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The St. Louis Rams overhauled their offensive line this offseason. They cut ties with three of their five starters from last season, and they opted to go with a youth movement rather than signing veteran linemen. Bringing fresh young talent to the roster isn’t unusual, but replacing the majority of the offensive line with them is an ambitious task.
This is an offensive unit that has a new quarterback taking the snaps and is looking to enhance their power-running game. Here’s a look at one of the more exciting battles of this year’s training camp:
Tackles
Of the remaining starters from last year, Greg Robinson will continue to man the quarterback’s blindside at left tackle. He had a decent rookie season, but he will need to step up if the Rams’ offense wants a shot at success. The right side is now without the services of Joe Barksdale and Jake Long. Rookie Rob Havenstein will likely be their replacement. The former Badger will be one of the focal points of training camp.
The Rams are prepared in case Havenstein isn’t ready for a starting role. They signed former Detroit Lions tackle Garrett Reynolds this offseason. Rookie Andrew Donnal is also looking to make an impact, and he could provide sufficient depth if he proves himself during training camp. Others competing for a roster spot include Steven Baker and undrafted free agent Darrell Williams (South Florida).
Another player of interest is former Clemson tackle Isaiah Battle. He was recently selected in the 2015 NFL Supplemental Draft and has the potential to be a future stud in the Rams’ offensive unit.
Centers
The Rams have a plethora of inexperienced centers. They do have potential, but veteran Tim Barnes will likely get the nod. Barnes has the most experience out of any centers on the roster and actually performed better than the aging Scott Wells at times. However, nothing is set in stone, and also competing for the starting role is Barrett Jones and Demetrius Rhaney. Undrafted free agent David Wang (Virginia Tech) is also looking to crack the roster.
This battle is actually crucial since this could determine Jones’s fate within the offensive line. It isn’t clear if he will start, but he has the capability of starting at center, guard or continue with a backup utility role.
Guards
The Rams’ most seasoned offensive lineman is Rodger Saffold and he will secure one of the guard spots. That said, the biggest question mark in training camp is who will man the opposite end? The Rams could look to Jamon Brown to take the spot, which would mean placing a second rookie as a starter on the offensive line. Another option could be trying Jones there since he played both positions with Alabama, but he hasn’t had much experience on the NFL level.
Brandon Washington will likely make the roster, because he is versatile enough to play all three positions. Looking to secure a roster spot is Travis Bond and rookie Cody Wichmann (Fresno State).
You can follow Johnny Gomez on Twitter @Johnny5not6. Be sure to follow Rams Talk on Twitter @TalkRams.
Interested in writing for RamsTalk? Click here to find out how!
2015, 2015 Supplemental Draft, Andrew Donnal, Barrett Jones, Brandon Washington, Cody Wichmann, Darrell Williams, David Wang, Demetrius Rhaney, featured, Garrett Reynolds, Greg Robinson, Isaiah Battle, Jake Long, Jamon Brown, Joe Barksdale, NFL, Rob Havenstein, Rodger Saffold, Scott Wells, St. Louis Rams, Steven Baker, Tim Barnes, Travis Bond
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The St. Louis Rams overhauled their offensive line this offseason. They cut ties with three of their five starters from last season, and they opted to go with a youth movement rather than signing veteran linemen. Bringing fresh young talent to the roster isn’t unusual, but replacing the majority of the offensive line with them is an ambitious task.
This is an offensive unit that has a new quarterback taking the snaps and is looking to enhance their power-running game. Here’s a look at one of the more exciting battles of this year’s training camp:
Tackles
Of the remaining starters from last year, Greg Robinson will continue to man the quarterback’s blindside at left tackle. He had a decent rookie season, but he will need to step up if the Rams’ offense wants a shot at success. The right side is now without the services of Joe Barksdale and Jake Long. Rookie Rob Havenstein will likely be their replacement. The former Badger will be one of the focal points of training camp.
The Rams are prepared in case Havenstein isn’t ready for a starting role. They signed former Detroit Lions tackle Garrett Reynolds this offseason. Rookie Andrew Donnal is also looking to make an impact, and he could provide sufficient depth if he proves himself during training camp. Others competing for a roster spot include Steven Baker and undrafted free agent Darrell Williams (South Florida).
Another player of interest is former Clemson tackle Isaiah Battle. He was recently selected in the 2015 NFL Supplemental Draft and has the potential to be a future stud in the Rams’ offensive unit.
Centers
The Rams have a plethora of inexperienced centers. They do have potential, but veteran Tim Barnes will likely get the nod. Barnes has the most experience out of any centers on the roster and actually performed better than the aging Scott Wells at times. However, nothing is set in stone, and also competing for the starting role is Barrett Jones and Demetrius Rhaney. Undrafted free agent David Wang (Virginia Tech) is also looking to crack the roster.
This battle is actually crucial since this could determine Jones’s fate within the offensive line. It isn’t clear if he will start, but he has the capability of starting at center, guard or continue with a backup utility role.
Guards
The Rams’ most seasoned offensive lineman is Rodger Saffold and he will secure one of the guard spots. That said, the biggest question mark in training camp is who will man the opposite end? The Rams could look to Jamon Brown to take the spot, which would mean placing a second rookie as a starter on the offensive line. Another option could be trying Jones there since he played both positions with Alabama, but he hasn’t had much experience on the NFL level.
Brandon Washington will likely make the roster, because he is versatile enough to play all three positions. Looking to secure a roster spot is Travis Bond and rookie Cody Wichmann (Fresno State).
You can follow Johnny Gomez on Twitter @Johnny5not6. Be sure to follow Rams Talk on Twitter @TalkRams.
Interested in writing for RamsTalk? Click here to find out how!
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