[Dare]

I noted a media report that the Rams have shown interest in Josh Conerly Jr OT out of Oregon.

It to got me thinking. He's projected to go second day but I doubt he drops as far as the Ram's low third round picks, too many teams need LTs. Since they don't have a second round #26 is really more like a high 2nd round in terms of talent on the board. Or if they move back obviously they will be looking at a team that can give them a high second round pick and high 3rd round pick in any trade down.

He fit s the narrative of Snead, he needs polish, i.e. acclimation to the NFL game not development and probably 90% ready to play this year. He's a LT but he certainly could cross train at RT for a year.

When you look at Alaric Jackson's contract it's essentially a two year deal with an out for the Rams after this season. This is why I said when he was extended it was an audition year. Alaric is a good OT but I haven't seen elite play in him yet. If he resolves his issues this year or sits on his laurels because of the nature of the need for LTs in the NFL remains to be seen, but I think it's the later not the former.

Taking someone like Conerly this year gives him a year of rotational duty. People assume Rob Havenstein is returning this year and he might. But he's playing on option year money, i.e. NO GUARANTEED SALARY something that is rarely done. So the Rams could start Conerly at RT this year if they want as they actually save money if they release Havenstein.

The added benefit is if Alaric Jackson puts in another good not great year then he's massive trade bait next year with an experienced Conerly shifting back to his natural LT position. Ideally Jackson plays out his two years which will give the Rams another year to draft a RT and move Conerly to LT. It gives the Rams roster flexibility.

Another reason to play Conerly as a rookie is that Dotson doesn't project beyond this season. They also have Shelton only for a max of two more years. You don't want to play two young guys on the same side of the OL if possible.

So perhaps Conerly plays into their #26 projection and even more so if they should trade back which is looking less likely as few teams are looking like they want to move up. IMO a lot hinges upon how they view McClendon and Leveston.

[PARAM]

That's a lot of postalating not based on anything significant.

In other words.....

'if the Rams consider #26 a very high second round pick.....and they are interested in taking an OT with their first pick, particularly a guy who isn't starter material yet.......because Alaric Jackson really ain't the guy; they just signed him to a 3 year contract that they consider a one year audition deal.....then Connerly might be their guy!'

To me that all sounds like trigonometry at 7 in the morning after an all night bender.

Q? What do you get when you cross LSD with methamphetamine?

A: Whatever your mind wants.....if you can hold a thought for more than 1.5 seconds.

[BobCarl]

I noted a media report that the Rams have shown interest in Josh Conerly Jr OT out of Oregon.

He fit s the narrative of Snead, he needs polish,

People assume Rob Havenstein is returning this year and he might. But he's playing on option year money ... (The Rams) save money if they release Havenstein.

My favorite AI, (Nate Kessler of GPT Sports) reports:

"Several media outlets have reported about Josh Conerly.

Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network projected Conerly to the Rams at No. 26 overall in his initial 2025 mock draft. Jeremiah's projections are often informed by his connections within NFL front offices, suggesting potential insider knowledge of the Rams' interest.

Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN also predicted that the Rams would select Conerly in the first round, highlighting the team's need to strengthen their offensive line, especially with left tackle Alaric Jackson approaching free agency. ​

Dane Brugler of The Athletic included Conerly in his mock draft to the Rams, noting that Conerly didn't allow a pressure in 10 of Oregon's final 12 games, underscoring his effectiveness in pass protection. ​

The consistent projections by multiple respected analysts suggest that the Rams are seriously considering him as a potential first-round pick."


My, (BobCarl's) response about Havenstein:

Rob Havenstein: Does releasing him save money? Sure—if you completely ignore context.
Playing on his option bonus? Pffffft.
“No guarantees”? Again... pffffft. Lazy arguments.

Release him or keep him, that option bonus is locked in—$8.9 million against the cap, period. Whether you eat it all in 2025 or spread it over a couple years, it’s still hitting the salary cap. There's no escaping that.

The actual cost of keeping Havenstein on the roster? $2.4 million.

Compare that to a first-round rookie at pick #26—you’re looking at a minimum of $4 million against the cap. So… no, there’s zero “savings” in replacing him with a rookie. Upgrade the roster spot by paying more, I'm all for that, but the additional $$ cost gets removed from someone else's roster spot.

Making a point by using the buzz word "Savings" is a lazy argument.

Havenstein is expected to be physically ready. So ask yourself this:
Are you realistically going to get better production for less than $2.4 million from a free agent, a Day 3 pick, or some undrafted flyer?

Didn’t think so.

[ramman2999]

This is probably the pick.

Even though alot of People have Tmac to us. Bucky Brooks has Tmac to us. I would do that. That would help tremendously with a Quarterback like Stafford.