Alaric Jackson is probably going to be their swing OT this year and starting at RT next year. IMO they are forced to carry Havenstein one more year due to his cap number. They can sign Ngsekhe again if they need a 2nd reserve OT. I think Arcuri could be on the bubble this year. If he doesn't improve under Wendell then I don't see him on the team in 2024. Also, Thomas can play OG and RT as well. Though I hope he can start at LG this year. He should be an upgrade to Edwards. If Thomas and Bruss can play up to expectations they would have an OL better than the 2021 version. I don't see a downgrade at center if Shelton takes over next year. IMO he's got better field vision than Allen.
Personally, if these guys stay healthy this could be a good OL this year and into the future. I realize most on this board don't share in that perspective, but no team is perfect at all levels on both sides of the ball. 2021's OL was good but hardly elite. I think Snead and McVay are basically using that as their standard of measure. I think Shelton, Thomas, and Bruss are underrated. I've been high on Shelton and Allen both since they were rookies. Allen is a very good center but he simply can't play an entire season. I believe the aforementioned three IOL can be a good starting interior unit. If Noteboom can return to form they can have a LT capable of elite play at LT. We know Jackson is solid and should be a very good RT. He's stronger with better feet than Havenstein. I agree with the Rams that they need to see what they have before they simply add to the mix.
I would like them to sign a FB who is about 6', 250 lbs, who attacks the LOS like a MIKE LB. Play him as a lead blocker or short yardage. FBs are often dropped in coverage after play action and provide a convenient dump off when needed. Monte Pottebaum was a converted LB who transitioned to FB but plays the game like a LB. That's what this offense is lacking. A big FB would also be a better pass blocker in the backfield. The Rams love smaller RBs for some reason. Todd Gurley was 6'1" 225 lbs timed at 4.5. Cam Akers is 5'10" 217 lbs and is trying to become a power runner. FBs are rarely drafted so there are many to pick from as UDFAs. Another RB is simply going to sit on the bench. They need a legit FB for lead blocking and pass protection. McVay could play 21 personnel and the defense will have to align to respect the run and it would slow the rush down. It would still give Stafford 4 receivers, i.e. 2 WRs, TE & RB to threaten all 3 levels of the secondary.
Marty Schottenheimer used it to great effect, with Rivers taking deep shots on play action and Tomlinson running through big holes with a lead blocking FB. Ask the Niners, they used it to destroy soft zones like Morris plays. 21 personnel forces defenses to play zone in the secondary which Stafford usually cuts up.
I think I’m going to disagree & we can see how right you are.
Zach Thomas was drafted after Bruss,but before Arcuri.Don’t know much about him.Maybe I’ll have to YT him.
A@Jackson IMO will mainly start to play on The Left Side of the O’Line.Can’t see him playing RT at all. Then again Arcuri(Thomas) are wild cards.Against the Hags he got a lot of reps at LT.
Bruss never looked good at guard & Anchrum has never proved anything to impress me.
Breakdown
Noteboom-A’Jackson,A or S,Anchrum or Bruss, Havenstien.
—Hard to tell depth & RG ? RT as well(swing).I guess that is the hope?
FB- just want a 220 RB. Don’t see Mcvay with a FB.Lafluer would be the TELL(OC) of his past.
I can see The Rams drafting a bigger TE.
Defense- a player to come off The Edge(Floyd,Hollins,Lewis)to fill in the loss of players.
CB is a must.I’d say at least 2 CB’s especially for special teams(gunners) to add.
April 21 teams have players back in facility’s. That will give just a little bit more info on Rams health going into 2023.There are a few players I’d draft if available,so like any mock draft is when the direction The Rams should go real comes to LIFE!
-I wanted the 2 bigger RBs in the draft.Such as the BYU guy.I believed in The Rams & Mcvay pounding The Table wanting to move up for Bruss is what makes me upset that he didn’t look good at anytime IMO. He was placed at starting RG before getting hurt. Bobby Evans was still in the mix which was upsetting as well. Shelton is a swing C/G because Brian Allen can’t play guard.
Truth is I’m not a Colbie Duarrant Fan.I like the kid & he makes plays all The Time.Was The Rams rookie of the year 2022.I just don’t like the way he misses to many tackles.He got hurt as well early with a Hammy.Kendrick to me will be the better CB IMO & was a steal. Players(drafted late)that a team hits on is where The Rams do well.
—I wanted Coby Bryant from Cinncy. - verdict still out ?Reason was big (strong)enough to play press Corner.Having Jalen on the other side could just come up on weak WR groups.
Then Allgeier would have been the pick instead of Durant.I guess that is why I think The Rams messed up?
—Tutu Atwell never understood w/DJ1 signing & stop gap WR/PR.
(Powell was savior).
—A’ Robinson never understood.WR shouldn’t have been a need. Adding to the pick of Atwell.
—Resigning if Floyd- Comp Pick price & finding an Edge/DE in draft.
—Here we are & IMO The Rams need to Eat there mistakes & find an Edge. CB is a need. Can NEVER pass on a Swing OT(LT).
We have different views . These are just my thoughts & part of what has gone wrong. Thought finding a backup QB — continue.
