So, what is Rams’ 2021 OL strategy, anyway?

[Rams43]

Let’s review recent reports and speculation...

Rams had a mysterious departure of coach Kromer, and rather late in the offseason, at that. Kinda implies a conflict with McVay regarding OL methods and results.

Rams hire a college OL coach in Carberry. McVay seemed excited about the hire, not unlike when he hired Staley the previous year. Implies that ‘new thinking’ regarding OL might be in store.

Rams trade for new QB Stafford. Wouldn’t an improved OL be a great thing for a new QB? One that allows McVay to ‘open his entire playbook’?

Blythe is allowed to walk and no new vet is added as of late March. This surprisingly leaves Rams with glaring hole at C entering draft, something Snead HATES.

Jourdan reports that her Ram sources have hinted that 3 new OL players will probably be brought in, and Jourdan is a very well connected Ram reporter. What to think?

Rumors were swirling about Rams desire to go to more ‘inside power blocking’ and away from ‘outside zone’ blocking on their OL.

Good Center prospects will be there at Rams picks on Day 2, so is it Rams’ plan to simply draft their new starting C and throw him into the fire? That doesn’t seem like typical McVay thinking.

Or are the Rams so confident in their Center bench that they intend to promote one to starter status? Allen, Anchrum, Shelton, or Corbett? Goodness, what a ballsy move THAT would be for the brand new OL coach out of Stanford. Yet the current Rams C posture seems to hint that they might.

Here’s another off the wall thought I read from another poster (BonifayRam). That perhaps the Rams are intending to execute a prearranged player-for-player trade to acquire their starting Center? A non-Center starting OL player (Hav, for example?) for the new starting Center? Perhaps even as late as draft day to possibly catch other teams by surprise?

Lots to think about from the above, huh? I had previously thought that I could kinda predict Rams Center strategy, but anymore I have to say that I can possibly seem them going in 4-5 different directions.

I have immense confidence in Rams FO to have a plan for possessing a quality Center starter for this ‘new’ 2021 Offense. They’ve earned that over the last 4 years.

Sure hope they get this right.

 

[Riverumbbq]

Unlike so many others, I can't qualify fans lack of knowledge for how the front office perceives our OL Center position necessarily as a hole. Sure there are questions, there always are in times of transition, but this doesn't mean there aren't simple answers to our concerns.

As for Jourdan, when she initially mentioned to expect 3 OL players being brought aboard, there wasn't a lot of information as to how the Rams would resolve our poor CAP implications at the time, and being we only have 6 draft picks, it's harder now to imagine half of them going towards the OL when considering our free agent losses across the board along with no OL free agents being acquired. Still, this process is hardly over, Havenstein could still be traded to relieve CAP pressure, and his being moved might allow us to either move up from a current draft position or even swap for a player deemed more necessary. Our current depth at RT and the possibility for drafting another OT all makes this a reasonable exchange.

Allow me to repeat something I mentioned in another thread, ...
While we fans get anxious over these questions, McSnead has a lot more practical knowledge in what our bench players may offer in the near future. Last year at this very same time we were all clamoring over making improvements across the OL, whether it be thru free agency or the draft. Blythe was again the central figure, but there were questions about Edwards & Corbett as well as Havenstein following his dismal 2019 season. The Rams countered by doing nothing, ... except drafting Anchrum in the 7'th round. 2019 and 2020 were tough years for growing & developing a new crop of OL players, and combining this with Goff's inability to quickly read defenses had McVay understandably frustrated. Goff may always require an outstanding OL which can present him with more time to analyze the field, Stafford is a different creature entirely when it comes to confidence, disseminating defenses, and throwing accurately on the move.

I actually have more confidence in the Rams ability to fix the Center position than I currently do with a 5T DE, and this doesn't include bringing Blythe back, ... the Rams have at least seen Corbett, Brewer & Anchrum in practice, as they have with Copeland, Banks & Jonah Williams. We fans haven't seen Corbett or Anchrum at Center, that doesn't mean the Rams haven't, so if we forgo a free agent Center now, i'm not going to panic, although if we pass on a Center during the draft, please forgive me for some nervousness. jmo.

 

[CGI_Ram]

The OL shakeup at Coach... C... yeah this is the biggest puzzle piece for fans.

The Rams patience is encouraging, maybe.

 

[dieterbrock]

It's likely Blythe isnt going anywhere, so it will be a bit of meet the new boss, same as the old boss....

 

[XXXIVwin]

At this point, if the Rams don't select an interior OL with their top pick, I'll be both surprised and pissed.

But I think they will.

 

[Rams4life]

It's likely Blythe isnt going anywhere, so it will be a bit of meet the new boss, same as the old boss....

Dieter I love ya man but please don't say that ever!

 

[XXXIVwin]

Unlike so many others, I can't qualify fans lack of knowledge for how the front office perceives our OL Center position necessarily as a hole. Sure there are questions, there always are in times of transition, but this doesn't mean there aren't simple answers to our concerns.

As for Jourdan, when she initially mentioned to expect 3 OL players being brought aboard, there wasn't a lot of information as to how the Rams would resolve our poor CAP implications at the time, and being we only have 6 draft picks, it's harder now to imagine half of them going towards the OL when considering our free agent losses across the board along with no OL free agents being acquired. Still, this process is hardly over, Havenstein could still be traded to relieve CAP pressure, and his being moved might allow us to either move up from a current draft position or even swap for a player deemed more necessary. Our current depth at RT and the possibility for drafting another OT all makes this a reasonable exchange.

Allow me to repeat something I mentioned in another thread, ...
While we fans get anxious over these questions, McSnead has a lot more practical knowledge in what our bench players may offer in the near future. Last year at this very same time we were all clamoring over making improvements across the OL, whether it be thru free agency or the draft. Blythe was again the central figure, but there were questions about Edwards & Corbett as well as Havenstein following his dismal 2019 season. The Rams countered by doing nothing, ... except drafting Anchrum in the 7'th round. 2019 and 2020 were tough years for growing & developing a new crop of OL players, and combining this with Goff's inability to quickly read defenses had McVay understandably frustrated. Goff may always require an outstanding OL which can present him with more time to analyze the field, Stafford is a different creature entirely when it comes to confidence, disseminating defenses, and throwing accurately on the move.

I actually have more confidence in the Rams ability to fix the Center position than I currently do with a 5T DE, and this doesn't include bringing Blythe back, ... the Rams have at least seen Corbett, Brewer & Anchrum in practice, as they have with Copeland, Banks & Jonah Williams. We fans haven't seen Corbett or Anchrum at Center, that doesn't mean the Rams haven't, so if we forgo a free agent Center now, i'm not going to panic, although if we pass on a Center during the draft, please forgive me for some nervousness. jmo.

Yeah, most all of us were shocked when the Rams completely passed on OL in the 2020 draft (except for Anchrum in the 7th.)

IMHO there's just no way Rams will stay pat AGAIN on OL in 2021 draft.

 

[PARAM]

I rewatched the first 6 games of the 2019 season (condensed version; fast forwarding to watch just the offense). I don't see why everybody was so down on Allen. He stood up his guy in the run game and pass pro most of the time. And he often got to the second level to block a LB. Games 7 and 8 (after Noteboom went down) the OL looked worse than the first 6 weeks. And Allen went out halfway through week 9 where nobody on our OL looked good against Pittsburgh. I don't what his health condition is currrently....whether he's been able to maintain his weight or even add some but that may be their plan, as well as drafting a rookie to eventually take over. Whether Allen is up to it or not, they would be wise to have a rookie to develop as he's a free agent after this season anyway.

Note: The first 5 weeks of 2019, before Noteboom was injured and then later Allen, the Rams offense averaged 28 PPG. We haven't done that in any 5 game stretch since.

 

[bubbaramfan]

Its been noted many times in different threads that NFL teams rarely start a rookie at center. That may be true, but Detroit did it just a few seasons ago with Stafford. He's going to be under a center he's new to again, no matter what, why not another rookie? Stafford has coached up a starting rookie center before, why not in 2021?

I have no doubt McVay, Snead and Carberry have had lengthy film reviews and discussions about the OL and c position before they even brought Stafford on board. And then included him into the discussion and came about a plan.

From the comments of Snead and McVay this off season, the late release of Kromer and hiring of Carberry, the Rams starting C is either in house (I lean towards Anchrum, who I believe will climb the OL pecking order quickly in any event), or a draft pick. To think they would bring in a new QB with no thought of upgrading his protection is ludicrous.

 

[Riverumbbq]

Its been noted many times in different threads that NFL teams rarely start a rookie at center. That may be true, but Detroit did it just a few seasons ago with Stafford. He's going to be under a center he's new to again, no matter what, why not another rookie? Stafford has coached up a starting rookie center before, why not in 2021?

I have no doubt McVay, Snead and Carberry have had lengthy film reviews and discussions about the OL and c position before they even brought Stafford on board. And then included him into the discussion and came about a plan.

From the comments of Snead and McVay this off season, the late release of Kromer and hiring of Carberry, the Rams starting C is either in house (I lean towards Anchrum, who I believe will climb the OL pecking order quickly in any event), or a draft pick. To think they would bring in a new QB with no thought of upgrading his protection is ludicrous.

While I agree with most of this, it should also be mentioned that Ragnow was the 20'th pick in the first round, a far cry from where we will be drafting first. Still, there should be plus talent available even where we draft in the 2'nd & 3'rd rounds.

 

[FarNorth]

Here’s another off the wall thought I read from another poster (BonifayRam). That perhaps the Rams are intending to execute a prearranged player-for-player trade to acquire their starting Center? A non-Center starting OL player (Hav, for example?) for the new starting Center? Perhaps even as late as draft day to possibly catch other teams by surprise?
....
Sure hope they get this right.

This is just a great post!!

Just to comment on one of the many possibilities: a potential trade of Havenstein (or a guard or two) does plausibly fit together some pieces of the puzzle.

Trading Hav straight up for a center wouldn't require new money from the Rams. It might even free up some cap.

It's also a plausible type of exchange at least in theory. Another team might well have more need for a capable, if not perfect, right tackle than their own center or backup center. Rams of course would have to be ok with someone else filling the right tackle spot.

Could also be an exchange of one or more guards for a backup center who wouldn't break the salary cap bank. Either way- -Hav or someone else-- Rams could acquire a center for 2021 as a bridge to then draft or develop their center of the future.

The scenario of maybe trading Havenstein might also explain Kromer's unexpected departure. Letting two of his starting players go-- Blythe walking, and Havenstein traded-- might cause a coach to walk. Especially one such as Kromer who can almost certainly get another gig in the NFL.

Whether this is the correct assembly of the puzzle is of course another matter.

 

[MachS]

Per PFF:

It's interesting that Blythe has the highest run blocking grade for zone schemes, while his pass blocking is among the worst.

And Reiter has the highest pass blocking grade and the 4th highest run blocking grade for zone schemes.

Not a huge upgrade like Hudson/Andrews/Linsley/Andrews, but he should be relatively cheap and should be a slight upgrade. Wouldn't be mad if we brought in Reiter but I still want to draft a dominant, powerful C early. I have a gut feeling we might not though just like last year.

 

[Rams43]

I have corollary question.

IF the Rams are pursuing a player-for-player trade to acquire a quality starting Center, which player are you willing to part with from our starting OL?

Big Whit
Boom
Edwards
Corbett
Hav

I mean, there will be some pain and angst in such a trade. ‘Course, a good starting Center is pretty darned valuable, too.

Hav would be my clear preference, tbh.

 

[Riverumbbq]

I have corollary question.

IF the Rams are pursuing a player-for-player trade to acquire a quality starting Center, which player are you willing to part with from our starting OL?

Big Whit
Boom
Edwards
Corbett
Hav

I mean, there will be some pain and angst in such a trade. ‘Course, a good starting Center is pretty darned valuable, too.

Hav would be my clear preference, tbh.

Depending on who we are looking at, i'd consider Hav, a 2021 mid-round draft pick and a mid-round 2022 draft pick. Those other names stay put.

 

[Merlin]

Rams may go nuts on the OL. It's possible. LT of the future might be there at 57. Or they could take Meinerz who would play guard year one. Or they could get a center into at least round 3 range. In fact if they get OT at 57 they're still gonna draft a center. Same possibly with Meinerz.

So I wouldn't doubt a few OL being drafted as Jourdan suggested a while back. Things seem lined up for that to happen if it's the Rams' priorities.

 

[BonifayRam]

I have corollary question.

IF the Rams are pursuing a player-for-player trade to acquire a quality starting Center, which player are you willing to part with from our starting OL?

Big Whit
Boom
Edwards
Corbett
Hav

I mean, there will be some pain and angst in such a trade. ‘Course, a good starting Center is pretty darned valuable, too.

Hav would be my clear preference, tbh.

I would say there are more teams in need of a starting RT like Havenstein than teams needing a starting center. The 9ers had five centers under contract & still managed to break four of them in 2020.

 

[Mikey Ram]

Just read that Blythe has signed with the Chiefs.. Sorry if I missed this

 

[So Ram]

Yeah, most all of us were shocked when the Rams completely passed on OL in the 2020 draft (except for Anchrum in the 7th.)

IMHO there's just no way Rams will stay pat AGAIN on OL in 2021 draft.

I wasn’t one of them for sure !!

Have lost like 2 Rod Bets from prediction on The Offensive Line.

Anchrum was a SOLID draft pick,especially for a 7th Rd.

If The Rams don’t make that trade for 3 7th rd picks ? The Rams Draft Zero
Offensive Lineman.

I go back all the way to 2017,were McSnead had ZERO back ups.In 2018

I lost another bet on Darrell Williams making The Rams roster with BubbaRam. I still say it was by default again.

When it comes to The Rams & Offensive Lineman I think less not more as far as numbers.

 

[So Ram]

Let’s review recent reports and speculation...

Rams had a mysterious departure of coach Kromer, and rather late in the offseason, at that. Kinda implies a conflict with McVay regarding OL methods and results.

Rams hire a college OL coach in Carberry. McVay seemed excited about the hire, not unlike when he hired Staley the previous year. Implies that ‘new thinking’ regarding OL might be in store.

Rams trade for new QB Stafford. Wouldn’t an improved OL be a great thing for a new QB? One that allows McVay to ‘open his entire playbook’?

Blythe is allowed to walk and no new vet is added as of late March. This surprisingly leaves Rams with glaring hole at C entering draft, something Snead HATES.

Jourdan reports that her Ram sources have hinted that 3 new OL players will probably be brought in, and Jourdan is a very well connected Ram reporter. What to think?

Rumors were swirling about Rams desire to go to more ‘inside power blocking’ and away from ‘outside zone’ blocking on their OL.

Good Center prospects will be there at Rams picks on Day 2, so is it Rams’ plan to simply draft their new starting C and throw him into the fire? That doesn’t seem like typical McVay thinking.

Or are the Rams so confident in their Center bench that they intend to promote one to starter status? Allen, Anchrum, Shelton, or Corbett? Goodness, what a ballsy move THAT would be for the brand new OL coach out of Stanford. Yet the current Rams C posture seems to hint that they might.

Here’s another off the wall thought I read from another poster (BonifayRam). That perhaps the Rams are intending to execute a prearranged player-for-player trade to acquire their starting Center? A non-Center starting OL player (Hav, for example?) for the new starting Center? Perhaps even as late as draft day to possibly catch other teams by surprise?

Lots to think about from the above, huh? I had previously thought that I could kinda predict Rams Center strategy, but anymore I have to say that I can possibly seem them going in 4-5 different directions.

I have immense confidence in Rams FO to have a plan for possessing a quality Center starter for this ‘new’ 2021 Offense. They’ve earned that over the last 4 years.

Sure hope they get this right.

well go back to year 1 & 2. Then if you look at 2020 it shows what SOLDID depth The Rams have Right Now.

For ALL the Brian Allen HATERS myself included.Just look at the start of 2019 & it shows you how far The Rams have come as FAR as NFL experience since then. Even Brian Allen who deserves to start in 2021 than in 2019

 

[BonifayRam]

Let’s review recent reports and speculation...

Rams had a mysterious departure of coach Kromer, and rather late in the offseason, at that. Kinda implies a conflict with McVay regarding OL methods and results.

Rams hire a college OL coach in Carberry. McVay seemed excited about the hire, not unlike when he hired Staley the previous year. Implies that ‘new thinking’ regarding OL might be in store.

Rams trade for new QB Stafford. Wouldn’t an improved OL be a great thing for a new QB? One that allows McVay to ‘open his entire playbook’?

Blythe is allowed to walk and no new vet is added as of late March. This surprisingly leaves Rams with glaring hole at C entering draft, something Snead HATES.

Jourdan reports that her Ram sources have hinted that 3 new OL players will probably be brought in, and Jourdan is a very well connected Ram reporter. What to think?

Rumors were swirling about Rams desire to go to more ‘inside power blocking’ and away from ‘outside zone’ blocking on their OL.

Good Center prospects will be there at Rams picks on Day 2, so is it Rams’ plan to simply draft their new starting C and throw him into the fire? That doesn’t seem like typical McVay thinking.

Or are the Rams so confident in their Center bench that they intend to promote one to starter status? Allen, Anchrum, Shelton, or Corbett? Goodness, what a ballsy move THAT would be for the brand new OL coach out of Stanford. Yet the current Rams C posture seems to hint that they might.

Here’s another off the wall thought I read from another poster (BonifayRam). That perhaps the Rams are intending to execute a prearranged player-for-player trade to acquire their starting Center? A non-Center starting OL player (Hav, for example?) for the new starting Center? Perhaps even as late as draft day to possibly catch other teams by surprise?

Lots to think about from the above, huh? I had previously thought that I could kinda predict Rams Center strategy, but anymore I have to say that I can possibly seem them going in 4-5 different directions.

I have immense confidence in Rams FO to have a plan for possessing a quality Center starter for this ‘new’ 2021 Offense. They’ve earned that over the last 4 years.

Sure hope they get this right.

Now we here @ ROD know the OL strategy for this upcoming season does not include Austin Blythe our starting OC the last two seasons.

I still believe that IF one or two NFL teams came out of the draft next month still badly in need of a very good starting RT & are willing to trade off their veteran starting OC it will be strongly considered by Snead.

Snead will go into the draft knowing that he has three OL'ers who will be UFA's in 11 months. All three could be considered starters in 2021 RG Austin Corbett, LT Joseph Noteboom & OC Brian Allen. Snead already has several replacements in line for RG & OC (Corbett & Allen) whereas Noteboom (if not resigned) is more of an issue.

Sneads is going to draft two Ol'ers in this upcoming draft. Center is sure to be the priority targetted position. Even with the possible departures in 2022, this Ol cadre should remain strong. It sure appears that 40 yr old Whitworth plans to be here next season even if Noteboom supplants him later this season.

The only question to be answered is who will come out of the Training Camp battle for Blythe's post...either Allen or Shelton are the main 2 starting prospects @ OC. Both have been banging around now entering their 4th season. I would presume there is sure to be a drafted highly prized rookie right in there with them fighting it out too. Not a bad position to be in.

The other four OL posts that surround the OC post remain the same now for two seasons. There's your continuity Snead was speaking of. Both Allen & Shelton have been here together since 2019. Snead Mcvay knows their capabilities.

LT-Whitworth/Noteboom
LG-Edwards/Brewer/Demby
OC-Shelton/Allen/Rookie
RG-Corbett/Anchrum
RT-Havenstein/Evans