Funny.
The guys the Rams take for the OL are usually guys that don't get a lot of focus. But, several seem to turn out pretty darn well.The Rams have a certain model that they want. It begins with intelligence, then work ethic, then versatility. Except for Center, the other 4 can play OG or OT. In fact, their OGs are built like OTs. Why? Outside Zone schemes, and because this is a passing league. So a great big power blocking OG is, in the Rams strategic thinking, the equivalent of the Maginot Line. Not what they're looking for.
When Havenstein was picked it was "too high". And, he was not quick enough to play OT, and didn't have enough flex or bend to play OG. So much for that.
Who the heck was Joe Noteboom? I have not a single doubt that he'll step right in a LT and be a good one. He's already shown what he can do, and has done it against good players in big games. No one could have been better trained and equipped to step in at this point that him.
Brian Allen; undersized for an NFL Center. It turns out it was only injury that was holding him back. Solid, steady, reliable. And, he got bigger.
Alaric Jackson. Simply not good enough. I think I was flat out shocked how well he did when thrown into the fire at LT when both Whit and Noteboom went down. The kid IS in NFL quality LOT.
David Edwards. Pure OT or nothing. He's a OG. Period. And while he's not great at anything, he's good enough at everything. And, he co-ordinated so very well with his LT.
The Rams willl continue to have a good, solid Oline with depth.
Who knows with the Bruss pick? Seems like an OK to solid choice. Not glamorous. But what's ever glamorous about selecting OGs?
Rams are not EVER going to pay OGs. This is one of a few positions that the Rams are always going to do as cheaply as possible in order to balance their payroll.
