What happened to our OL?

[fearsomefour]

Two things.

First, Corbett with the Browns is a good example of a coaching staff that was clueless as to player development. They were ruining the guy. Rams are just the opposite. Rams coaches excel in putting players in best possible positions and quickly developing them. There are former Ram players all around the league that are evidence of that.

The other thing is that I suspect that Rams will prefer to rely on their depth players on OL to develop rather than trading for someone outside. Maybe a pickup after final cuts of a player they think promising.

Anyway, I have zero worries about losing Bruss for this season.

It sucks because of the lost time in terms of development.
But, hopefully, he can follow the Allen track.
Get stronger through the process and time of recovery.
Take the time to really understand the offense, schemes and execution of his role.
Long term, I think Bruss certainly shows promise.
I was hoping he could step in right away and start.....but, that wasn't going to happen. But, he wasn't terrible by any stretch in his first action.
Noteboom, Allen, Edwards.....the Rams didn't really rush any of these guys. They took time to develop them.
I would have had Kolone gone nearly as soon as he arrived.
The Rams took their time and it appears he has improved greatly.
Anchrum is another player they have taken time to develop.
Its more of an old school approach with the OL and I get it.

 

[“Turbo set!”]

Concern level rising.

 

[AvengerRam]

Concern is a reasonable reaction to the unknown.

We have not seen how Noteboom/Edwards/Allen/Shelton/Havenstein will perform as a unit. Two of those five players were back-ups last year (though we did get a pretty good look at Noteboom in spot duty, including the playoff game at Tampa), so we've never seen this combination operate.

It is also fair to be concerned about the depth, particularly with the loss of Logan Bruss.

There is one thing, though, that, at the moment, makes me less concerned: the Rams have NOT scrambled to acquire a veteran.

We see teams doing so this time of year. Typically, that means (1) they have an spot regarded by the coaches as a problem, and (2) they're willing to take a shot on a past-his-prime veteran (the only type of veterans that are going to be available at this time of year, barring a significant trade).

The fact that the Rams seem content with their top 7-8 OL at this point gives me hope.

 

[bubbaramfan]

We did see starters vs Rams 1st team D in TC and they held up well. They think they have at least three who can step in if need be and not lose continuity. Anchrum, Jackson and Acuri. I would also put in Brewer.

I still worry Allen and Shelton beside each other is smallish and may get pushed around.

 

[BonifayRam]

Yeah, I had high hopes for Snyder even as a potential backup center, but that opportunity has been seized by Jeremiah Kolone, who has showcased he's more effective as a Center then Guard and did showcase some of that ability with the now defunct AAF League with the San Diego Fleet.

This year Kolone has been given the opportunity at Center and has looked solid during OTA's, training camp and thus far in two preseason games. Kolone could make the final 53 offering a backup Center option in case something happens to both Allen & Shelton as I believe if Allen went down, they would still move Shelton to Center & bring in Anchrum for RG.

​

I took the time to watch Jeremiah Kolone for the 2 preseason games....I am very concerned den.

JK can not block anybody on the second level, just way too slow. It's obvious he can not make the appropriate line call adjustments before the snap. One very big reason for the ongoing mess in the OL. Another big issue JK can not effectively perform one of the main center activities of keeping his head on a swivel. It's not there.

When he does not have anyone to block he just stands looking downfield & rarely helps out any of his other OL'ers who are suffering from his lack of line calls.

At this point den, I would NOT award JK an MR53 position under any circumstances. I would waive him & sign him to back the PS. No chance any other team is going to sign him.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Now there need to be changes in OL plans since the loss of Ram's top draft selection.

Here are my suggestions:

(#1)- If I were Carberry, I would promote Chandler Brewer to 2nd team OC immediately in practice since Carberry still has the luxury of having 2 healthy centers Allen & Shelton on the MR53. Get CB all the 2nd team reps on the back of this 3rd yr versatile, who's been here with McVay's system now since 2019, CB was a long-time starting interior college OG, is smart & knows the OL calls.

(#2)-The versatile Tremayne Anchrum now becomes the main reserve Swing OG on game day & primarily working the RG role for the now MIA Bruss.

(#3)-The next objective is to concentrate heavily on Grooming Rookie Jack Snyder as the main prospective candidate to be our future center/Swing OG Coleman Shelton.

Reasons:
When you analyze this OL unit, Carberry has many OT reserves he has been working on interior posts during Training Camp, OTA's & now well into preseason like Jackson/ Anchrum/ Arcuri & Snyder. Even both his starting OG's has played OT posts in college, particularly David Edwards. Carberry's Main concerns are on the interior!

Carberry has a priority to ensure he has interior OL'ers that have time with this system on the MR53 meaning Chandler Brewer as his #8 & Jack Snyder as his #9. Then plan to have Swing OT AJ Arcuri, OT Max Pircher & OC Jeremiah Kolone on the PS.

NOTE: The hardest decision is the call between Arcuri & Snyder because Rookie AJ Arcuri does show promise, but he is a pure OT ...there is no need for another OT on the MR53 @ this time when you have a dominant OT-loaded OL roster. Jack Snyder will be an interior OL & he is greatly needed & worth the investment of time.

 

[den-the-coach]

I took the time to watch Jeremiah Kolone for the 2 preseason games....I am very concerned den.

JK can not block anybody on the second level, just way too slow. It's obvious he can not make the appropriate line call adjustments before the snap. One very big reason for the ongoing mess in the OL. Another big issue JK can not effectively perform one of the main center activities of keeping his head on a swivel. It's not there.

When he does not have anyone to block he just stands looking downfield & rarely helps out any of his other OL'ers who are suffering from his lack of line calls.

At this point den, I would NOT award JK an MR53 position under any circumstances. I would waive him & sign him to back the PS. No chance any other team is going to sign him.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Now there need to be changes in OL plans since the loss of Ram's top draft selection.

Here are my suggestions:

(#1)- If I were Carberry, I would promote Chandler Brewer to 2nd team OC immediately in practice since Carberry still has the luxury of having 2 healthy centers Allen & Shelton on the MR53. Get CB all the 2nd team reps on the back of this 3rd yr versatile, who's been here with McVay's system now since 2019, CB was a long-time starting interior college OG, is smart & knows the OL calls.

(#2)-The versatile Tremayne Anchrum now becomes the main reserve Swing OG on game day & primarily working the RG role for the now MIA Bruss.

(#3)-The next objective is to concentrate heavily on Grooming Rookie Jack Snyder as the main prospective candidate to be our future center/Swing OG Coleman Shelton.

Reasons:
When you analyze this OL unit, Carberry has many OT reserves he has been working on interior posts during Training Camp, OTA's & now well into preseason like Jackson/ Anchrum/ Arcuri & Snyder. Even both his starting OG's has played OT posts in college, particularly David Edwards. Carberry's Main concerns are on the interior!

Carberry has a priority to ensure he has interior OL'ers that have time with this system on the MR53 meaning Chandler Brewer as his #8 & Jack Snyder as his #9. Then plan to have Swing OT AJ Arcuri, OT Max Pircher & OC Jeremiah Kolone on the PS.

NOTE: The hardest decision is the call between Arcuri & Snyder because Rookie AJ Arcuri does show promise, but he is a pure OT ...there is no need for another OT on the MR53 @ this time when you have a dominant OT-loaded OL roster. Jack Snyder will be an interior OL & he is greatly needed & worth the investment of time.

As to Kolone you and I are seeing the same thing, but his snaps have been good and McVay has called him out. I agree, that Kolone never gets to the second level, plus seems to look around instead of aiding others along the line, but we also have to factor in the line calls.

In the first preseason game, Snyder did get some snaps at Center, not sure if he received an opportunity at Center against Houston. I do believe Arcuri might be kept, but concur that he's a Tackle only and Brewer is intriguing, but again not sure if he can really play Center. Kolone has received all the snaps so far at Center for the most part, which makes me concerned unless the Rams claim another linemen off waivers that can provide depth at Center.

 

[Riverumbbq]

Morning jrry32, trade in this manner does go with what we have seen from Snead for some long time now going back to when he arrived & they moved LT Rodger Safford inside to OG. His constant process of procuring college OT's, by draft/trade/UDFA & morphing them to full his OG's needs.

LT Wynn is built very similar to RT Tremayne Anchrum who is presently Snead's main backup RG behind Shelton. Wynn has excellent talent when healthy & might be a good LG.

Also, keep in mind that Rookie UDFA Jack Snyder was a long-time starting LT in college now playing the interior.

When I look at how our off-season OL has processed, losing quality veteran players in Whitworth and Corbett, then seeing our top draft pick (Bruss) struggle in camp & eventually go down with a season ending injury, it's difficult to fathom. Our very late and final 7'th round draft pick AJ Arcuri as well as UDFA Jack Snyder are left to pick up the pieces, along with our hope that the depth players which have been with the team for awhile have developed to the point where they can step in and step up to the enormous challenge which faces them. Some might say our current situation was foreseeable to a degree, but beating this dead horse takes us nowhere. I've been calling for a trade since the Bruss injury was announced, and the Rams should have the ammunition to pull it off if another team sees the value in it.
The overhyped Bruss gave us a false sense of security at RG for awhile, now we must face the reality of a less experienced & even smaller offensive line paired with an oft injured RB corp which has been floundering for a couple of years as is.

Isaiah Wynn might make for an ideal trade partner, although he doesn't have much experience as an OG, surprising as it is as his size might dictate a stronger career as a Guard rather than OT. Moving on Wynn or another could give us a jump on next season also as David Edwards moves forward towards free agency.
As I look over what is likely to become our 53 depth chart soon with a unit by unit analysis, the OL is the only unit, whether defensive or offensive that brings me truly great concern at this time, and for a team facing the toughest schedule in the League and hoping for a Super Bowl repeat, acting sooner than later to improve our situation does seem sensible. jmo.

 

[Allen2McVay]

It’s tough.

32 teams … 5 OL staters per team … that’s 160 starting OL.

I don’t think there are 160 quality NFL O-Linemen. Best most teams can hope for is five good starters, and two capable and versatile reserves.

The one fee agent I hoped for was 24-year old G/C James Daniels who signed with Pittsburgh, and will carry a 2022 cap of just $4.1M.

I was a big fan of Isaiah Wynn coming out of college but I believe he’s on his 5th year option that carries a $10+M cap hit this season. Don’t see how the Rams could make that work.

Jacksonville just traded for OL Cole Van Lanen, and he may play for the Jags. I don’t know if Cole Van Lanen is better than any of the Rams top eight OL.

 

[Riverumbbq]

I was a big fan of Isaiah Wynn coming out of college but I believe he’s on his 5th year option that carries a $10+M cap hit this season. Don’t see how the Rams could make that work.

If anyone can get it done it might be Snead. Should the Rams offer our 2023 2'nd round draft pick, they could also ask the Pats to assume about a third of that CAP hit.
I also have to believe the Rams have allowed themselves at least a little wiggle room in terms of creating some CAP availability through player contracts that might yet be manipulated some. jmo.

 

[Allen2McVay]

That would be dangerous because Wynn is a free agent in 2023. As for a team assuming salary, it happens (Denver in the Miller deal) but it’s still rare.

Also the Rams may want to hold on to their second round pick and limited cap space for a trade later in the season. Maybe for an Edge.

 

[BonifayRam]

A bit more on Jeremiah Kolone .....

Has it not been the unwritten rule non starting reserve OL'ers need to be able to play more than one OL position?

If he had any real ability to play as a reserve in the swing OG position, then I could see a possible reason to value him enough to consider him as a possible MR53 award.

Yes JK has been getting all this work @ OC since OTA's/TC & now preseason & still there is no real improvement. The fact is his performance retrogressed in the 2nd preseason game when Lovie's defense took full advantage of JK the entire game.

JK has been here since 2018 there is no question he can not play either of the OG posts in this McVay OL. His only value comes in as a third relief prospect @ OC. Even saying that JK still adds little to nothing in overall effectiveness to this problem unit in McVay's OL blocking schemes.

 

[Riverumbbq]

That would be dangerous because Wynn is a free agent in 2023. As for a team assuming salary, it happens (Denver in the Miller deal) but it’s still rare.

Also the Rams may want to hold on to their second round pick and limited cap space for a trade later in the season. Maybe for an Edge.

Yes, it could be dangerous, similar to losing the two draft picks for Von Miller. The question is really are we all in on a Super Bowl repeat ? At the moment, I'm seeing our OL as the weakest unit on our team, and while many are already clamoring for another trade deadline OLB in order to re-live those Von Miller play-off successes, there is no guarantee he'll be of the same caliber, and this without regard to the potential development of Lewis, Hollins, Garrett or a returning Hardy & what appears as some pretty talented newcomers in the two Thomas' & Whitley. The Rams are stacked at Edge depth, OL depth maybe not so much. jmo.

 

[Allen2McVay]

Yes, it could be dangerous, similar to losing the two draft picks for Von Miller. The question is really are we all in on a Super Bowl repeat ? At the moment, I'm seeing our OL as the weakest unit on our team, and while many are already clamoring for another trade deadline OLB in order to re-live those Von Miller play-off successes, there is no guarantee he'll be of the same caliber, and this without regard to the potential development of Lewis, Hollins, Garrett or a returning Hardy & what appears as some pretty talented newcomers in the two Thomas' & Whitley. The Rams are stacked at Edge depth, OL depth maybe not so much. jmo.

I don't know River. I have concerns about the O-Line too but I have to see the five starters in a few games before I would want the Rams to move what little draft-capital and use-up what little cap-space they hold.

Wynn has played LT; and we don't know if he can even play RG and be better than Shelton. Noteboom is at LT. His durability is a concern but I don't think the Rams should move their highest 2023 draft choice and eat-up precious cap space for LT insurance and a projection at right guard.

I would be happy if they brought in a player like Teven Jenkins for a late-round-pick to compete with Anchrum and Evans for OL-depth but beyond that, I think it's too early to make a significant move.

I don't expect there to be another Von Miller type addition but the benefit of being patient is that there may be a greater-need-to-address later-on; and the Rams have very limited assets to offer. Also don't agree (at this point) that the Rams are 'stacked at Edge-depth'.

 

[Allen2McVay]

I gotta say that trading for Isaiah Wynn would intrigue me. The money would be difficult to do, so NE would likely have to eat some. But I'd be interested in seeing what he could do at OG.

The Patriots have less cap space than the Rams.

I don' see a fit.

In the past, I have been correct about these type of things a solid 44%-46% of-the-time.

 

[bubbaramfan]

When you come to the fork in the road, take it.

 

[BonifayRam]

Since the Rams offense is overflooded & packed full receivers unit {TE/WR & RB}........

Since TuTu is the second coming of Harold Jackson....Ben Skowronek is a ST demon & big blocking combo WR/TE .....Brandon Powell has already earned a position on the MR53..... Lance McCutcheon is the biggest hottest Ram thus far in the 2022 season......The Rams might have the two best starting combo of WR in the NFL with Robinson/Kupp.......unknown Austin Trammell is catching everything thrown at him......

Then Van Jefferson was one of our starting WR's last season as our third. Later our 2nd when Woods went down & later on our way to the SB.

If this 3rd season former 2nd rd selection Van Jefferson is as good as everyone thinks coming from a winning SB team would he not bring some serious considerable interest for teams needing good starting WRs in return for a good veteran Back up Center or OG?

 

[OldSchool]

Wait what did I miss when did our OLine become shit and something to worry about?

 

[Allen2McVay]

When you come to the fork in the road, take it.

That's Deep Man

 

[Riverumbbq]

I don't know River. I have concerns about the O-Line too but I have to see the five starters in a few games before I would want the Rams to move what little draft-capital and use-up what little cap-space they hold.

Wynn has played LT; and we don't know if he can even play RG and be better than Shelton. Noteboom is at LT. His durability is a concern but I don't think the Rams should move their highest 2023 draft choice and eat-up precious cap space for LT insurance and a projection at right guard.

Perhaps they will wait, but I think we can mostly predict what to expect with regards to our run game. The problem with CAP space is how much do we really know when we constantly see player restructures which create more, so I'm not saying one way or another how much against the wall we may really be. Also, I'm not frozen in on Wynn, it could be that Snead has his eyes elsewhere, I'm just looking to improve our overall OL situation and whether Wynn could be that next best piece.
Wynn played LT, then some LG, and is now penciled in as their starting RT, he may not come to the Rams as our starting RG, he could possibly become our LG with Edwards moving back to his original RG role from his time as a rookie.
Well again, I'd stress just how much value do you place on a 2023 Rams draft pick when you may be a player away from reaching that Super Bowl competition now. I can understand if some think the price is too great, but how many would dismiss what Von Miller's achievement brought when we now look back at the cost ? There aren't a lot of opportunities to repeat at a Super Bowl, so are we all in, our are we not ?

 

[Allen2McVay]

Perhaps they will wait, but I think we can mostly predict what to expect with regards to our run game. The problem with CAP space is how much do we really know when we constantly see player restructures which create more, so I'm not saying one way or another how much against the wall we may really be. Also, I'm not frozen in on Wynn, it could be that Snead has his eyes elsewhere, I'm just looking to improve our overall OL situation and whether Wynn could be that next best piece.
Wynn played LT, then some LG, and is now penciled in as their starting RT, he may not come to the Rams as our starting RG, he could possibly become our LG with Edwards moving back to his original RG role from his time as a rookie.
Well again, I'd stress just how much value do you place on a 2023 Rams draft pick when you may be a player away from reaching that Super Bowl competition now. I can understand if some think the price is too great, but how many would dismiss what Von Miller's achievement brought when we now look back at the cost ? There aren't a lot of opportunities to repeat at a Super Bowl, so are we all in, our are we not ?

If last year, at this time, before we got a chance to see the Rams' starting O-Line, with Corbett and Allen, the Rams had made the type of trade for an O-Lineman that you are suggesting now, then the Rams would not have been able to acquire Von Miller later-on.

I am only pushing back on an Isaiah Wynn acquisition because it seems like a poor fit given position, need, cost and cap space. Like I said, I like Wynn a lot. I also posted some concern over the O-Line; and said above that I would be happy with a Teven Jenkins type of acquisition. Another one might be Solomon Kindley of the Dolphins.