[Dare]

For those that don't have All 22 this is a breakdown of the OL play during the Niner game. It was impressive against a very good DL. Dotson and Limmer were very good. Watch Limmer's performance and you will see why I knew he was a starter from day one. He's not playing like a rookie. He could eventually be the best center in the McVay era.

In the playoffs, the margin often comes down to who has the better OL. The Niners are in a down year, but they still have a good DL. Some people have asked me what the "duo" that is often mentioned is. This clip illustrates it very well. It's why the Rams DL stunts so often to avoid being victimized by that type of OL play.

It illustrates why the Ram offense was stymied until they got their OL guys back. It also illustrates why Jackson simply couldn't play center as it's more than simply hiking the ball. Making the OL blocking calls and having the awareness and athleticism to play the position.

[ramsman34]

I respectfully disagree. Take a look at the last 4 drafts and the slots #20 - #29.
2024: Troy Fauntanu #20; Tyler Guyton #29
2023: Anton Harrison #27
2022: Tyler Smith #24
2021: Christian Darrisaw #23

Are they elite? Darrisaw was injured in the Minnesota/Rams game and that was supposed to be a HUGE loss for the Vikings. So much so, they traded with Jacksonville for Cam Robinson (a 2nd round pick by Jacksonville in 2017). Elite LT's can be had late in the first and second. But usually not the guys the draftniks predict to be "elite", "franchise" LTs.

On Alaric, I'm fine if he's affordable, even if he's not "elite".

Fair enough. So let’s say the higher the pick, the better the chance at acquiring elite talent at the most covered positions. It doesn’t always ring true as you have illustrated. And teams often miss with high picks anyway. Point is, if A Jax is above average to very good, does he need to be elite?? And if the Rams can get him under a reasonable contract, does that make the most sense?? I think RT is the bigger concern as Havs ain’t getting younger and has had his share of injuries and games missed. Perhaps Leviston might thrive at RT??

[ramsman34]

For those that don't have All 22 this is a breakdown of the OL play during the Niner game. It was impressive against a very good DL. Dotson and Limmer were very good. Watch Limmer's performance and you will see why I knew he was a starter from day one. He's not playing like a rookie. He could eventually be the best center in the McVay era.

In the playoffs, the margin often comes down to who has the better OL. The Niners are in a down year, but they still have a good DL. Some people have asked me what the "duo" that is often mentioned is. This clip illustrates it very well. It's why the Rams DL stunts so often to avoid being victimized by that type of OL play.

It illustrates why the Ram offense was stymied until they got their OL guys back. It also illustrates why Jackson simply couldn't play center as it's more than simply hiking the ball. Making the OL blocking calls and having the awareness and athleticism to play the position.

But didn’t you have the 2025 OL with Leviston at LG and Avila at OC? I disagree with that lineup. Leviston should be cross trained at OG and OT - specifically RT and be ready depending on what Havs does. I think the OL as is should be the OL going forward - including 2025 depending on who moves on in the offseason.

[Flash]

Great vid thanks for sharing!

[ramsww]

Thanks for agreeing with my basic assessment and using a lot less text. Param can see I never said we NEED another Ramsey pointing out that other teams have been successful without one. Putting Ramsey in a class with Sanders & Revis should have been enough but when you’re simply looking for an argument….

[/zn/]

It illustrates why the Ram offense was stymied until they got their OL guys back. It also illustrates why Jackson simply couldn't play center as it's more than simply hiking the ball. Making the OL blocking calls and having the awareness and athleticism to play the position.

That's basically fair on Jackson...except, J.Jackson represents 2 mistakes the Rams made with the OL. First, they didn't move JJ to center until the summer. That's not that big a mistake. Then, they rushed him back into action along with 2 other replacements against Miami. They were essentially starting 3 new starters on the OL, all of whom had been in injury recovery and therefore not really synced in mentally and physically.

Going back to Limmer was an improvement. He had the reps, JJ didn't. Avila got it together playing. They got Hav back.

I don't normally criticize Rams OL coaching, but the Miami game was a puzzling disaster.

In terms of JJ in the future...I wouldn't write him off. He could get it together and live up to expectations. Then they have both JJ and Limmer, which is a nice problem to have.

If they draft anywhere on the OL this coming draft it will be at OT. Their interior is set, with depth. The interior depth is not just based on JJ settling down and being ready to play. Dedich played well at guard too. It's a good sign that they added LImmer and Dedich the same year and then made something out of them, and the total cost for both players draftwise was one 6th round pick.

But...you know, even Snead said in an interview that the rushing all 3 guys back from recovery in the same game against Miami made the OL incohesive.

[PARAM]

It illustrates why the Ram offense was stymied until they got their OL guys back. It also illustrates why Jackson simply couldn't play center as it's more than simply hiking the ball. Making the OL blocking calls and having the awareness and athleticism to play the position.

In terms of JJ in the future...I wouldn't write him off. He could get it together and live up to expectations.

It's internet normal that Jackson has morphed from "an oft injured risk" into "an oft injured risk who can't play". Coming in the concern was injury. After starting/playing 3 games, spread over 9 weeks, suddenly he's not only oft injured but he can't play. And he hasn't played the position they reportedly signed him to play.

He was the starting center for Rutgers and the only Scarlet Knight OL during that time, to make it to the NFL. Ironically, Avila bounced around the OL at TCU. Center, right tackle, right guard. It's not like either of these guys were entrenched at C during their NCAA days, though Avila played more games at C (17) than JJ (5). Which begs the question, who is the better center and should either of them have been expected to excel there in the NFL?

[/zn/]

It's internet normal that Jackson has morphed from "an oft injured risk" into "an oft injured risk who can't play". Coming in the concern was injury. After starting/playing 3 games, spread over 9 weeks, suddenly he's not only oft injured but he can't play. And he hasn't played the position they reportedly signed him to play.

He was the starting center for Rutgers and the only Scarlet Knight OL during that time, to make it to the NFL. Ironically, Avila bounced around the OL at TCU. Center, right tackle, right guard. It's not like either of these guys were entrenched at C during their NCAA days, though Avila played more games at C (17) than JJ (5). Which begs the question, who is the better center and should either of them have been expected to excel there in the NFL?

I'm just saying it's premature to rule him out for next year. Though having said that, IMO they should never have played him against Miami. Limmer was doing fine and putting 3 new OL starters in one game during the season is a lot to ask.

[PARAM]

I'm just saying it's premature to rule him out for next year. Though having said that, IMO they should never have played him against Miami. Limmer was doing fine and putting 3 new OL starters in one game during the season is a lot to ask.

I realize that and agree with your point.

My amusement was in the perception "Jackson can't play". He started 57 of a possible 67 games over the four years before joining the Rams. Last year, the Lions won 9 of the 12 games he started (.750) and 3 of the 5 games he missed (.600).

[/zn/]

I realize that and agree with your point.

My amusement was in the perception "Jackson can't play". He started 57 of a possible 67 games over the four years before joining the Rams. Last year, the Lions won 9 of the 12 games he started (.750) and 3 of the 5 games he missed (.600).

You badly misread me. I am not saying that Jonah Jackson should replace Stafford at quarterback. I don't even know where you got the idea I said that. Don't misread, it dampens the conversation.



PS. I did misread you. I thought you were agreeing with the idea that JJ can't play. Looking back, it's obvious you weren't saying that. I dunno, sometimes brain not work good.