Barrett Jones is the Rams Best Option at Center

Coming out of Evangelical Christian high school in 2008, Barrett Jones was listed as the No. 1 center in the nation. At the University of Alabama, Jones lived up to every expectation on his way to becoming one of the most decorated college athletes of all-time. In four years, Jones played all five positions on the offensive line and excelled at each. He took home the Outland Trophy in 2011, given to the nations best lineman, at left tackle then won the Rimington Trophy, given to the nations’ best center, the following year. Jones also helped Alabama win three BCS titles in his four years with The Tide. On top of his athletic achievements, Barrett also received numerous awards for his community service and academic accomplishments. He was drafted by the Rams in the fourth round of the 2013 Draft, which I thought was a steal, and then…nothing

Since coming to St. Louis, Jones has played in just ten games and has struggled to stay healthy. Injuries have severely limited the 25 year old and kept him from any significant playing time. Back surgery in 2014, Lisfranc surgery in 2013 (while still at Alabama), high ankle sprains, and so on. The guy has just had some terrible luck with the injury bug to start his career. However, the storyline this offseason has changed. The word is he is healthy and ready to compete. That news could not have come at a better time for Jones, or the Rams who are currently still searching for a starting center. As of now Tim Barnes, Barrett Jones, and Demetrius Rhaney are gunning for the spot.

Nov 9, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; St. Louis Rams center Tim Barnes (61) against the Arizona Cardinals. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Barnes is the only one of the three with real game experience, yet I view him as the weakest option of the group with the smallest upside. Barnes remains a capable backup though. He’ll hang in there for now, unless the latter two go down, but eventually this will become a two horse race between Rhaney and Jones.

Rhaney has been an afterthought until now because he was placed on injured reserve before his rookie year even began. Drafted by the Rams in the seventh round in 2014, Rhaney has potential.

Jul 22, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams center Demetrius Rhaney (65) runs through drills at Rams Park. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

He is a quick, agile blocker for his size (6-2, 300 pounds) and battles until the whistle. Rhaney is an adept pass protector as well. It will be interesting to see what Rhaney brings to the table as a relative unknown. If Jones goes down with another injury, Rhaney will have a strong chance to seize the opportunity.

Finally we have Barrett Jones. He has the pedigree and all the talent needed to handedly win the starting job. It’s just a matter of staying healthy. Hopefully his development has not suffered too much. Overall he is the biggest of the three (6-4, 308 pounds) and has the most potential. Jones is one of the most intelligent minds in the game and the center position is a prime spot to utilize that intelligence. Whether pass or run blocking, Jones can do both well.

Oct 19, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams guard Barrett Jones (67) warms up before a game against the Seattle Seahawks. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

He has long arms and solid technique, using both to his advantage. He is able to get an angle on his opponent and create running lanes for his backs, a skill that will come in handy with the Rams promising ground attack. The interior of the offensive line is the best place for Jones, who can look outmatched against quicker players on the outside. Overall he is a player with the potential to man the middle for years to come.

Barring injury, Barrett Jones is the most likely and the best option the Rams have at center. Even if Jones starts off slow: be patient, it is better than what we had to watch with Scott Wells last season. This is Jones’ best chance to get a foothold in the NFL. Here’s hoping he can return to his award-winning Alabama form and have an injury-free season.

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