All due respect, RFL, but I think that you’re worrying about this more than it deserves.
On the one hand replacing 2 OL starters has a certain amount of risk, sure. But replacing OL starters simultaneously is commonplace in the NFL. One to three new ones per season is fairly normal.
On the other hand, these kids are not pure rookies fresh off their respective college campus, either. Both were handpicked by Kromer, gained experience in practice on vets day off, have had 2 offseasons of NFL weight training and meetings, both have mastered their playbooks and been mentored by quality veterans. Both have seen snaps in real games and have impressed coaches, teammates, and fans. Both, I suspect, were deliberately drafted a year early to replace Saffold/Whit and Sully, respectively.
IOW, they are part of the Masterplan for OL and seem right on schedule.
Besides, what other choice did the Rams have, realistically? Big Whit’s departure is eminent, Saffold was unaffordable, and Sully was no longer a viable option due to his late season decline.
I expect some bumps and potholes for the 2 youngsters, but nothing that will be catastrophic and they will learn quickly from their mistakes. I, for one, appreciate this Ram strategy and am completely at peace with it.
