Should Rams Switch Avila to Center?

[bubbaramfan]

Talking heads here in LA discussing Rams OL and moves they could make. Shelton a FA and maybe weakest link. Let Noteboom walk, resign Dotson, draft a G and sign a stud FA.

I'm not a big fan of changing what works, but Rams look like they're gonna have to make some moves.

Like to hear some ROD input on this.

 

[JimY53]

Talking heads here in LA discussing Rams OL and moves they could make. Shelton a FA and maybe weakest link. Let Noteboom walk, resign Dotson, draft a G and sign a stud FA.

Only if there is a stellar guard the draft ... but barring that, I think leaving his at guard for the next ten years would be smarter.

But in any event want the best 5 on the field ... don't care who or where.

Shelton's value is he can stay healthy. But his pressures, hits and hurries allowed are subpar.

 

[oldnotdead]

Shelton did fine as a center. Why move Avila to center and create a huge hole at LG? OG is far more important in the run blocking scheme. These same talking heads had the Rams only winning 3-5 games last year. If they were going to play Avila at center they would have done so from day one.

The real question is what will happen on the right side of the OL. Will they be able to keep Dotson? Are they willing to pay Havenstein $14.7 M just for 2024? Why completely destroy the OL by moving Avila? Makes no sense. Remember McVay wants continuity on the OL. The talking heads proved last year they don't know shit.

 

[Rambitious1]

No

 

[OldSchool]

If it aint broke

just my $0.02

 

[OntarioRam]

I believe Avila played center more often than guard in college, so he could very likely make the switch. But he was so good at guard for us as a rookie that I'd be hesitant to mess with that. I am with others in this thread when they say don't mess with that works.

I'd be curious where he feels most comfortable and what his more natural position is. Has he ever said? If he prefers center, then moving him I think gets a lot more credence, particularly if a top tier guard falls into our laps at the draft. I still wouldn't do it though.

 

[WestCoastRam]

Why move Avila to center and create a huge hole at LG? OG is far more important in the run blocking scheme.

I agree.

 

[dang]

Talking heads here in LA discussing Rams OL and moves they could make. Shelton a FA and maybe weakest link. Let Noteboom walk, resign Dotson, draft a G and sign a stud FA.

I'm not a big fan of changing what works, but Rams look like they're gonna have to make some moves.

Like to hear some ROD input on this.

I want the Rams to upgrade OC. Shelton is good depth but not the roadgrader I’d like to see in the lineup. So either Draft a stud OC to replace Shelton or a stud OG to allow Avila to move to OC. I’ll leave it up to the Rams coaches to explore options and choose the best

 

[WestCoastRam]

My head is going to explode! Guys, guard is by far the more important position. It's nice to have a good center but it's a luxury compared to the other spots on the line.

Draft a center, keep the all pro guard where he is where he will make a bigger impact on each and every play of the game.

 

[Merlin]

Boom sent packing. Shelton shown the door in FA.

Dotson might get done, think the Rams will try but unless he signs early with us seems like he might get a Brinks truck from some other team. Rams know him well by now having played him so many weeks. So I think they have a good bead on who he is and whether they can trust him to play hard once he's paid.

I think they take a Center this year in rounds 3-5.

LT no idea but it feels to me like things would have to line up for it to happen. For us to get a LT in FA one would have to hit the market, and in the draft one they really like has to fall to us. Neither seems particularly likely. But it sure would be nice.

 

[sloramfan]

talking heads gonna talk...

if it works don't fix it...

go rams

slo

 

[Memento]

Only if there is a stellar guard the draft ... but barring that, I think leaving his at guard for the next ten years would be smarter.

But in any event want the best 5 on the field ... don't care who or where.

Shelton's value is he can stay healthy. But his pressures, hits and hurries allowed are subpar.

I keep saying his name: Cooper. Beebe.

 

[Corbin]

Boom sent packing. Shelton shown the door in FA.

Dotson might get done, think the Rams will try but unless he signs early with us seems like he might get a Brinks truck from some other team. Rams know him well by now having played him so many weeks. So I think they have a good bead on who he is and whether they can trust him to play hard once he's paid.

I think they take a Center this year in rounds 3-5.

LT no idea but it feels to me like things would have to line up for it to happen. For us to get a LT in FA one would have to hit the market, and in the draft one they really like has to fall to us. Neither seems particularly likely. But it sure would be nice.

Jackson Powers Jackson is hands down who I want up there at C. I know we won’t draft him, we don’t draft centers that high or value them to much.

Realistically Nugent from Michigan is the likely answer, 3-5 round.

 

[Conciliator]

Talking heads here in LA discussing Rams OL and moves they could make. Shelton a FA and maybe weakest link. Let Noteboom walk, resign Dotson, draft a G and sign a stud FA.

I'm not a big fan of changing what works, but Rams look like they're gonna have to make some moves.

Like to hear some ROD input on this.

Yes.

 

[JimY53]

Shelton did fine as a center. Why move Avila to center and create a huge hole at LG?

Shelton weak link. Someone should upgrade. Not saying who. Could be a rookie, or Avila if Rams draft stud guard. But chances ofthat ae remote.

Why completely destroy the OL by moving Avila? Makes no sense.

Not sure that assumption is warranted. It wouldn't destroy anything if they have a better option.

i am not in favor of it, only open to the possibility if the best 5 would be with Avila a center as determined by McVay, Wendell, etc. I don't know if Avila would be better or worse at center. All I know is he was an excellent guard for a rookie.

 

[blackbart]

Biadasz is a UFA

Van Pran from Georgia is a 3rd round projection but can you really hand C over to an untested rookie???

87% comparable to Avila, I’d take an Avila clone without question.

Sedrick Van Pran Center Georgia | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report

Rating: 84.3 Rank: #19 Forty: 5.20 Sedrick Van Pran has proven to be a robust center with a promising blend of athleticism, strength, and football IQ. His tenure at Georgia showcased his cap...

www.nfldraftbuzz.com

 

[JimY53]

What if Rams drafted a guy like Trey Smith -- and don't know if there is one --- he's a good guard, 6th rounder but could be anything 3-4-5 ... but a fine player. Say Rams drafted that kind of guy and he dominates in camp and simply earns a spot.

So, if Dotson is RG, this rookie guy is playing great ... moving Avila would make sense.

However --- odds of that are low. Higher odds would be getting a center in 3rd round who can be upgrade

 

[Merlin]

Biadasz is a UFA

What I didn't like about Biadasz when he was coming out was what felt like too many snaps where he got pushed into the pocket in pass pro. He'd entertain the DL with a nice dance as he sauteed backwards. But with our OGs next to him I have to imagine he'd be good to go. Thing is I don't think he's a center I'd pay for.

Now the kid from the Dolphins. That's a center I'd pay for. But of course he got hurt.

 

[Rambitious1]

I say get Creed Humphrey……….oh wait….

 

[ReekofRams]

Sign Dotson and Shelton, draft a center, dump Allen.