No LT for Rams

[ramsfan308]

Alex Barron is a natural left tackle and former first round pick who has always been playing out of position at right tackle. When he got a shot at left tackle while pace was hurt in 2007, he played very well. If you give the Rams a left tackle in the first round to "solve their line problems" then you are clueless. This left tackle would be at right tackle this year, repeating the Alex Barron problem all over again.

Please just stop the madness. The Rams need a natural right tackle, not just a tackle. Please consider this while doing your mocks.

The line is shapping us very nicely...

LT: Alex Barron
LG: John Greco (rookie last year with great flashes of upside)
C: Jason Brown
RG: Mark Setterstrom
RT: Jacob Bell

The one big spot for improvement is RT, not LT. Drafting a LT will not solve one issue whatsoever.

[BUSTKUNTLAWL]

Richie Incognito isn't a starter?

I'll be shocked if the Rams don't go OT.

[Hurricanes25]

They are going to draft Jason Smith and its that simple.

[CroomDawgs]

Alex Barron led the league in false starts last year, not to mention the team made it no secret last year that their #1 guy was Jake Long. Maybe switching to LT will help him, but given his performance over his career its a huge risk to take

[keylime_5]

They are going to draft Jason Smith and its that simple.

...or Eugene Monroe. (rumored to like him most)

[Cicero]

Alex Barron sucks horribly. I thought they were taking a LT before they let go of Pace, and now that he is gone I'm convinced that they are.

[Hurricanes25]

...or Eugene Monroe. (rumored to like him most)

Yea he is definately a possibility but I just cant see them not taking Jason Smith

[ramsfan308]

The Rams have needs everywhere...QB, #2 RB, WR, LT, RT, RG, DT, MLB, OLB.

You can't solve them all in one draft. You can't take just a certain position. You absolutely have to take the best player available, no matter what. You are drafting for the long term here, not just for next year.

So instead of forcing a pick because you feel that need is more important, take the best player, cross that need off the list and move on.

When you go 5 and 27 and have holes all over the roster, no need is more important then another.

Get a LT to pass block, now you have nobody to throw to and nobody to stop the run

Get a WR to throw to, now you dont have anyone to protect and you still not stopping the run

Get a MLB to stop the run, now your offense cant protect or catch the ball and it puts your defense on short fields.

So anyway you want to spin it, this is a domino effect and right now this team wont win until numerous holes are filled.

So instead of trying to fix all the problems at once, pigeon holing a position...just take the best player.

Draft the player, not the position.

Ask yourself, who do you want on your team for the next 5 years, not who do you want that would have make 2008 better or who do you want for 2009

Think long term, when you continue to try and fix last years problems you never move forward, because each year presents its own, unique problems.

Be proactive, not reactive!

[SimonRath]

The Rams have needs everywhere...QB, #2 RB, WR, LT, RT, RG, DT, MLB, OLB.


QB: they got Bulger, who is really good when hes got time (which means O-line help..)
RB: Jackson, Leonard, Pittman.. their fine
WR: big need. But can get a really good one in the 2nd

[PossibleCabbage]

Wait, if Alex Barron is the answer at LT for the Rams, why weren't the Rams playing him at LT instead of leaving a gaping hole at the position?

I'm not saying he can't play LT, but is there another explanation for this than "the Rams are stupid"?

[abaddon41_80]

The line is shapping us very nicely...

LT: Alex Barron
LG: John Greco (rookie last year with great flashes of upside)
C: Jason Brown
RG: Mark Setterstrom
RT: Jacob Bell


If you call that 'shaping up very nicely' I would hate to see what you consider a bad offensive line.

[Iamcanadian]

The Rams have needs everywhere...QB, #2 RB, WR, LT, RT, RG, DT, MLB, OLB.

You can't solve them all in one draft. You can't take just a certain position. You absolutely have to take the best player available, no matter what. You are drafting for the long term here, not just for next year.

So instead of forcing a pick because you feel that need is more important, take the best player, cross that need off the list and move on.

When you go 5 and 27 and have holes all over the roster, no need is more important then another.

Get a LT to pass block, now you have nobody to throw to and nobody to stop the run

Get a WR to throw to, now you dont have anyone to protect and you still not stopping the run

Get a MLB to stop the run, now your offense cant protect or catch the ball and it puts your defense on short fields.

So anyway you want to spin it, this is a domino effect and right now this team wont win until numerous holes are filled.

So instead of trying to fix all the problems at once, pigeon holing a position...just take the best player.

Draft the player, not the position.

Ask yourself, who do you want on your team for the next 5 years, not who do you want that would have make 2008 better or who do you want for 2009

Think long term, when you continue to try and fix last years problems you never move forward, because each year presents its own, unique problems.

Be proactive, not reactive!

Sorry but this is a bit naive IMO. In the cap era salary implications according to position has a huge impact on who teams dole out large $$$ for. Then there are primary and secondary positions on a football team and teams aren't going to use the #2 pick in the draft on a player who commands a whole lot of guaranteed money, who plays a secondary position on your football team. Teams will pass all the time on secondary position prospects like say an OC to take the highest ranked primary position player on their board.
Teams do think long term, that's why they design a salary structure to follow if they want to build a successful team. Chronic losers don't have a plan that works and never find the right formula for success.

[picklefork]

Haha, someone copy and pasted my rant from another forum.

Classic!

[Crickett]

If you call that 'shaping up very nicely' I would hate to see what you consider a bad offensive line.

You beat me to this. :(

[hagy34]

I think the first two picks of this draft are already made.

1. Stafford
2. JSmith

[rockio42]

I just stated it...even if Barron is a better fit drafting Jason Smith would still be drafting for the future because Barron's contract is up at the end of the year...here is a big question I pose to you...which would you rather have Curry, Kropog, & Barden or J. Smith, Britt, & Brinkley or Curry, Britt, & Cadogan...personally the Rams NEED to draft WR in the second and NEED to draft OL in the first three but IMO the second option is the best for the team...

[holt_bruce81]

They will take Monroe over Smith.

[Babylon]

Put me down for Aaron Curry.

[CashmoneyDrew]

You guys need to move Jacob Bell inside to guard.

[PACKmanN]

other then Brown, there is no one you can sell me on. That o-line is garbage.

[BmoreBlackByrdz]

They will take Monroe over Smith.

QFT...!!!!!

[roscoesdad27]

i say they take ANDRE smith to play LEFT tackle and if the original poster is correct with his assesment then andre would make a perrenial pro bowl right tackle for the next 10 years.

andre is hands down better than eugene or jason.

[SimonRath]

i say they take ANDRE smith to play LEFT tackle and if the original poster is correct with his assesment then andre would make a perrenial pro bowl right tackle for the next 10 years.

andre is hands down better than eugene or jason.

you are wrong. jus wait an see

[roscoesdad27]

you are wrong. jus wait an see

i wont be proven right or wrong until the season starts...i.e. even if the rams blunder and take eugene or jason i will still be proven right when andre is manhandling opposing defenders for the seahawks or bengals whilst eugene/jason are being pushed around and downgrading their respective teams running game.

[rockio42]

You guys need to move Jacob Bell inside to guard.

Didn't he play RT for the Titans prior to the drafting and emerging of Stewart over at RT...the reason they want to move him is that he played too light (was around 290 for the majority of the season) for OG and he has a great range of mobility and would be able to use that better out at RT...I don't see why it's a bad idea unless he was a bad RT for you guys

[ramsfan308]

Haha, someone copy and pasted my rant from another forum.

Classic!

It was too perfect...I couldn't say it any better. I tried to start but you just said it perfectly.

[ramsfan308]

Right after Pace was released, it was immediately announced that Barron would play left tackle next season. Barron has been good at left tackle in the past, Greco was opening up big holes and playing very well as a rookie, Brown as you know is solid, Bell at right guard or tackle is solid, and you can draft a natural right tackle.

That actually is shaping up pretty nicely.

[radjohns]

According to the PD, they had Adam Goldberg lined up at ROT with the fist unit during the first practice at mini camp. Not that April depth charts are set in stone, however.

I can't stand the idea of Barron starting at LOT, BTW, regardless of some fans perceptions of him being stronger there than on the right side. But if it meant that the Rams used their first pick on a gem on defense, or a franchise QB that sat for a year, then I'd be ok with that in the short term.

[HawkeyeFan]

This is how the Rams lined up the line this past mini camp.

LT Alex Barron
LG Jacob Bell
C Jason Brown
RG Richie Incognito
RT Adam Goldberg

[Bald_81]

They will take Monroe over Smith.

As a advocate of Jason Smith, I wouldn't like to see that happen. Monroe over Smith would get a big "huh" from me. With all the talk of having our offense dependent on running the football and letting that set up the pass, why would we pass on Smith? He's far superior versus the run than Monroe is and brings that nastiness that Devaney has been asking for. I wouldn't be mad with Monroe, it would just create some questions for me.

[Bobo]

Didn't he play RT for the Titans prior to the drafting and emerging of Stewart over at RT...the reason they want to move him is that he played too light (was around 290 for the majority of the season) for OG and he has a great range of mobility and would be able to use that better out at RT...I don't see why it's a bad idea unless he was a bad RT for you guys

He didn't play near as much RT as LG (a few games iirc). I think he may be able to play RT, but he sometimes looked like maybe he just wasn't using good technique out there and let some rushers get around him.

He earned his way at LG. He can get pushed around at G, but his athleticism and ability to get to the 2nd level were very good. Don't know what he has done since being with the Rams.

[SimonRath]

this really needs to be in the Rams team section

[rockio42]

This is how the Rams lined up the line this past mini camp.

LT Alex Barron
LG Jacob Bell
C Jason Brown
RG Richie Incognito
RT Adam Goldberg

Why the **** is John Greco not on the first team...he was easily one of our best lineman last year, put him at RT not Goldberg...

[Smokey Joe]

As a advocate of Jason Smith, I wouldn't like to see that happen. Monroe over Smith would get a big "huh" from me. With all the talk of having our offense dependent on running the football and letting that set up the pass, why would we pass on Smith? He's far superior versus the run than Monroe is and brings that nastiness that Devaney has been asking for. I wouldn't be mad with Monroe, it would just create some questions for me.
Far superior vs. the run? What? If anything, Jason Smith's biggest question mark is his run blocking, and the fact he played in a spread his college career. Monroe on the other hand is the most complete LT in this draft and while he is the best pass blocker in the draft, he is very physical in the run game.

Now Smith probably has the most upside, and is aggressive as ****, but he still has a lot of work ahead of him.

[Brent]

Unless Stafford is there, even with the signing of Kyle Boller, I would be shocked if they took any one other than an LT.

[marshallb]

Far superior vs. the run? What? If anything, Jason Smith's biggest question mark is his run blocking, and the fact he played in a spreed his college career. Monroe on the other hand is the most complete LT in this draft and while he is the best pass blocker in the draft, he is very physical in the run game.

Now Smith probably has the most upside, and is aggressive as ****, but he still has a lot of work ahead of him.

That is almost exactly what I was going to say.

[Smokey Joe]

I don't see why they wouldn't go with Curry, you can make a legit case. First, they hired Spagnuolo as the HC, a very defensive minded guy who's D places a lot of emphasis on the front 7, and his bread and butter originates with linebackers.

Also, while LT is a need, MLB as well as OLB are needs for the Rams. Someone like Curry can play either inside in Spags' scheme, or outside as the SAM, that's how good he is.

And people tend to forget, Curry is arguably the best player in this draft. I don't think it's any stretch to say that the Rams can decide to go LB instead of LT. I also think the case for Barron at LT is a legit one. In 07, when he replaced Pace on the left side, that was his best year, and he only allowed 3.5 sacks in 16 games. Now, he also had problems with penalties, and likely isn't a long term solution, but he can be decent. I think the reason why he struggles at RT so much is part mental with him. He's a whole lot more natural on the left side.

[Mr. Hero]

^^^Spags system would be an argument against any LB being drafted very high as they only have to be smart and play the run. Now if Curry played on teh DL that'd make sense with spags, but he doesn't so it doesn't.

[LonghornsLegend]

Alex Barron is a natural left tackle and former first round pick who has always been playing out of position at right tackle. When he got a shot at left tackle while pace was hurt in 2007, he played very well. If you give the Rams a left tackle in the first round to "solve their line problems" then you are clueless. This left tackle would be at right tackle this year, repeating the Alex Barron problem all over again.

Please just stop the madness. The Rams need a natural right tackle, not just a tackle. Please consider this while doing your mocks.

The line is shapping us very nicely...

LT: Alex Barron
LG: John Greco (rookie last year with great flashes of upside)
C: Jason Brown
RG: Mark Setterstrom
RT: Jacob Bell

The one big spot for improvement is RT, not LT. Drafting a LT will not solve one issue whatsoever.


LOL...Fans like you always show up around this time, tell everyone what your team "has no chance of doing", then after the draft when your wrong you go away.


LT is the most important position on the team, and you will probably have two of the highest rated tackles staring you in the face at #2, your not passing both of them up because whoever you draft is more then likely a reach and I doubt they trade out.

[Union]

LOL...Fans like you always show up around this time, tell everyone what your team "has no chance of doing", then after the draft when your wrong you go away.


LT is the most important position on the team, and you will probably have two of the highest rated tackles staring you in the face at #2, your not passing both of them up because whoever you draft is more then likely a reach and I doubt they trade out.

Quarterback is far and away the most important position on a football team.

[ramsfan308]

LOL...Fans like you always show up around this time

Oh, I'm sorry that I don't waste hours and hours of my life posting mock drafts throughout the year...I read St. Louis forums and newspapers regularly and follow the Rams and their moves on a daily basis. I know what's going on.

Everyone else sees a depth chart and stats. They don't see the big picture. They don't see the quotes, videos, or stories. You simply see a depth chart and instantly make up your mind. This goes for any outsider to a team. Mock drafts on here are pointless because most people on here know how their hometown team is and maybe a few others, but the rest is a crapshoot.

You have to add that third dimension to your perception of the draft. You can't just look at the depth chart and stats.

[Bald_81]

Far superior vs. the run? What? If anything, Jason Smith's biggest question mark is his run blocking, and the fact he played in a spread his college career. Monroe on the other hand is the most complete LT in this draft and while he is the best pass blocker in the draft, he is very physical in the run game.

Now Smith probably has the most upside, and is aggressive as ****, but he still has a lot of work ahead of him.

I beg to differ. I know workout statistics can be misleading, but the fact that he benched 225 lbs. 10 more times than Monroe, who's arms are only 1/8th longer than Smith's is pretty significant to me. It's no wonder Jake Long was viewed as dominant in the run game (he benched it 38 times) before last year's draft. As you mentioned, J-Smooth has a "not only beat, but destroy your opponent" mentality that I feel will translate to the running game. After hearing Devaney mention how we need to get bigger and tougher up front, how can he not love hearing those words?

Watch this video starting from around 1:40:

http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d80f7b5bc

Monroe's issues lie in that he may not have the killer instinct which will make him regress (or not reach his full potential) in the run game. No doubt he is great against the pass, but I don't think he is anything more than average against the run. Casserly goes onto say that the Rams would consider J-Smooth at #2 because of his physicality, which you used to describe Monroe. You should know that last year Chris Long never lined up in a traditional 4-3 DE spot while at Virginia because he was in a 3-4 and would often line up in the five-technique or inside at DT. He had to make a transition as a rookie, and there is no doubt in my mind that J. Smith can do the same. Once he does, he will be a terror in the run game and his skills versus the pass will come. But since S-Jax is the focal point of the offense, I want Jason Smith hands down.

[Babylon]

The Rams seem like a prime candidate to move down and get the tackle they need later, otherwise take BPA in Curry.

[PossibleCabbage]

The Rams seem like a prime candidate to move down and get the tackle they need later, otherwise take BPA in Curry.

You can't move down unless you find someone who wants to move up. It's hard to imagine anybody moving up into the top 3 via trade any year, let alone this one which is far from topheavy and full from superstars.

[Smokey Joe]

I beg to differ. I know workout statistics can be misleading, but the fact that he benched 225 lbs. 10 more times than Monroe, who's arms are only 1/8th longer than Smith's is pretty significant to me. It's no wonder Jake Long was viewed as dominant in the run game (he benched it 38 times) before last year's draft. As you mentioned, J-Smooth has a "not only beat, but destroy your opponent" mentality that I feel will translate to the running game. After hearing Devaney mention how we need to get bigger and tougher up front, how can he not love hearing those words?

Watch this video starting from around 1:40:

http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d80f7b5bc

Monroe's issues lie in that he may not have the killer instinct which will make him regress (or not reach his full potential) in the run game. No doubt he is great against the pass, but I don't think he is anything more than average against the run. Casserly goes onto say that the Rams would consider J-Smooth at #2 because of his physicality, which you used to describe Monroe. You should know that last year Chris Long never lined up in a traditional 4-3 DE spot while at Virginia because he was in a 3-4 and would often line up in the five-technique or inside at DT. He had to make a transition as a rookie, and there is no doubt in my mind that J. Smith can do the same. Once he does, he will be a terror in the run game and his skills versus the pass will come. But since S-Jax is the focal point of the offense, I want Jason Smith hands down.
Are you seriously basing run blocking on the bench press? The Bench Press is probably the most overrated workout. Sure, it's a nice measure for chest strength, but that's about it. You need a good initial punch, but run blocking comes from the legs, not the arms. In fact, the only real thing linemen do that concerns a bench press motion is the punch in pass pro.

Now, it's one thing to say if you think Jason Smith has more potential in run blocking, which he probably does. But right now, Monroe is the much better run blocker. You can make a legit case for Smith at no. 2, but to use the reasoning of run blocking is just silly.