Importance of Health and Continuity on the O-Line

[So Ram]

It's a shame Nsekhe is 37. He's improved a lot. Also I like Shelton at center. Seems like every time he plays the pivot we get a good run game but that may be my impaired memory. He definitely is very quick sealing guys off.

Well - I think the hope was Bruss was going to be all that.

Mcvay & Snead continued to neglect the offensive line & have gotten lucky. In 2019 finding Austin Corbett for a 5th shows how DUMB CLEVELAND is!!

The got Troy Hill back & Baker Mayfield who might both be Rams next season? Troy Hill might not want
To play special teams which would get him cut & Mayfield could have multiple offers for much more than The Rams can offered.

Still David Edwards stepped up & he is a FA.Whitworth retired so the depth became very thin again..
The Rams need a Starting RG!! Now again a starting LG. Plus who knows about LT.

The Rams can’t count on Shelton to be The Rams RG.He is DEPTH only.Meaning both Brian Allen & Shelton to battle at center.If The Rams need a guard in game then Shelton is there either way by switching from Center to Guard!

Matt Skura is interesting because he is BIG(wide) & in his prime.The Rams think more of him than O’day. The RUMOR was that he has been playing HURT???
What I know about Matt Skura is that he is listed as a CENTER as well.That could be a benefit?
The Rams need to look past 2023 at Center.
Is Coleman Shelton worth more than another season.When is Brian Allen no longer a RAM?

Austin Corbett was going to be The Rams center 2021 which seemed crazy to me. Why The Rams didn’t address Austin Corbett leaving last season ?

—Counting on Bobby Evans has been The Rams biggest mistake because you need depth & ascending players.

 

[Tano]

—Counting on Bobby Evans has been The Rams biggest mistake because you need depth & ascending players.

This - Bobby Evans shouldn't have even been on the practice squad no less the 53

 

[So Ram]

Ah.
He didn't look good in preseason, but I'm hoping he's ready to go.

My question is going to be just like Bobby Evans who was drafted #97 overall to Logan Bruss #104 overall.

When do you cut them ? Place on 53 or try to keep on practice squad to develop.

Point being when you miss on a player it CLOGS that spot,but if you cut them then it is expensive & admitting failure.

 

[Tano]

My question is going to be just like Bobby Evans who was drafted #97 overall to Logan Bruss #104 overall.

When do you cut them ? Place on 53 or try to keep on practice squad to develop.

Point being when you miss on a player it CLOGS that spot,but if you cut them then it is expensive & admitting failure.

It's called a sunk cost - just get rid of the players that are not cutting it

 

[So Ram]

This - Bobby Evans shouldn't have even been on the practice squad no less the 53

Well - I’ll keep asking the question about building The O’Line in House IMO there is going to be tough decisions The Rams will have to make.
—The risk of losing a player you try to develop & have invested in is tough. A’ Jackson was a player The Rams didn’t want to lose or risk on the open market
—What is A’ Jackson’s future.
— At what point would Joesph Noteboom become available?

Those are hard questions. IMO I like A’Jackson at RG. Maybe Ty N can be signed for 2 seasons & battle Noteboom ?
—The Rams need to really hope Bruss is good? AJ Arcuri is a developmental guy. I like his talent.

WOW — 2 games left then dig through the scape pile.

 

[So Ram]

It's called a sunk cost - just get rid of the players that are not cutting it

We’ll just keep
Going down The List.

When Anchrum came to The Rams he was so Mature for his age. He just won another NCAA Championship.

The thing is he is undersized, but really understands the game & has a good skill level. What do you do with him ?

Brewer fought through cancer. Sat out a season because he would have been cut & lost a season on his contract??

He has the size & he is a fighter. He knows the offense well.I solid locker room guy that does the right thing.Very likable.

There is not a lot of hit & miss.There is only so many lineman you can keep.

Mixing & matching & finding foundation is huge.

 

[So Ram]

The Rams need a LT(swing)

A’Jackson is not that guy & IMO is at the very least a perfect Swing RG/ LT as a reserve. Contact would be Ram friendly 2023.

Rob Havienstien is DONE after 2023. Joesph Noteboom DONE? When ???

Ty N could be a nice singing for 2 seasons ? Then again what do The Rams have in AJ Arcuri? Could he get a chance to finish out the season at LT? Sounds crazy to think The Rams would do that now with how good Ty has played & The last game AT SEAHAGs

 

[Merlin]

Well - I think the hope was Bruss was going to be all that.

For purposes of roster discussion those two are not related. Bruss is a guard only. He is a physical run game type OG that many of us wanted the Rams to get, but him not being able to beat out Shelton who is not very good at OG means he was probably struggling with playbook and speed of the game.

So for year two he will almost surely be a front runner for RG in camp. And if not that means he's a bust.

Nsekhe if he were to be affordable could be a depth option for us, but the combo of age and whatnot makes me hesitant to even pencil him in for that type role. Boom is going to return most likely so the key will be having an upside option on the depth chart for when Boom gets hurt and Jackson can't go for whatever reason. This is why I want a project drafted, unless they are high on Arcuri which we can't really know since we don't get to see the practices.

 

[So Ram]

For purposes of roster discussion those two are not related. Bruss is a guard only. He is a physical run game type OG that many of us wanted the Rams to get, but him not being able to beat out Shelton who is not very good at OG means he was probably struggling with playbook and speed of the game.

So for year two he will almost surely be a front runner for RG in camp. And if not that means he's a bust.

Nsekhe if he were to be affordable could be a depth option for us, but the combo of age and whatnot makes me hesitant to even pencil him in for that type role. Boom is going to return most likely so the key will be having an upside option on the depth chart for when Boom gets hurt and Jackson can't go for whatever reason. This is why I want a project drafted, unless they are high on Arcuri which we can't really know since we don't get to see the practices.

Merlin - thanks - solid post & love your passion over the years. Wishing all posters The best through the holidays & May Rams Fans have a Happy 2023 Season!!

— I’ll post below,but The Rams logic went with this kind of thinking. I know you always seem to want The Rams to draft Offensive Lineman.
—Some seasons I’ll agree , others not so much.

 

[So Ram]

BRUSS Projection at RG is a JOKE!! Would be DUMB think it there is any doubt & think he might be a bust.

Logan Bruss is a Ram,but is a backup IMO.He would have proved himself during training camp.

Giving Bruss a pass of not knowing the Playbook would be silly. The Rams had 2 Badgers in Havenstien & Edwards who liked him.

Now if The Rams believe in Edwards & Havienstien then why not resign David Edwards to a sweetheart contract? Could that happen ?

What do we really know as Ram Fans on how much they like David Edwards. He has been a solid Ram & The Rams starting LG winning a SuperBowl.

David Edwards has shown how much he was missed when hurt? Then again he was looking like the weak link upfront.
I’m just adding to the scrapyard.

My question is where do The Rams lay down there anchor? The foundation without Big Andrew Whitworth under Mcvay is gone. Talk about The Offensive line crumbling without him.

 

[LARAMSinFeb.]

The Andrew Whitworth to the Bengals movement gains steam

One expert wants to see it happen.

bengalswire.usatoday.com

 

[LARAMSinFeb.]

I'm loving Nsekhe. He just seems dominant out there--reminds me of Trent Williams. I think the knock on him has been an injury history? And I don't think he's started a lot in his career, which makes his playing age a little younger than 37? He might be a big deal and lucky find here. Along with Jackson and Noteboom in the mix over there at LT, his presence might allow us to focus on bringing in a C and/or G.

 

[BonifayRam]

For purposes of roster discussion those two are not related. Bruss is a guard only. He is a physical run game type OG that many of us wanted the Rams to get, but him not being able to beat out Shelton who is not very good at OG means he was probably struggling with playbook and speed of the game.

So for year two he will almost surely be a front runner for RG in camp. And if not that means he's a bust.

Nsekhe if he were to be affordable could be a depth option for us, but the combo of age and whatnot makes me hesitant to even pencil him in for that type role. Boom is going to return most likely so the key will be having an upside option on the depth chart for when Boom gets hurt and Jackson can't go for whatever reason. This is why I want a project drafted, unless they are high on Arcuri which we can't really know since we don't get to see the practices.

I would view Logan Bruss as a rookie in 2023. Not a problem if Bruss is not ready to start if the Rams have signed back either Aboushi or Skura or both. I surely hope Bruss could remain healthy the entire season so he can get that full complete NFL experience as a team backup. Rams might also find that Zac Thomas might be a better prospect @ LG than LT. If not then Snead should draft another OG that fits McVay's zone-running scheme.

I'm loving Nsekhe. He just seems dominant out there--reminds me of Trent Williams. I think the knock on him has been an injury history? And I don't think he's started a lot in his career, which makes his playing age a little younger than 37? He might be a big deal and lucky find here. Along with Jackson and Noteboom in the mix over there at LT, his presence might allow us to focus on bringing in a C and/or G.

Your thoughts on Ty Nsekhe are correct. He was late to the "starting" party in his career. He has been on 7 NFL teams. The definition of a mega Journeyman. TN has mostly been a backup with the exception of his time with the Bills. TN has an extensive injury history in a 10 yr resume.
I have been beating for the Rams to resign him to a future 2023 contract ASAP! Even though many here deny it there is a very good chance that the Rams will be without both Noteboom & Jackson due to being unhealthy, when the 2023 season begins.

The rams might have rookie LT Zac Thomas under contract I am not positive though. As of late Coach, Carberry has been force-feeding Rookie AJ Arcuri @ LT as the back to TN.

I would not have any issues with your suggestion of the Rams going with Nsekhe/ Thomas/ Arcuri into camp until either Jackson or Noteboom can return to play. That way they could concentrate on the center & OG in this draft & attack the LT position in 2024 when the Rams have a 1st round selection.

 

[So Ram]

I'm loving Nsekhe. He just seems dominant out there--reminds me of Trent Williams. I think the knock on him has been an injury history? And I don't think he's started a lot in his career, which makes his playing age a little younger than 37? He might be a big deal and lucky find here. Along with Jackson and Noteboom in the mix over there at LT, his presence might allow us to focus on bringing in a C and/or G.

I’ll say The Rams need a swing Tackle first & formost imo.

—Rob Havienstien is a mentor & the leader of the O’Line. Noteboom is strictly a LT.

If The Rams signed Ty Nsekhe,then who would replace Big Rob in 2024? Who Kniws AJ Arcuri might be that guy.Having a LT when Noteboom is gone will be huge.
—Center was supposed to have been for Brian Allen.Matt Skura might be that player?? That is a guy to keep an eye on these last 2 games.

 

[blackbart]

There was a lot of hype around Bruss, Havenstein and Edwards both knew him, fans were happy to get what looked like a stud in the middle finally. I was certainly on the bandwagon and still have high hopes for his development.

I do think it is highly unlikely that a third round pick should be counted on as a starter. The college game just hasn’t been preparing linemen to step in as rookies in the nfl and be productive.

23 will be another chance for him to compete, hopefully he’ll be back for OTAs and he has been studying hard and will know the playbook.

Noteboom will not be ready to play until November next year if he has a good rehab.

Jackson is anyone’s guess a problem with blood clots is a huge unknown and could end his career.

Allen is unreliable and could easily be cut.

Having yesterday’s line working together for a few weeks shows how important it is to have that continuity. Even with the possibility of losing multiple starters they can still put together a good group if they are healthy. It is going to be a huge undertaking to say the least.

 

[Riverumbbq]

There was a lot of hype around Bruss, Havenstein and Edwards both knew him, fans were happy to get what looked like a stud in the middle finally. I was certainly on the bandwagon and still have high hopes for his development.

I do think it is highly unlikely that a third round pick should be counted on as a starter. The college game just hasn’t been preparing linemen to step in as rookies in the nfl and be productive.

23 will be another chance for him to compete, hopefully he’ll be back for OTAs and he has been studying hard and will know the playbook.

Noteboom will not be ready to play until November next year if he has a good rehab.

Jackson is anyone’s guess a problem with blood clots is a huge unknown and could end his career.

Allen is unreliable and could easily be cut.

Having yesterday’s line working together for a few weeks shows how important it is to have that continuity. Even with the possibility of losing multiple starters they can still put together a good group if they are healthy. It is going to be a huge undertaking to say the least.

I don't really look at Bruss as a 3'rd round pick, he was chosen at #104 overall, and prior to the compensation era, that was a 4'th rounder. No question that he was overhyped, mostly a result of wishful thinking as we'd gone so long without adding a proper offensive lineman to our starting roster, ... he was to be our savior. He required developmental time which was overlooked in our rush to get him out there. While he'll get a little more time in training camp, he's still a rookie for all practical purposes, and his supposed starting job at RG shouldn't necessarily be considered a slam dunk for 2023, not with Anchrum, Brewer, Aboushi, Toner and a draft pick competing with him in camp.

Other NFL players have played with blood disorders besides Jackson, until I hear something official, I'll consider him remaining a Ram. As mentioned, Noteboom likely won't return until Oct/Nov, but Nsekhe, Acuri, Zach Thomas, a mid-round draft pick & Jackson should be able to hold down the fort until Noteboom returns.

Allen could be cut, but the CAP savings only amounts to a paltry $2.6M, his depth value for 2023 might be worth holding on to him for one more season. It would be nice to see Skura in action at Center as he's been primarily used as an OG, not the position he was best known for, but if Skura were to show well at C, making Allen history would be easier.

The OL with all our returning players along with those newly drafted will be very competitive next season, the camp reports should be fascinating.
jmo.

 

[Allen2McVay]

...

Allen could be cut, but the CAP savings only amounts to a paltry $2.6M, ...

If Allen is released with a post-June 1 designation, the cap savings is $5M.

Over-The-Cap has nice breakdowns.

 

[Riverumbbq]

If Allen is released with a post-June 1 designation, the cap savings is $5M.

Over-The-Cap has nice breakdowns.

That may be true, but the dead money doesn't just disappear, it gets kicked into the next year.

 

[So Ram]

That may be true, but the dead money doesn't just disappear, it gets kicked into the next year.

How does that work then ? The carry over money for the next seasons?

 

[Allen2McVay]

That may be true, but the dead money doesn't just disappear, it gets kicked into the next year.

I agree. Just thinking where the Rams can max savings in 2023.