Rhaney seems to have the physical talent, but I wonder if he can read and call. It just seems to me that a rookie OC who isn’t remarkably smart would struggle to read NFL defenses. At any event, that’s what I want to hear about Rhaney–can he captain the OL?
Good point. That’s important of course, but I assume that we won’t hear much about it unless players or coaches start talking about what happens when they discuss practice film in meetings. I will assume, though, that if they like him, that he has the head for the job.
I also don’t rule out a green center starting…last year, a few different teams started rookie centers who did well, include Green Bay.
I do think that Jones has a leg up on him, but still, Rhaney sounds intriguing.
Here’s some comments about him from the local reporters…from several different chats and articles:
THOMAS:
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It could be Rhaney, who’s athletic and quick off the ball, but needs to add strength. But don’t think he’s quite ready to take over at this point.
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Athletic. Quick feet. Needs to get bigger and stronger. Working against him this year is the fact he’d be working with a QB (Foles) who’s new to the Rams.
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WAGONER:
Rhaney is more of an unknown, but is also the most athletic of the three and might be the best fit in a more zone-oriented blocking scheme.
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Rhaney has earned positive reviews for his athleticism and toughness.
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Rhaney should not be discounted in this. While the Rams have a habit of talking up all of their players, the discussion of Rhaney’s potential seems to be much more than just lip service. Don’t be surprised if this comes down to Jones and Rhaney with Jones narrowly winning the job.
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…though he doesn’t have the experience or time in the system of Barnes and Jones, he does bring a few intriguing elements that have him firmly in the mix for the job. Rhaney said he’s fully healthy and added five pounds of muscle in the offseason. The team now lists him at 6-foot-2, 301 pounds.
Rhaney is also considered the most athletic of the three contenders and could prove the best fit in a tweaked offensive scheme that calls for more zone blocking concepts.
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Rhaney represents the wild card in the mix. Although he’s even more unproven than Barnes and Jones, the second-year center has his share of supporters in the organization. After a knee injury cost the 2014 seventh-round draft choice his rookie season, Rhaney said he’s added about five pounds of muscle in the offseason.
It should help Rhaney’s cause that the Rams offense has a few tweaks coming that seem to play into his skill set. Rhaney said he played in a zone-heavy scheme at Tennessee State and that new Rams offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti is adding wrinkles to the scheme that fit his style of play.
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LYONS:
The Rams have been impressed with Rhaney’s quick feet and low center of gravity.
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Agamemnon
