The issue with Barrett Jones is he was not a good fit for this scheme when they drafted him. Rams must of seen value in the 4th to take the proverbial flyer on him. Jones' issues is him in line blocking. He like to turn blockers out of the way as opposed to driving them. He did a lot of zone blocking at Bama and is a very heady player who can outsmart a DT, UT, but not out muscle them. Jones was the oline QB and did a great job of calling out plays on the line.
I cant see Jones playing guard with this Rams team. He struggles to get to the 2nd level, actually let me rephrase that, he does not get to the 2nd level in the run game. His pass blocking is NFL ready, but his only position with the Rams would be C, IMO.
If we ran a ZBS then he probably would of started last year. His biggest challenges at Alabama where moving big defenders and Im guessing that is still the issue at the NFL. Like I said I think he is a quality player in the right system, I just don't think our is the best right now and would be surprised and probably disappointed if he was started at G this year. I could see him replacing Wells eventually and holding his own, but Im not sure if he will ever be the "answer" with this coaching staff.
Now all that being said, I don't know his progression of how much strength he has added and if he might be ready to compete for a job. Wouldn't be shocked if was dangled as trade bait.