Dissecting the St Louis Rams: Offensive Line

The Offensive line for the St Louis Rams has been talked about for weeks, and simply, I am sure you are just as sick of reading it as I am writing about it. So I will keep this short and simple for the readers that are. I will just dive right in and see what the starting offensive line has to offer.

Dec 7, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; St. Louis Rams guard Greg Robinson (79) prepares to block against the Washington Redskins during the first half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Left Tackle: Greg Robinson

Greg was selected number 2 overall in last years draft, so there are some very high expectations for him. Personally, I love what he brings, being a run mauler who has the strength and run blocking ability to push half of the defense line over. Robinson struggled his first year learning the rule book and adjusting to NFL life, but Rams fans shouldn’t fret, as I am positive he will prove why he was taken so high in 2015.

My favorite thing about Robinson is how much he loves to just run over guys. He finds any excuse he can to take a defender to the ground. As he continues to improve at pass-blocking, Gurley will love being able to run behind him.

Nov 9, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; St. Louis Rams guard Rodger Saffold (76) blocks as quarterback Austin Davis (9) drops back to pass against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Rams 31-14. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Left Guard: Rodger Saffold

Roger has had some serious injury issues on field, which has cost him some support of the fan base in St Louis. Saffold is still a great blocker though, make no mistake, as he has been bounced around from tackle to guard, and even to the other side of the line. Saffold always plays wherever he is needed and works well with whoever is next to him. As long as Saffold stays healthy, he is a solid option to get the job done.

Nov 9, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; St. Louis Rams center Tim Barnes (61) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Rams 31-14. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Center: Tim Barnes (projected)

Fisher has been setting this up for a while now, sneakily working extra reps for the backup centers to test who could replace Wells. This could go either way, but I anticipate Barnes being the starter based on his knowledge of the game, desire to play, and buildable blocking skills.

Barnes started four games in 2013, and proved that he can completely hold his own on the line. That being said, it only makes sense to move him into the starting role.

Oct 3, 2014; Syracuse, NY, USA; Louisville Cardinals offensive tackle Jamon Brown (79) in warm-up drills prior to a game against the Syracuse Orange at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

Right Guard: Jamon Brown (projected)

Jamon Brown has his faults for sure. Brown has plenty of untapped power brewing inside of him, but waste it while being slow to finish defenders off. This being said, Brown still has a very wide frame, which makes defenders work to get around him. He also has a great initial push, as well as the skill set to play inside at a great NFL level.

There is never an indication on how well rookies will adjust, but there is a reason Fisher drafted this type of blocker, and Brown should be able to create holes for Gurley no problem.

Oct 25, 2014; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers offensive lineman Rob Havenstein (78) during the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 52-7. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Right Tackle: Rob Havenstein

This guy is a mountain. At 6’7, 321 lbs, Havenstein is a true run mauler, joining Robinson on the opposite side. He has great power to create holes for the run game, and can drive defenders back on almost every play. His leadership ability has also been praised by many of his former teammates at Wisconsin.

Rob’s height both helps him, and hurts him. Rob may have the strength to drive defenders back, but when pass blocking comes into play, finds himself slow off the line and lacks proper pass technique.

The rookies will take time to train, but for what Fisher wants to use them for, they should do just fine. With lack of experience and so many unanswered questions, the grade is a lot lower for the Rams offensive line then some of their other positions. Now let me make this clear, I think the line is fine, and think it will succeed, but right now there isn’t much to be excited about.

Official Grade: C

Next: Player Spotlight: Alec Ogletree

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