Is Rodger Saffold ready to lead the Offensive Line in 2015?

With the large in-flux of rookies into the offensive line in 2015, the Rams will be looking to its leaders to harness their talent and develop their skills during the game. With newly promoted offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti Jr, the veteran offensive linemen will be expected to provide leadership and guidance for the rookie offensive linemen on the field. Rodger Saffold will need to be the man to lead this offensive line in 2015.

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At 6’5’’ and 332 pounds, Rodger Saffold was selected by the St Louis Rams in the 2010 NFL Draft as the 33^rd overall pick, making him a 6^th year veteran at the beginning of this upcoming season. As the ‘Unofficial Depth Chart’ stands, Saffold is currently starting at left guard with Garret Reynolds sitting behind him on the depth chart.

Joe Lyons from the St Louis Post-Dispatch reports on the situation;

“Saffold, 27, is set to start at left guard as part of the Rams’ most inexperienced starting unit. Greg Robinson, the No. 2 overall pick a year ago, returns at left tackle, with 2015 draft picks Rob Havenstein (second round) and Jamon Brown (third round) projected to start at right tackle and right guard, respectively.”

Although players such as Brandon Washington and Garrett Reynolds readily await for an opportunity to play, Cignetti and OL coach Paul Broudreau, are looking at an in-experienced offensive line that will required extensive coaching. A note that must be made also is the forever changing rumours on the starting center in St Louis. Demetrius Rhaney, Tim Barnes and Barrett Jones have all seen time with the first team unit at the center position during camp. Fans can expect this position battle to wage well into the preseason.

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

Rodger Saffold is the longest serving NFL player, with the most experience within this projected offensive line, and he will need to show leadership on and off the field for the new rookies. Saffold has had his own issues with staying fit over the past few years which may affect his reliability on field. However, with a slight shoulder injury last season he managed to start all 16 games in 2014, which was the first time since his rookie season in 2010 where he was able to do so.

Can Saffold lead the offensive line in 2015? Does he hold the qualities of a leader and the skill to develop the rookie offensive linemen? We will look to answer these questions as training camp and the preseason progress.

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