By Chuck Chapman
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With the release of 2012 5th round pick Rokevious Watkins, apparently due to the inability to meet conditioning and/or weight requirements, the St. Louis Rams find themselves a bit short on experienced depth at guard. As the Rams training camp officially starts at 3:30 pm CST on Thursday, it wouldn't be surprising if another guard was signed soon.
The remaining offensive guards heading into camp are Harvey Dahl, Shelley Smith, Chris Williams, Brandon Washington, Barrett Jones, and Ryan Lee. There are only three players with NFL experience: Dahl (7 years), Smith (4 years) and Williams (6 years).
Harvey Dahl will be coming off of bicep surgery, after missing the final two games last year, but should be ready to go. He will continue to bring toughness and leadership to the right side of the offensive line.
The front runner for the left OG appears to be veteran Chris Williams, who came to the Rams in October 2012 and played several games last year at guard. He was ultimately re-signed by the Rams to a 1-year deal this offseason, showing the Rams liked what they saw in limited action. Originally drafted in 2008 as a blind-side protector by the Bears, Williams may have found a home on the inside and should see plenty of first team reps.
Also in the mix for first team reps will be Shelly Smith. Smith played in eleven games, starting six in 2012. He was part of a unit that did not allow a sack the last two games. A smaller and quicker guard who may fit well in an up-tempo offense, look for Smith to challenge for a starting position before it is all said and done.
Of the players with no NFL experience, rookie OG/C Barrett Jones appears to be the most likely candidate to leapfrog Williams/Smith for an opportunity to start. The Rams made Jones their 4th round pick in 2013, and the highly decorated lineman was considered a strong draft day value by many. It is expected that Jones should be available in a few weeks after rehabbing a winter foot surgery.
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With the release of 2012 5th round pick Rokevious Watkins, apparently due to the inability to meet conditioning and/or weight requirements, the St. Louis Rams find themselves a bit short on experienced depth at guard. As the Rams training camp officially starts at 3:30 pm CST on Thursday, it wouldn't be surprising if another guard was signed soon.
The remaining offensive guards heading into camp are Harvey Dahl, Shelley Smith, Chris Williams, Brandon Washington, Barrett Jones, and Ryan Lee. There are only three players with NFL experience: Dahl (7 years), Smith (4 years) and Williams (6 years).
Harvey Dahl will be coming off of bicep surgery, after missing the final two games last year, but should be ready to go. He will continue to bring toughness and leadership to the right side of the offensive line.
The front runner for the left OG appears to be veteran Chris Williams, who came to the Rams in October 2012 and played several games last year at guard. He was ultimately re-signed by the Rams to a 1-year deal this offseason, showing the Rams liked what they saw in limited action. Originally drafted in 2008 as a blind-side protector by the Bears, Williams may have found a home on the inside and should see plenty of first team reps.
Also in the mix for first team reps will be Shelly Smith. Smith played in eleven games, starting six in 2012. He was part of a unit that did not allow a sack the last two games. A smaller and quicker guard who may fit well in an up-tempo offense, look for Smith to challenge for a starting position before it is all said and done.
Of the players with no NFL experience, rookie OG/C Barrett Jones appears to be the most likely candidate to leapfrog Williams/Smith for an opportunity to start. The Rams made Jones their 4th round pick in 2013, and the highly decorated lineman was considered a strong draft day value by many. It is expected that Jones should be available in a few weeks after rehabbing a winter foot surgery.
