Defining the Rams offensive line

Nov 1, 2014; Piscataway, NJ, USA; Wisconsin Badgers offensive lineman Rob Havenstein (78) takes on Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive lineman Djwany Mera (93) and defensive back Johnathan Aiken (26) at High Points Solutions Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

The Rookies:

Rob Havenstein, RT (2^nd Rd. Selection)

Havenstein comes from the NFL football factory otherwise known as the University of Wisconsin. There is nothing overwhelming about Havenstein, but that is the best part about him. It’s the players you never hear about that seem to do their jobs the best. Havenstein was a leader in the group that provided running back Melvin Gordon with gaping holes and tremendous lanes. He is best suited at RT and has potential to start week 1. Havenstein was an All-American his senior season and rated very high on the Rams draft board.

Jamon Brown, LT (3rd Rd. Selection)

Brown was not a head turner at Louisville, but was an integral piece of an offensive unit that averaged almost 400 yards of offense per game in 2014. Brown was rated as a fourth to fifth round selection, but because he can play both tackle and guard his value received a nice boost. With St. Louis, Brown projects well into the RG slot, which is currently vacant. His big body will bode well in the Rams new run-first attack. Defenders will struggle with his quickness and upper body strength, but may find his weakness lies within his legs.

May 8, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams offensive lineman Jamon Brown (68) runs through drills with tackle Rob Havenstien (79) during rookie minicamp at Rams Park. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Andrew Donnal, RT (4th Rd. Selection)

Donnal is another blue collar lineman taken out of Iowa. Another versatile pick up by the Rams, Donnal played both RT and RG at the college level. He was a 13 game starter in his final year and earned All-Big Ten honors. Donnal has been slowed by an ACL injury suffered in 2012, but appears to have put the major recovery work behind him. Nothing spectacular here, but a solid player with potential to make a contribution at the next level. What he lacks in physical strength, he makes up for in smarts and determination.

Cody Wichmann, OG (6th Rd. Selection)

Wichmann comes from the Mountain West conference and the Fresno State Bulldogs. He has spent time protecting current Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr when they played together at Fresno State, and was part of an offensive line that allowed the sixth fewest sacks in the FBS in 2013. Unfortunately, this late in the draft almost every prospect will need substantial work to be productive at the pro level. What Wichmann lacks in technique, he makes up for in strength. He can hold his own in his bubble, but struggles when peeling off into space. Wichmann provides depth if nothing else.

Isaiah Battle, OT (5th Rd. Supplemental Draft Selection)

Battle may prove to be the most intriguing offensive lineman prospect to join the Rams this year. With the selection in the supplemental draft St. Louis will forfeit their 5th round selection in the 2016 NFL draft. More than 20 teams came out to see Battle at his pro day after he was unable to attend the NFL draft due to personal reasons. Unfortunately, Battle’s college history is riddled with disciplinary issues, including punching an opposing player from North Carolina State. However, he holds the size and length that NFL teams look for on the offensive line. Rams GM Les Snead has been noted as saying they plan to sit Battle in 2015 and work him through their system in preparation for his “rookie” year in 2016. Battle, had he put his name in the 2015 NFL draft, may very well have been a second or third round selection. The value here for the Rams is extremely high.