"acquisition" breakdown of the Rams OL (so far)

This is one of those things you write not because you are trying to inform or convince anybody with something new or original, but because you’re taking a stab at putting down in black and white what you think is the consensus view. Just a handy summation. Which means it’s open to revision and alteration. So revise and alter away.

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INITIAL STARTERS, PRESUMABLY.

Long: high-end market FA. Big question mark this year for a lot of reasons. But last year he was also dynamic in rush blocking, especially in combo with the left OG…and this year the left OG, whoever it is, will be better than Wms. was last year. Better pass blocker in a play action offense, but his season will be scrutinized.

Saffold: 2nd rounder, has had as many injuries as there are human bodily appendages. 2nd in line for LOT and setting himself up to be a top guard.

Wells: high-end market FA. Injury history is well-known. Smart, experienced, and has a knack for getting to the 2nd level on running plays.

Joseph: bargain veteran FA coming off an injury-year but appears to be playing well.

Barksdale: a ronin, a drafted player (3rd round) who got cut, but as is the case with virtually every NFL OL, you need guys like this–just needed some more time and the right fit. Steady. Good ROT.

INITIAL DEPTH

Barnes: another ronin: a Ravens 2011 UDFA, then cut, and then a Rams practice squad pick-up the same year. Keeps sticking around, and keeps getting mixed reviews.

Jones: 2013 4th round pick, held back by Lisfranc injury which prevented him from getting proper conditioning or weight training in 2013. Mixed reviews in 2013, though he had made himself bigger and stronger. Then back surgery. He will be available in 6 weeks. Has promise, on paper anyway, but is an unknown in terms of how he plays on the field.

Person: ronin #3–7th round pick in 2011 by SF. Subsequently picked up by first Indianapolis then Seattle, before he fell to the Rams in 2013. Played all 5 positions in the summer of 2014, though most of his reps were at guard. Could develop into a valuable utility player–a 6th OL type. Could be more than that…too soon to tell. Sometimes a good lineman is a guy who takes to coaching, is smart, strong enough to perform, then works on his craft to become serviceable. If he becomes that, you can win with it–many starters on good lines throughout the league meet this description.

Robinson: High 1st round pick, slow to develop (which is okay–Orlando Pace did not start in 2007 until game 6). Technique issues due to inexperience (college system) but highly athletic, coachable, strong, willing, smart, and nasty on the field. Will probably move to right guard during the season(with Joseph sitting), but is ultimately destined to end up someday at LOT.

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Issues:

This could be a very good line. But it is also kind of unclear at the moment where it stands.

The injury history includes every current starter except Barksdale (Long, Saffold, Wells, Joseph). Add Jones to this.

Which begs the question, how good is the depth. How good is Barnes, how good is Person. Could Robinson play LOT this year. I think they can fill in here and there if a guy is out for a game or 2, but what about for several games if someone is down for the season? Past a certain point of course, with too many injuries, all lines decay, no matter who they are…but can they handle a couple of replacements?

Which then in turn begs the question, who is going to the practice squad? Cause if they press the depth, that’s where you have to go next.

Speaking of which, will they pick up any Barksdales or Persons this year? They have been doing that at a furious pace since Fisher/Boudreau got here. If they DON’T it means they really like their depth.

And…who is the 2015 ROT? Will they sign Barksdale? They could if Long and Wells are gone next year. It looks to me like next year means more draft picks and pick-ups.