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http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/17074/now-about-fixing-that-rams-offensive-line
Sunday, March 15, 2015
Now, about fixing that Rams offensive line
By Nick WagonerEARTH CITY, Mo. — The St. Louis Rams made a big splash in the opening minutes of free agency by making their bold quarterback trade and landing draft picks and cap space in the process.
The Rams promptly went about using that newfound cap space to re-sign tight end Lance Kendricks. In the days that followed, they bolstered their defense by adding linebacker Akeem Ayers and defensive tackle Nick Fairley. On Friday night, the Rams brought back another of their own key free agents when they completed a two-year deal with wide receiver Kenny Britt.
To this point, the only notable free agent of their own the Rams lost is quarterback Shaun Hill but they replaced him by trading for Case Keenum.
All of those moves were solid and necessary but, of course, has left many wondering what the Rams plan to do about all those holes on the offensive line. It’s certainly a legitimate question to ask given the fact that the Rams only have guard Rodger Saffold and left tackle Greg Robinson coming back.
In terms of salary-cap space, that number isn’t quite clear at the moment because the first-year cap numbers for Ayers and Britt aren’t yet known. But it’s probably fair to assume that the Rams still have around $11 million. Of course, they also have other ways to add more space if they want, including bonus conversions that could lower the number on players like end Robert Quinn (though the Rams prefer their pay-as-you-go approach).
At the moment, there are three potential names the Rams are known to have interest in who could help fill the openings at right tackle, guard and center.
RT Joe Barksdale — Barksdale’s market didn’t emerge the way some around the league thought it would and perhaps not the way his camp believed, which could be good news for the Rams. Barksdale got married Saturday so it’s possible the whole free-agent process has been on the back burner but it stands to reason his situation could crystallize in the next few days. The Rams always wanted him back but only at the right price. It’s starting to look like that price is more feasible unless another team jumps in with a bigger offer.
G Justin Blalock — The former Atlanta Falcon almost makes too much sense for the Rams as a short-term placeholder who can start for a year or two while the Rams develop (presumably) a drafted guard. He fits the scheme and he has clear ties to Rams line coach Paul Boudreau and many in the Rams front office, including general manager Les Snead. Blalock took a visit to Detroit last week but left without signing. The Rams have had discussions with Blalock’s agent about his taking a visit to St. Louis and it seems likely that will happen. This is a match that probably comes down to simply making the financials match up.
C Stefen Wisniewski — Wisniewski has been connected to the Rams since before free agency but has yet to visit St. Louis. He’s probably the best center still on the market but seems to be taking his time in making a decision. Wisniewski visited Tampa Bay and Seattle but left both places without making a decision. The Rams have had discussions with Wisniewski’s camp about bringing him in for a visit as well and that remains a real possibility.
Others — There have been other rumors of offensive linemen who could be available including Philadelphia’s Evan Mathis by way of trade or potentially New Orleans’ Jahri Evans as a cap casualty. It doesn’t sound like the Rams are much interested in dealing a pick for an older offensive lineman but both would be possible solutions to fit a similar veteran role to what Blalock would provide.
The Rams are clearly well aware of their needs on the offensive line, and given their cap space they could probably add two of the names above and perhaps all three if the prices dropped enough and they got creative with ways to clear more space. With the top names mostly picked over in free agency, the names above still figure to draw interest but none will break the bank when they make a decision.
AgamemnonPoi-sonally, i aint worried about the Oline.
They know everything depends on it — they’ll
fill the holes. Might be with stud-rookies
but I dont mind that.I bet that new 4th round pick goes for
an OLineman, btw.w
vWhat round will you pick a goofy looking QB? Or aren’t there any in this year’s draft?
Agamemnon;What round will
you pick a goofy looking QB? Or aren’t there any in this year’s draft?I’m thinking Bridge is a strong possibility.
He has the goofy face,
but I’m not sure about his
hand size.
w
v
==
STRENGTHS: Tall, narrow body type with athletic footwork and long-striding speed to pick up yards with his legs. Elite-level arm strength and release quickness with the ability to add velocity and extra RPM’s on his throws with ease. Not shy about testing tight windows and trusts his arm to make frozen rope throws and put the ball anywhere he wants on the field.He has mobility to keep the play alive when the pocket breaks down, shaking off arm tackles and stepping up with his eyes downfield. Shows the ability to work through his reads and is a quick thinker to make snap decisions. Displayed outstanding toughness playing through an ankle injury most of November 2014.
WEAKNESSES: Bridge has improved field vision, but needs to develop his eye use and tends to stare down receivers, often leading defenders to his intended target. His receivers will struggle to handle his fastball at times and Bridge needs to develop a change-up and overall better touch to all levels. His mechanics and accuracy need refined, but neither needs an overhaul.
With only a dozen collegiate games under his belt, Bridge doesn’t have the ideal experience and might need a season or two to develop before he’s ready for consistent game reps, requiring a patient NFL team.
COMPARES TO: Colin Kaepernick, 49ers — Bridge is tall and lean with a rocket launcher on his right shoulder like the 49ers quarterback and has more than enough velocity on his passes to toss ropes to all levels of the field.
–Dane Brugler (12/4/14)
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1776297/brandon-bridgeRams should move on. Go with somebody on the roster or draft a center. He is not a difference maker. He is not that much better than what we have. I would rather save the cap space. I see no real value there.
AgamemnonJohn Mara: The free agents available this year were “mediocre”
Posted by Michael David Smith on March 20, 2015, 6:17 AM EDT
8th Annual Tom Coughlin “Champions For Children” Gala Getty ImagesThe Giants have not made a big splash in free agency, focusing more on shoring up roster depth than attracting star players. Giants owner John Mara says the reason for that is simple: This year’s free agent class isn’t very good.
“There were obviously some star players out there, but for the most part I thought it was a mediocre free-agent class,” Mara told the New York Post.
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/category/rumor-mill/
AgamemnonAccording to my Kung Fu, the Rams can write a contract that contains an approximate salary cap hit of 4 million this year without making any other moves and still have comfortable cushion to take care of all roster expenses for 2015. They can do this without cutting any players or doing any restructuring. I assume that JT is right about the current 11 million dollar cap space.
The fact that they paid Quinn his roster bonus indicates that they aren’t going to spend a lot more money in free agency. imo
They are talking to Barnes and they will talk with Barksdale. If they sign them, I don’t see them talking with any other free agents until after the draft and then that will probably be for close to minimum wage. imo
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