Yeah I'm thinking they must really like Donnal too. And it looks like he'll probably be the first guy off the bench for OT/OG.
Agree.
Well we all know Andrew Donnal story from last season....started the season very close to joining the WWC's then by the bye he had earned the #6 OL position then by week 11 he was starting. I still think the reason we read up to the point of the GRob trade about just two RT's (Brown & GRob) was Andrew was still involved with catching up from his late January hip surgery. As of late I have seen some photos of #64 in the position of RT.
I still believe the competition for the starting RT post remains up in the air due to the above. But I have no dog in the fight. I like all three of our RT's myself. In addition I believe that Both Jamon & Andrew can be a good starting RT in the NFL. Fact is both can play 3 to 4 OL posts if need be so it does not hurt us one way or another which of these two gets the start. One will be the starter & the other the all important #6 OL'er.
Interesting the Grob was traded after his demotion to backup RT in OTA's. Perhaps the new coaching staff did not like his reaction. He needed to go.
Looks like the starting 5 is set for the OL. Backup battles will be interesting. Donnal is set for a backup spot, Wichmann looks set, after those 2 will be some interesting battles. Rhaney was kept, Blythe was brought in, Williams and Pace look like they are battling for maybe 1 spot. Would think the rams will keep there eye on the waiver wire for players that may come available after the final cuts.
GRob's demotion has came from 3 different HC's in a very short 6 month period of time. He was removed from starting LT post by Fisher, Bones & then McVay. I would think that most NFL players in GRob's position would get a clue after 3 demotion events but as we can see he felt more highly of himself & it did not go well for him.
The right side OL is still undergoing remodeling so I can not agree fully with the thought that the OL is set. In addition the OC post is an area of great concern due to the damage back of Sullivan & the hitting & heavy lifting of TC has yet to start so I still have my doubts on Sullivan's backs ability to stand up to the NFL starting regiment. I am in "Show Me" state of mind on John Sullivan. If JS can return to his previous yrs pre 2 back surgeries then his achievement will give this offense a tremendous uplift!
After that it leads me to the reserve center post prospects Rhaney- Blythe- Eldrenkamp & possibly Wichmann. I have no ideal how this is going to turn out. Rhaney is in his 4th season as a 7th rd pick. Started 1 game out of 32 & it was @ OG it was awful. He has put on some poundage up to 6-1 307 lbs. Sure appears to be a pure OC in the NFL . DR will be a UFA when the season ends. Austin Blythe is
smaller than DR & like DR was a 7th rd pick too. But AB played @ Iowa with Donnal..good plus. Did start 1 NFL game @ OC before being cut. AB would seem to fit what Kromer wants to do in the interior.
Jake Eldrenkamp could be a big surprise here plus he can play both OG posts.Wichmann status is unknown at the moment. His rookie & 2nd seasons involved high ankle sprains that hurt his performances. In his 3rd season now he should be Kromer's swing OG. Not so sure Kromer will keep his eyes on the WWC or be close to a priority, Rams have a good overall young cadre of talent here.
