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Top 5 St. Louis Rams position battles for 2014
By Ted Bryant
http://cover32.com/rams/2014/06/27/top-5-st-louis-rams-position-battles-for-2014/
My apologies to those of you gritting your teeth and sweating yesterday over the absence of a weekly Top 5 list that would never come.
I am in full-on World Cup mode and let my blind patriotism (U-S-A! U-S-A! U-S-A!) consume any regard for responsibility. However, we’re back today and our list ranks the top position battles as the team takes a brief respite before training camp. There aren’t many notable battles this year (which is a good thing), but of those that exist, here are the ones worth watching:
5. Running back no. 1 – Zac Stacy vs. Tre Mason
This one will likely inspire some criticism, but with Mason on record saying he’s been told to prepare like a starter it’s difficult to tell how carries will get split up. Stacy’s breakout rookie season last year gives him the edge at this point, but training camp will do a lot in revealing how the committee will play out. Personally, I’m betting it’s a pretty significant split.
4. Left guard – Greg Robinson vs. himself
If they can stay healthy, the Rams’ offensive line looks poised to become one of the major strengths on the team. Robinson, the no. 2 overall pick in May’s draft, will certainly play a factor in that. Assuming left tackle Jake Long returns healthy, as the team expects, Robinson will play next to him at left guard. There is a learning curve that comes with switching positions, and Robinson went through a bit of that at OTAs. He’ll look to use training camp to solidify his position.
3. Defensive tackle no. 3 – Aaron Donald vs. Alex Carrington
The rookie Donald may challenge for a starting role sooner rather than later if things go well, but for now we’ll lump him into the “first off the bench” role with the free agent signee Carrington. Donald’s pass rushing potential looks limitless, and the Rams will likely give him every opportunity to embrace the role. However, Carrington thrived in Buffalo in spot duty and brings a level of experience that Donald lacks.
2. Wide receiver no. 1 – Kenny Britt vs. Austin Pettis vs. Chris Givens vs. Brian Quick
Outside of quarterback Sam Bradford’s progress, the majority of camp eyes will be trained on the receiving corps. Tough to tell who will emerge as starters from the group, especially at no. 1, but the group will have to improve upon a dismal performance on 2013. Early reports suggest Britt’s presence has been positive and both Quick and Givens have made strides. We’ll see in a few short weeks.
1. Free safety – Rodney McLeod vs. Matt Daniels
This one won’t be nearly as exciting as the others on the list, but it might be the most important. The Rams appear to be comfortable moving forward with their current crop of safeties, meaning one of these two will have to develop into a starting-caliber player. McLeod likely has the nod over Daniels a month out of camp, but the difference in talent levels between the two remains to be seen.
By Ted Bryant
http://cover32.com/rams/2014/06/27/top-5-st-louis-rams-position-battles-for-2014/
My apologies to those of you gritting your teeth and sweating yesterday over the absence of a weekly Top 5 list that would never come.
I am in full-on World Cup mode and let my blind patriotism (U-S-A! U-S-A! U-S-A!) consume any regard for responsibility. However, we’re back today and our list ranks the top position battles as the team takes a brief respite before training camp. There aren’t many notable battles this year (which is a good thing), but of those that exist, here are the ones worth watching:
5. Running back no. 1 – Zac Stacy vs. Tre Mason
This one will likely inspire some criticism, but with Mason on record saying he’s been told to prepare like a starter it’s difficult to tell how carries will get split up. Stacy’s breakout rookie season last year gives him the edge at this point, but training camp will do a lot in revealing how the committee will play out. Personally, I’m betting it’s a pretty significant split.
4. Left guard – Greg Robinson vs. himself
If they can stay healthy, the Rams’ offensive line looks poised to become one of the major strengths on the team. Robinson, the no. 2 overall pick in May’s draft, will certainly play a factor in that. Assuming left tackle Jake Long returns healthy, as the team expects, Robinson will play next to him at left guard. There is a learning curve that comes with switching positions, and Robinson went through a bit of that at OTAs. He’ll look to use training camp to solidify his position.
3. Defensive tackle no. 3 – Aaron Donald vs. Alex Carrington
The rookie Donald may challenge for a starting role sooner rather than later if things go well, but for now we’ll lump him into the “first off the bench” role with the free agent signee Carrington. Donald’s pass rushing potential looks limitless, and the Rams will likely give him every opportunity to embrace the role. However, Carrington thrived in Buffalo in spot duty and brings a level of experience that Donald lacks.
2. Wide receiver no. 1 – Kenny Britt vs. Austin Pettis vs. Chris Givens vs. Brian Quick
Outside of quarterback Sam Bradford’s progress, the majority of camp eyes will be trained on the receiving corps. Tough to tell who will emerge as starters from the group, especially at no. 1, but the group will have to improve upon a dismal performance on 2013. Early reports suggest Britt’s presence has been positive and both Quick and Givens have made strides. We’ll see in a few short weeks.
1. Free safety – Rodney McLeod vs. Matt Daniels
This one won’t be nearly as exciting as the others on the list, but it might be the most important. The Rams appear to be comfortable moving forward with their current crop of safeties, meaning one of these two will have to develop into a starting-caliber player. McLeod likely has the nod over Daniels a month out of camp, but the difference in talent levels between the two remains to be seen.
