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The focus of this offseason for the St. Louis Rams is likely going to be the offensive line. Luckily. the Rams have plenty of options, especially since this year’s draft class features many talented offensive tackles. It’s uncertain if the St. Louis Rams will bring back right tackle Joe Barksdale, but they will need to be prepared for anything and will likely look into LSU’s offensive tackle La’El Collins. Here’s a look at what Collins brings to the table:
Pros: If a team is looking for an aggressive offensive lineman, they may want to consider Collins. He has intimidating size, standing at 6’5” and weighs in at 321 pounds. If that isn’t enough, he has the strength to drive defensive linemen backwards and continue attacking until the whistle is blown. Collins probably has the best hand placement of all the tackles in the draft, and defenders will not get away from him once he latches on to them.
Collins has experience with a pro-style offense and is versatile enough to play both guard and tackle. His technique is rather polished, and he is a proficient run-blocker and an adequate pass-blocker as well. Although he does get beat on the pass rush at times, he does handle failure well. Often times he comes back with a chip on his shoulder and becomes even more ruthless the following play.
Cons: The biggest issue with Collins is his atrocious footwork. His feet rarely matches his frame, and that will not work in the NFL where the pass rushers are much faster and stronger. He relies too much on his upper body and lunges rather than working with his feet. Balance is important to an offensive lineman and defenders will continuously knock Collins off-balance if he relies solely on his upper body strength. At times, he plays too high off the snap as well.
Bottom line: It’s difficult to pinpoint where exactly he will be drafted, because it depends on where teams plan on placing him on the offensive line. If teams wish to use him as a left or right tackle, he could be selected within the top 15. It will be much more of an adjustment for Collins to become a left tackle in the NFL, but he does have the ability to play on the left side. If teams see him more as a guard, expect him to drop later on in the first round. It would be a shock to see him fall into the second round.
The Rams should definitely take a look at him, maybe not as a left tackle since that has already been given to Greg Robinson, but perhaps as a right tackle or right guard. His versatility does provide offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti with options to work with as he attempts to piece together a suitable offensive line. It doesn’t hurt to have an offensive lineman that plays with aggression.
Source: Sport-reference.com
You can follow Johnny Gomez on Twitter @Johnny5not6. Be sure to follow Rams Talk on Twitter @TalkRams.
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The focus of this offseason for the St. Louis Rams is likely going to be the offensive line. Luckily. the Rams have plenty of options, especially since this year’s draft class features many talented offensive tackles. It’s uncertain if the St. Louis Rams will bring back right tackle Joe Barksdale, but they will need to be prepared for anything and will likely look into LSU’s offensive tackle La’El Collins. Here’s a look at what Collins brings to the table:
Pros: If a team is looking for an aggressive offensive lineman, they may want to consider Collins. He has intimidating size, standing at 6’5” and weighs in at 321 pounds. If that isn’t enough, he has the strength to drive defensive linemen backwards and continue attacking until the whistle is blown. Collins probably has the best hand placement of all the tackles in the draft, and defenders will not get away from him once he latches on to them.
Collins has experience with a pro-style offense and is versatile enough to play both guard and tackle. His technique is rather polished, and he is a proficient run-blocker and an adequate pass-blocker as well. Although he does get beat on the pass rush at times, he does handle failure well. Often times he comes back with a chip on his shoulder and becomes even more ruthless the following play.
Cons: The biggest issue with Collins is his atrocious footwork. His feet rarely matches his frame, and that will not work in the NFL where the pass rushers are much faster and stronger. He relies too much on his upper body and lunges rather than working with his feet. Balance is important to an offensive lineman and defenders will continuously knock Collins off-balance if he relies solely on his upper body strength. At times, he plays too high off the snap as well.
Bottom line: It’s difficult to pinpoint where exactly he will be drafted, because it depends on where teams plan on placing him on the offensive line. If teams wish to use him as a left or right tackle, he could be selected within the top 15. It will be much more of an adjustment for Collins to become a left tackle in the NFL, but he does have the ability to play on the left side. If teams see him more as a guard, expect him to drop later on in the first round. It would be a shock to see him fall into the second round.
The Rams should definitely take a look at him, maybe not as a left tackle since that has already been given to Greg Robinson, but perhaps as a right tackle or right guard. His versatility does provide offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti with options to work with as he attempts to piece together a suitable offensive line. It doesn’t hurt to have an offensive lineman that plays with aggression.
Source: Sport-reference.com
You can follow Johnny Gomez on Twitter @Johnny5not6. Be sure to follow Rams Talk on Twitter @TalkRams.
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