O-line going forward

[SJ76]

Rams finish 28th in PFF's offensive line rankings

Tried to find a thread already on Oline issues..
This article says we IMPROVED 3 spots to #28 overall. Last 2 years, does it really matter who the QB is/was? I know this unit is young, but we HAVE to add to the Oline with one of our top 3 picks or maybe a Center with 1 of our 2 - 2nd rounders.

GRob has GOT to improve in his 3rd year or this might continue unless we strike gold in the draft and find an LT with our first 3 picks, moving G Rob to LG and with Saffold. Can we really count on Saffold?

Until this unit drastically improves in pass protection, doesn't matter who our QB is or how good/bad our playmakers are.

 

[shopson67]

Saffold could very well be cut. With Donnal and Wichmann improving, and the possibility of moving GRob inside (if a LT is drafted and/or Battle outplays him), Saffold is overpaid, oft-injured depth.

 

[SJ76]

Saffold could very well be cut. With Donnal and Wichmann improving, and the possibility of moving GRob inside (if a LT is drafted and/or Battle outplays him), Saffold is overpaid, oft-injured depth.

I can see that happening. Like Fisher said in the article, they are building the Oline through the draft. A lot of young guys in there, so you have to think someone is going to massively improve and raise the bar.

 

[27mtrcougar]

Center is by far our biggest weak link. I think one of the 2nd rd picks should be a center.

 

[shopson67]

Center is by far our biggest weak link. I think one of the 2nd rd picks should be a center.

Depends on who is still on the board and system fit. Not necessarily an accurate indicator, but lately Voltz has been off the board before the Rams' 2nd round picks on First-Pick.

 

[SJ76]

Any good free agents out there this year? I know the Rams FO has said they will build the O-line through the draft..

 

[shopson67]

C Wisniewski
LT Okung
LT Glenn

 

[RamsFan88]

I'm hoping Robinson has an epiphany and transforms in year 3 like other great LT's (Ogden, Roaf). That's the only hope our offense has of taking the next step. Well, that and a good QB.

 

[SJ76]

C Wisniewski
LT Okung
LT Glenn

I thought Wisniewski signed a 2 year deal last year? Or has it been 2 years already?

 

[shopson67]

I thought Wisniewski signed a 2 year deal last year? Or has it been 2 years already?

1 year "prove-it" deal

 

[Retroram52]

All three FAs listed are worthless at this juncture. The FO has this one right finally. Now if they don't go after projects and select the blue-chippers when they are there for us, I believe then I will accept the notion they have finally learned their lesson with FAs in general and used up also-rans on the O-line. Maybe A. Donald will have finally convinced them to get off their collective dumbasses and fine the same caliber of a player on the O-line in the draft.

 

[shopson67]

All three FAs listed are worthless at this juncture. The FO has this one right finally. Now if they don't go after projects and select the blue-chippers when they are there for us, I believe then I will accept the notion they have finally learned their lesson with FAs in general and used up also-rans on the O-line. Maybe A. Donald will have finally convinced them to get off their collective dumbasses and fine the same caliber of a player on the O-line in the draft.

You don't think Wis is a worthy target for center? The other two I named only as strong FAs, I don't see either as a fit for the Rams.

 

[Retroram52]

No I don't Shopson. Wisniewski's days in the NFL are numbered. He had a "prove it" contract and to date, the Titans are not too eager to re-up the guy. We can do better in the draft. He is an upgrade over Barnes? Perhaps. Why waste time and money finding out. We have been down this route before and all we did was spend money and get an oft-injured O-lineman. End of story.

 

[bluepigpen]

Agree retro, if Voltz is off the board in the 2nd, look to Allen with one of the picks. I know he might be slated for the 3rd but do we need a retread FA or someone to grow with that young line?

 

[shopson67]

The only problem with getting a top rookie center is the rookie part. Is Barnes good enough to bridge to the rookie?

 

[Retroram52]

Nonsense Shopson. Since 2014, there have been a host of rookie centers who have played quite well many of whom made the All-Rookie team or even the Pro Bowl their rookie season. Mike Pouncey, Manny Rameriez, Travis Frederick, Max Unger, Ryan Kalil, and Alex Mack come to mind. Unlike the QB spot which still requires at least 3-4 years of development, excellent play of a rookie Center can be almost immediate.

 

[zeke2829]

Its been a long time since this team has had a pro bowl type center! This is probably why our qb play has suffered for a long time. This would help Todd Gurley as well.

I haven't really followed college football that much, so I'm not sure what players look promising. But I'm hoping that there is a stud there when we pick! Would love to see us acquire a road grader type! This is a position the we need to address! ....as well as TE, WR!

 

[shopson67]

Nonsense Shopson. Since 2014, there have been a host of rookie centers who have played quite well many of whom made the All-Rookie team or even the Pro Bowl their rookie season. Mike Pouncey, Manny Rameriez, Travis Frederick, Max Unger, Ryan Kalil, and Alex Mack come to mind. Unlike the QB spot which still requires at least 3-4 years of development, excellent play of a rookie Center can be almost immediate.

How early will the Rams select one though? Will they get the top guy? With needs at QB and WR seemingly ahead of the need at center in most minds, will they get a starting-ready center in the 2nd, 3rd, or later? Rams drafted a highly regarded center in the 4th round not that long ago who couldn't even get on the field.

Top guys per CBS are Kelly (Alabama, projected 1st-2nd round), Martin (Notre Dame, 2nd-3rd), Allen (Michigan State, 2nd-3rd), Tuerk (USC, 3rd-4th), Blythe (Iowa, 4th-5th), Boehm (Missouri, 5th), and Matthews (Texas A&M, 6th-7th).

Did Voltz (Wisc) declare? He's a junior and has been out injured since October.

 

[Retroram52]

The Rams have two second rounders and could easily meet their QB and WR needs and select an excellent center by the third round. The Rams have got to stop taking these projects and take the blue-chippers when they are there, otherwise we will have another fourth rounder who can't get on the field.

 

[bluepigpen]

Completely right retro. QB, C and WR first 3 picks. Resign CBs or at least one of them.