Josh Conerly Jr. OT
PostPosted:2 months 1 week ago
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.
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.