the #10 — OL or BPA?

from off the net

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Memphis Ram

If an OLineman is the BPA on the Rams draft board, they would be wrong to pass on him. But, they would be just as wrong to ignore their draft board and reach for a need.

So many focus on round one, but what’s wrong with starting to address the position in the 2nd, 3rd, and/or 4th round in a deep draft class and NOT banking on these rookies to start immediately if they can pick up some vet alternatives?

Each draft class is different. And while not top heavy, this appears to be a pretty deep OLine class. On top of that, math and history tell me that the majority of 1st round OLinemen selected are usually LTs (immediate starters or to guys be groomed to eventually take over) and the Rams already have one.

Continuing with that premise, the same history tells me that loads of quality interior lineman and RTs have been typically selected outside of the first round for years now. And those two points combined (loads of quality non-LTs outside of of the 1st round plus a deep draft class of non LTs) tell me that the chances of finding an elite/very good player outside of round one THIS YEAR is darn strong. Even stronger as opposed to other draft classes (a key point).

While great to have, a team doesn’t have to have a group of elite/very good players up and down their OLine to have success on offense. Five solid to above average guys working together on the same page and not missing to much time due to injuries can provide a team with very good OLine for a successful offense. Especially, in a good scheme with a QB worth his salt.

And it’s pretty hard, if not impossible, to finally fix a unit that has the potential to change every year or so due to injuries and/or free agency anyway. At least I’m having a hard time recalling an OLine unit in the league that has had the same 5 guys starting each game year after year.