2015 St. Louis Rams Preseason: Week One Depth Chart Released, Barrett Jones Star

Barrett Jones listed as starting center on ‘unofficial’ depth chart
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Nick Wagoner, ESPN Staff Writer

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EARTH CITY, Mo. — The St. Louis Rams open the preseason Friday night against the Oakland Raiders. And with the start of the preseason comes the release of the “unofficial” depth charts from the teams.

By no means are these set in stone and it’s quite likely they’ll look much different when the season starts on Sept. 13. But the depth charts can at least provide some semblance of a baseline for how things might play out. The Rams released theirs on Monday morning and there were a few things worth noting.

First and foremost, the ongoing center competition among Barrett Jones, Tim Barnes and Demetrius Rhaney has had Barnes going first in the daily rotation. But the depth chart actually lists Barnes third with Jones listed as the starter. Rhaney is second on the chart.

This contest is far from over but it shouldn’t be a surprise to see Jones first on the list. If nothing else, he would be the logical candidate the Rams would like to see win the job. The Rams invested more draft capital (fourth-round pick in 2013) in Jones than either of the other two players. Barnes is the only one to start games at center in the league with four but has also had more time to prove himself. Rhaney has been thought of as the wild card but one could argue he has the most upside physically and the Rams are intrigued by him.

Offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti confirmed Sunday that the Rams won’t make a choice on a starting center until preseason games are played, which makes Jones, Barnes and Rhaney worth watching as the exhibition slate gets underway.

Some other musings from the depth chart:

The Rams technically list 12 starters on offense, including three receivers (Kenny Britt, Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey) and two tight ends (Jared Cook and Lance Kendricks). They have one running back listed (Tre Mason) but it’s interesting because when they start with a fullback, it’s the other tight end not listed as a starter (Cory Harkey) who would be the guy likely to open the game.

In reality, the wide receiver situation will probably gain more clarity as the preseason goes on in this way: right now, Brian Quick’s absence is noticeable from the listed starters. But that’s likely only because he is still recovering from a serious shoulder injury. He’s looked sharp and healthy in camp. Barring any setbacks, he’ll likely start opposite Britt.

At quarterback, the list reads Nick Foles, Case Keenum, Austin Davis and Sean Mannion. No surprise there as Keenum and Davis are expected to battle for the No. 2 job.

Not much to note on defense, though it’s a bit surprising that Jo-Lonn Dunbar is listed as the third starter at linebacker. For most of camp, new addition Akeem Ayers has worked with the first team with Dunbar working mostly as the primary backup in the middle. This would be a good example of a reason why it’s wise not to take these depth charts too seriously.

At cornerback, E.J. Gaines is listed as the starter opposite Janoris Jenkins but is currently dealing with a foot injury. Trumaine Johnson will hold that spot down until Gaines returns.

Small note and not surprising based on what they’ve done in camp, but Ethan Westbrooks is listed as the primary backup to Michael Brockers at right defensive tackle rather than as an end.

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