St Louis Rams Offensive Line: Who will start in 2015?

In 2014, the St Louis Rams offensive line was somewhat leaky, not providing enough protection for the pass and sometimes not structuring the desired lanes for the running game. The projected starting OL in 2014 consisted of:

LT – Jake Long
LG – Greg Robinson
C – Scott Wells
RG – Roger Saffold
RT – Joe Barksdale

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Looking at this front five, there were issues during the regular season in 2014 that have been addressed by Fisher & Snead in the offseason. Left tackle Jake Long, the 1

overall pick in 2008 has suffered many injuries throughout his time in St. Louis, most recently an ACL tear in the early stages of 2014, putting him out of action for the entire season. Jake Long and center, Scott Wells (also injury prone) were both released in March as Fisher and Snead were looking to innovate the offensive line.

Greg Robinson was one of the most reliable offensive linemen, who selected by the Rams in round one of last season.

Saffold provides a safe security in the offensive line, however, at times struggles to contain the pass rush at the line of scrimmage.

Joe Barksdale was similarly reliable at RT with 3 year experiences, however, after Barksdale tested free agency, he eventually signed a deal with the San Diego Chargers, freeing up the RT position in St. Louis.

With 3 of the 5 players leaving the starting offensive line, there is an opportunity for some of the rookies drafted in 2015 to step up to the plate and start every game in 2015. It should also be mentioned that 2014 2nd string center Tim Barnes, was also signed to a contract extension for 2015, and will most likely become the starting center for the Rams’ offense. Moreover, unrestricted free agent tackle Garrett Reynolds was also signed t the Rams’ offensive roster, with a high chance of starting at right of left tackle.

Looking to the OL Draft class of 2015, there are players ready to fill these recent departures;

Rob Havenstein: Round 2: Pick 25 (Wisconsin Badgers)
Jamon Brown: Round 3: Pick 8 (Louisville Cardinals)
Andrew Donnal: Round 4: Pick 20 (Iowa Hawkeyes)
Cody Wichmann: Round 6: Pick 39 (Frensco St.)

Rams also signed undrafted free agent left tackle Darrell Williams.

St Louis Rams OTA’s are underway, and as these training activities continue, these rookies will be familiarized with the Rams’ playbook, and will combine with the existing offensive roster. These rookies have much to offer and demonstrated promise from their respective 2014 highlight reel.

Looking into the 2015 regular season, the current depth chart of the offensive line is made to suit the heavy run game that Fisher wishes to play, with players switching from left side to the right. This is one possible way that the starting offensive line may begin the 2015 regular season:

“With 3 of 5 players leaving the starting offensive line, there is an opportunity for some of the rookies drafted in 2015 to step up to the plate and start every game in 2015”

LT – Greg Robinson
LG – Roger Saffold
C – Tim Barnes
RG – Garrett Reynolds
RT – Rob Havenstein

Should Fisher start one or more rookie on the offensive line? Or should the Rams be playing as many veterans as possible to begin the season?

There is no doubt that the remaining offensive linemen and the added rookies from the 2015 NFL Draft have the potential to tighten up the protection at the line of scrimmage for the St Louis Rams offensive line.

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