Rams Fans United - Los Angeles Rams Fan Discussion Forum

I feel like the Rams are utilizing something of an "old school" approach to maintaining OL stability.

While some teams have (with a mixed degree of success/failure) devoted first round draft picks and big FA $ to the OL, the Rams philosophy seems to be based upon a belief that non-marquee prospects (i.e. guys who could be had in the 3rd-6th round) can be very effective if they are "redshirted" for a year and coached up.

This year, the Rams let Rodger Saffold leave in FA and said goodbye to aging (and marginally effective) veteran John Sullivan. Enter Joseph Noteboom and Brian Allen, 2018 3rd and 4th round picks who spent their rookie year mainly observing and practicing.

Next year, I suspect that the Rams may do something similar. If Andrew Whitworth retires, I suspect that Plan A is either to slide Noteboom into the spot or elevate David Edwards, who is in his "redshirt" rookie season (if Noteboom moves, Edwards would probably take over at LG).

At RG, Austin Blythe, as has been noted by others (max) here, might not be worth a FA contract. And, it may not matter... the Rams have two "redshirt" candidates for his spot in Jamil Demby and Bobby Evans.

For some, the prospect of a 2020 OL consisting of Edwards, Noteboom, Allen, Demby/Evans, and Havenstein might seem frightening. I'm not so sure. In fact, as much as it pains me to say it... restocking in this manner seems consistent with how the Patriots have maintained a high level of play without breaking the bank in the FA market (and rarely having high draft picks).

Let's just make sure nobody steals OL coach Aaron Kromer from us!

Evans was a higher rated player than Edwards. Turns out Edwards looks like the better player. But its also possible Evans just needs more time than Edwards. Its possible Evans will turn out ok with a redshirt year and slowly bringing him along. Maybe one of the first guys off the bench in year two and a starter in year 3. Which will give him two years as a starter while the develop guys behind him. Maybe Edwards turns out to be a solid tackle or guard and he's one of the guys they keep long term. Like they're doing with Havenstein.

Isn't Neary on IR? They must like him too, because we kept him after his 502 suspension.

safer wrote:Isn't Neary on IR? They must like him too, because we kept him after his 502 suspension.

Just released him today with an injury settlement (along with Trevon Young and Dominique Hatfield).

I like the younger, cheaper redshirt development style, that is, as long as Kromer stays. This coaching job has become increasingly important as far as I'm concerned.

It’s not like they didn’t try using high picks, I guess it was the previous regime though. I still have nightmares about Barron and Robinson.

Kid Charlamagne wrote:It’s not like they didn’t try using high picks, I guess it was the previous regime though. I still have nightmares about Barron and Robinson.

"The Busts of Coaches Past"... yes, quite frightening (and don't forget Jason Smith )

fletch59 wrote:I like the younger, cheaper redshirt development style, that is, as long as Kromer stays. This coaching job has become increasingly important as far as I'm concerned.

Here;s the thing about Kromer v. other Rams OL coaches before him (and the Rams have had some good ones). He has a very strong record not only coaching them, but finding them. So far, he hasn't had a busted OL draft pick since 2012 (and that one was a 7th round pick.)

Hanifan and Boudreau were good OL coaches, but they were not great at picking them in the draft.

If Kromer can keep it up...and it's not that far-fetched to think he can...Rams never have to worry.

Before his 2018 shoulder injury, David Edwards had a 1 - 2-round grade.

buffed wrote:Before his 2018 shoulder injury, David Edwards had a 1 - 2-round grade.

I looked at draft rankings for Edwards too from before the season and so from before playing hurt in 2018. In the top 100 lists I saw, he was anywhere from 53 to 21, depending on the list. Some people at the time of the draft didn't realize that he was playing ROT for a lefty qb so protecting the blind side.

Some samples.

2019 NFL Draft: Here’s a super-early look at the top 100 prospects
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/new ... prospects/

40. David Edwards, OT, Wisconsin

Top 150 college football players to watch in 2018: Nos. 1-50
By Chad Reuter
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap300000 ... 18-nos-150

43. David Edwards – OT
School: Wisconsin | Year: Junior (RS)
Looking at Edwards now, it’s tough to picture him as the option quarterback he was in high school. He’s filled out his frame, and that’s paid major dividends, as he’s strong enough to handle bull rushes and still agile enough to reach linebackers to break open big runs for Jonathan Taylor and the rest of the Badgers’ running back crew.

2019 NFL draft rankings
https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-mock-draft ... r-lawrence

21. David Edwards, OT, Wisconsin
Wisconsin has the most talented offensive line in college football, and its packed with NFL players. Edwards, Wisconsin’s right tackle, is the best draft eligible player of the bunch. Edwards is a powerful run blocker and loves to finish plays.

2019 NFL Draft Prospects
link: https://www.nfldraftgeek.com/100-days-o ... prospects/

53. David Edwards OT Wisconsin
Today’s #100Days of #NFLDraft Prospects looks at Wisconsin’s David Edwards and why he is considered an elite tackle prospect #Badgers https://t.co/4id1sGBgOW

PRESEASON 2019 NFL DRAFT BIG BOARD
https://thedraftnetwork.com/articles/le ... -big-board

25. DAVID EDWARDS, OT, WISCONSIN

NFL Draft 2019: Early look at top five offensive linemen
https://n.rivals.com/news/nfl-draft-201 ... ve-linemen

4. DAVID EDWARDS, WISCONSIN

A Very Early Look at the Potential Top 10 Picks
By ALBERT BREER July 11, 2018
https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/07/11/2019- ... tt-stidham

TEN MORE PLAYERS TO WATCH
David Edwards, OT, Wisconsin: He may have been the best right tackle in America last year, and he considered declaring for the draft.