Austin Blythe might be Brian Allen's only competition at centerBy: Cameron DaSilva
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theramswire.usatoday.com]
In the weeks leading up to the draft, the Los Angeles Rams were believed to be in the market for a center. They were likely hoping Garrett Bradbury would fall to them at No. 31, but Erik McCoy was also thought to be a target at the end of the first round or in a trade back to Round 2.
Well, seven rounds came and went and the Rams didn’t spend a single one of their eight picks on a center. It was fairly surprising given the uncertainty at the position with John Sullivan’s option not being picked up and only Brian Allen being on the depth chart.
The team’s reluctance to draft a center is a vote of confidence for Allen, but it also may be an indication of how the coaches feel about Austin Blythe. It’s entirely possible Blythe will be Allen’s top, and maybe only competition at center.
Blythe came to the Rams after being claimed off waivers. He previously played center, backing up Sullivan before sliding over to right guard to replace the suspended Jamon Brown. He had a strong first season at guard in 2018, but the Rams may not want to keep him there.
They drafted two players – Bobby Evans and David Edwards – who are expected to compete at both tackle spots and both guard positions. Center was never mentioned by O-line coach Aaron Kromer when discussing where Evans and Edwards might play, saying they’ll play four positions: both guards and tackles.
If the Rams believe Evans or Edwards fit best at right guard, it might cause them to move Blythe to center. That would allow him to compete for the starting job with Allen, which he might very well just win.
Kromer wants to get the five best offensive linemen on the field, and with Andrew Whitworth and Rob Havenstein entrenched as starters, there are three spots open for five or so players. Allen might have the clearest path to the top of the depth chart with very little competition at center due to the Rams passing on every center they had a chance to pick.
It could just come down to whether Evans or Edwards show enough at right guard to kick Blythe back to center.
