot easier for him to carry 310+ pounds.

 

[ReekofRams]

I think he maxes out at 305 (if that) if you want him at a good weight. But that's big enough. The bigger concern is his length.

I was worried about his length too, but I realized that McVay and Snead wouldn't have drafted him when they did if they thought his lack of length was too big of a problem for the NFL. Also if there is one position that you can get by with a lack of length it's the Center. But I will still wonder till I see him play, so hopefully he does well.

 

[Merlin]

I'd have to see what the cap increase is and how they both play in 2018. Based on 2017, I don't think it'll be astronomical. RTs aren't expensive, and an average RG like Brown shouldn't break the bank either. Just pulling figures out of my ass, I'd say $7.5 million per year for Hav, give or take $1 million and $5.5 million per year for Brown, give or take $1 million.

I'd sign one of the two now. Preferably Hav, but if they elect to go with Brown that's fine too. If they wait until after this season I think both will be much pricier, because I expect both to play extremely well in year two of this offense with a second camp under Kromer's eye.

Also, I see a lot of extremely high expectations wrt the 3 OL the Rams drafted. The chance of them finding a starting LT, starting OG, and starting C in those three picks is unlikely at best. No matter what they do next year is going to be OL intensive on the decision maker side of things, so getting one of those two OL locked up now would be very wise.

 

[Akrasian]

I'd sign one of the two now. Preferably Hav, but if they elect to go with Brown that's fine too. If they wait until after this season I think both will be much pricier, because I expect both to play extremely well in year two of this offense with a second camp under Kromer's eye.

Also, I see a lot of extremely high expectations wrt the 3 OL the Rams drafted. The chance of them finding a starting LT, starting OG, and starting C in those three picks is unlikely at best. No matter what they do next year is going to be OL intensive on the decision maker side of things, so getting one of those two OL locked up now would be very wise.

I agree on signing at least one. Besides their value probably rising relative to other players, I expect an increase in pay for their positions. Not just for normal cap inflation, but because positions like LT took a huge increase this past offseason, and I expect other OL positions to catch up somewhat.

Signing one now before the season, means that the player is protected from injury. He can lock in enough money where he's set for life if he's careful. Havenstein will have earned just under $4 million - a lot, except agent fees, taxes, expenses, etc means that while he's in good shape, it's not lifetime money. Guarantee him into the 8 figures, and he can be set. To make sure of that many players would take slightly less for guaranteeing it a season early. And the savings for the Rams, and having one player locked in, means that it will be that much easier to have a good line in 2019 and beyond.

 

[Rams43]

About the 3 drafted OL players...

I’ve read some good things about Noteboom, so I’m kinda optimistic there.

But Allen and Demby? I’d feel a whole lot better if I’d seen some glowing reviews from either beat writers, coaches, or camp reports by our own posters.

Like we’ve seen for Lawler, Ebu, Myers, for example?

But so far there’s been crickets.

The preseason games will start to tell us a lot, one way or another. Pads and full contact with your job on the line will do that. Lol.

 

[PhillyRam]

About the 3 drafted OL players...

I’ve read some good things about Noteboom, so I’m kinda optimistic there.

But Allen and Demby? I’d feel a whole lot better if I’d seen some glowing reviews from either beat writers, coaches, or camp reports by our own posters.

Like we’ve seen for Lawler, Ebu, Myers, for example?

But so far there’s been crickets.

The preseason games will start to tell us a lot, one way or another. Pads and full contact with your job on the line will do that. Lol.

Tougher for fans to judge OL in practice I would think. Can't really see what is happening outside of maybe a OT getting beat by a DE on a pass rush.

 

[Soul Surfer]

Allen and Demby? I’d feel a whole lot better if I’d seen some glowing reviews from either beat writers, coaches, or camp reports by our own posters.

Pretty typical really.
So much to learn for O lineman.
It's not a "reactionary position" like linebackers or defensive lineman.

You all have to go off at the same snap and work together with four other guys and learn all the plays and the snap count.

I don't expect ANYTHING out of a rookie O lineman that was picked that late.
They are all developmental players in my opinion.

 

[badnews]

Well, for the next few years we will have Goff, Gurley, Woods, Kupp and Cooks.
So I doubt we see many skill players getting picked in the next few drafts.

McVay and Kromer seem to like a blend of vets and youth on the line, and this group quickly recognized the need for a legit LT and Center and they addressed it immediately.

I think we will use draft picks, as selections or trade ammo, to keep the O-line loaded with the guys Kromer needs to execute McVays plays.

 

[ReekofRams]

I'd sign one of the two now. Preferably Hav, but if they elect to go with Brown that's fine too. If they wait until after this season I think both will be much pricier, because I expect both to play extremely well in year two of this offense with a second camp under Kromer's eye.

But that's just it. Havenstein and Brown are probably going to want to wait till the end of the season so they can get a better deal, especially Brown since he is suspended the first 2 games of the season.

 

[Merlin]

But that's just it. Havenstein and Brown are probably going to want to wait till the end of the season so they can get a better deal, especially Brown since he is suspended the first 2 games of the season.

Generally players are easier to get locked up at a rate the team considers to be affordable if it's before they have a breakout season, once they have that breakout season that ship has sailed. Drawback is that if they don't play to expectations you screwed yourself of course. So I don't think it's a good idea to do it too often (see the TAVON contract).

Thing is, however, that I am concerned enough about the OL right now for next offseason that I'd be talking to both players' reps to see what we have, and if that option is there I'd definitely ink one of them.

And re: the players wanting to wait, yeah I am sure that's sometimes the mindset. But other times they'll recognize the security and faith the team is putting in them too. Only way to find out is to make the attempt. Which, who knows, maybe the Rams already have done that.

 

[Soul Surfer]

He measured in at 6'1" 298 at the Combine. He doesn't have a lot of growth potential. Sullivan is 6'3.5". It's a lot easier for him to carry 310+ pounds.

I'm off the 300-pounders since watching Scott Wells get pushed around.

I would love it if Allen would prove me wrong and get a couple Pro bowls in his career.

It's not out of the question.