- Joined
- Jan 12, 2013
- Messages
- 1,870
- Name
- Nick
Imo the way the Rams choose to address this position WILL make or break our season. For several years now our tackles have been solid in pass pro (2012-2013), but a weak interior has not allowed Sam or other QBs to step up to extend plays. These interior lines over the past 5 years have featured the likes of Bell, Brown, Goldberg, Ojinaka, Williams, Smith etc. One thing that stands out about all of them was that they weren't particularly physical either; which is why we have been so bad running the football in short yardage systems over the past 5 years. I think if the Rams could have run more w/o a FB last year they would have; I think Stacy can produce w/o one, but imo they used Harkey bc guys like Williams, Smmith, Barnes aren't the most physically imposing OLs. So here's MY take on how the Rams should approach guard.
1. Give Saffold a decent offer, but don't go overboard. If he doesn't bite, don't go out on a limb to bring him back. He WILL have other offers. (Let Williams & Smith walk; we can find better backups and/or potential starters in FA. They both had their chances to show what they had.)
2. Even IF Saffold likes the initial offer the Rams should still be looking elsewhere. What if the Rams can acquire a young talent or talents that have comparable upside to Roger w/o the LENGTHY injury history. I understand folks in Rams nation jizzed in their pants when they saw what Roger could do at OG, but don't let that lull you to sleep. Remember the EXTENSIVE injuries he's had over 4 years. Do you really want to go into 2014 with 2 of your 5 starters on the OL who are HIGHLY likely to NOT play all 16 games? Personally I'd go the cheaper route. And maybe with the extended cap we can add 2 young OGs in FA. My picks would be Asamoah from KC & Jerry from MIA.
3. With 2 potential starters added through FA the Rams shouldn't abandon OG. If there is a guard they like in rounds 2-4 grab him. Gabe Jackson would be a nice pickup in the mid rounds. I could also see us adding Greg Robinson OR Jake Matthews and having them battle for one of the guard spots. They can fill in for Long if he isn't ready week 1 and when he returns they can kick inside.
4. Cut/restructure Wells & CUT Dahl. Cap saved from cut/restructures with them allow us to add OL in FA.
So my DREAM OL scenario:
Before Long returns:
LT Robinson
LG Asamoah
C Wells
RG Jerry
RT Barksdale
After Long returns:
LT Long
LG Asamoah
C Wells
RG Robinson
RT Barksdale
We then let Long go in 2015 in favor of the cheaper, healthier, and more athletic Robinson. One this you notice about this OL aside from Wells is the YOUTH. But Wells will definitely be gone in 2015 if he doesn't leave this offseason, opening the doors for Barnes/Jones.
1. Give Saffold a decent offer, but don't go overboard. If he doesn't bite, don't go out on a limb to bring him back. He WILL have other offers. (Let Williams & Smith walk; we can find better backups and/or potential starters in FA. They both had their chances to show what they had.)
2. Even IF Saffold likes the initial offer the Rams should still be looking elsewhere. What if the Rams can acquire a young talent or talents that have comparable upside to Roger w/o the LENGTHY injury history. I understand folks in Rams nation jizzed in their pants when they saw what Roger could do at OG, but don't let that lull you to sleep. Remember the EXTENSIVE injuries he's had over 4 years. Do you really want to go into 2014 with 2 of your 5 starters on the OL who are HIGHLY likely to NOT play all 16 games? Personally I'd go the cheaper route. And maybe with the extended cap we can add 2 young OGs in FA. My picks would be Asamoah from KC & Jerry from MIA.
3. With 2 potential starters added through FA the Rams shouldn't abandon OG. If there is a guard they like in rounds 2-4 grab him. Gabe Jackson would be a nice pickup in the mid rounds. I could also see us adding Greg Robinson OR Jake Matthews and having them battle for one of the guard spots. They can fill in for Long if he isn't ready week 1 and when he returns they can kick inside.
4. Cut/restructure Wells & CUT Dahl. Cap saved from cut/restructures with them allow us to add OL in FA.
So my DREAM OL scenario:
Before Long returns:
LT Robinson
LG Asamoah
C Wells
RG Jerry
RT Barksdale
After Long returns:
LT Long
LG Asamoah
C Wells
RG Robinson
RT Barksdale
We then let Long go in 2015 in favor of the cheaper, healthier, and more athletic Robinson. One this you notice about this OL aside from Wells is the YOUTH. But Wells will definitely be gone in 2015 if he doesn't leave this offseason, opening the doors for Barnes/Jones.