Who’s The Left Tackle?

With news that Jason Smith was back doing team activities today, an interesting battle is forming on the Rams offensive line. Smith reportedly worked today at right tackle, while rookie Rodger Saffold stayed on the left side. The team has said that it will evaluate both players on both sides, but they have also stated that they will make a decision on positioning in the near future so Smith and Saffold can focus on an individual position. According to sources, the coaching staff likes Saffold’s ability on the left side, and they like Smith’s run-blocking from the right. The question here is, what is the best positioning for these two players?

I am all for playing guys at the best position to win, but do we really want to pay a right tackle the money that Smith is making? If he can’t win the starting left tackle job, do we have to consider the pick a bust? These questions are a long way from being answered, so let’s wait and see. It could be a case of Saffold just being really, really good. I don’t know for sure, but it is certainly something for Rams fans to watch over the next month.

Camp Notes: Some injury notes from camp today: Ron Bartell was in full pads without a brace on his ankle, but he was still very limited. The team will be careful with their top corner, so I wouldn’t worry too much. John Greco was out due to chest soreness, and Bradley Fletcher was limited as a precautionary measure due to soreness. Justin King suffered a calf strain, but it shouldn’t be serious. Rookie running back Keith Toston left after feeling “fuzzy” during contact drills. Again, this isn’t expected to be serious.