What is the best plan for the OL?
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Soul Surfer
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They've done such an amazing job of scouting for and converting free agents into starters that you have to think that if they used a third or fourth rounder on a potential upgrade at center or guard or tackle that would be ideal.
Unless they see an Avila type that they can plug in immediately which is fairly rare.
And here's hoping Bruss can develop out and was more of an aberration in what they usually find at his level in the draft.
Taking a scrap heap player like Dotson and finding an Avila while converting two free agents in to starters is pretty amazing.
It was an outstanding job of putting together a solid oline this past season
Unless they see an Avila type that they can plug in immediately which is fairly rare.
And here's hoping Bruss can develop out and was more of an aberration in what they usually find at his level in the draft.
Taking a scrap heap player like Dotson and finding an Avila while converting two free agents in to starters is pretty amazing.
It was an outstanding job of putting together a solid oline this past season
Karate61
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However it shakes out, I would like to see Dotson on the line in 2024!
Soul Surfer
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Continuity baby!
These guys have gained a wealth of knowledge over the course of this past season on who has what player coming at them on stunts and blitzes and etc.
And none of these guys have proven to be injury prone.
We even found out that if a player has to sit for a game or so we have backups that are ready to perform at almost the same level.
They're going to know their plays even better next year and Stafford has to feel really comfortable with them in their ability to protect him and their ability to win games
If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
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Ideally they retain Dotson but his contract demands will dictate that. If he's too expensive then I'd sign a center and draft a guard.
If he re-signs then I draft a center.
I'd like an upgrade at center though. Jackson Powers Johnson, Graham Barton, or Sedrick Van Pran would give us some size at center to match the hefty interior guards.
If he re-signs then I draft a center.
I'd like an upgrade at center though. Jackson Powers Johnson, Graham Barton, or Sedrick Van Pran would give us some size at center to match the hefty interior guards.
dang
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I'm hoping we can resign both at a reasonable value and then draft a guy like Dominick Puni in the 3rd-4th. Puni would be a great pick as he can play any position on the line. Have him and Shelton battle it out for C and at the very worst, we have a good young swing OL to back up everyone.
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Keep Dotson and pay him his worth.
We still need to upgrade C and LT.
AJ and Note are both serviceable but unreliable.
We still need to upgrade C and LT.
AJ and Note are both serviceable but unreliable.
I really hope they can bring back Dotson and everyone else because they performed really well together in the second half of the year. Dotson should be a top priority this off-season.
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That's the problem. 16 plus million for a guard is bad practice, imo.
Pupped
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It's steep, but.. I think probably worth it with Stafford back there.
Also, the Chiefs are paying Thuney 16, so it's not like it's a fundamental mistake, imo.
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Definitely not a fundamental mistake. But just not my team building preference. If they go that route I won't complain though.
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This last season we finally began to see enough depth on the oline to not have injuries bite us in the ass.
I voted to keep both as I'm not a fan of creating a hole where none currently exists, especially since we proved to be more competitive than expected.
I would only let Shelton go if we planned to sign a veteran or spend a day one or two pick to replace him, i.e. an upgrade. Even then, not sure they'll want to try to run it back with a rookie at the pivot.
If we cut loose anyone, it should be players that can't stay on the field because of injuries or poor play, or players that cost more than their play merits.
Would also like to see us continue to build depth through the draft.
I voted to keep both as I'm not a fan of creating a hole where none currently exists, especially since we proved to be more competitive than expected.
I would only let Shelton go if we planned to sign a veteran or spend a day one or two pick to replace him, i.e. an upgrade. Even then, not sure they'll want to try to run it back with a rookie at the pivot.
If we cut loose anyone, it should be players that can't stay on the field because of injuries or poor play, or players that cost more than their play merits.
Would also like to see us continue to build depth through the draft.
WestCoastRam
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I mean, the best, most optimal plan (not necessarily realistic):
Shelton declines option to void contract, we keep him one more year. We resign Dotson. We draft a developmental OT in the draft who can spot start for us.
However, I don't think all that's likely to happen.
Shelton declines option to void contract, we keep him one more year. We resign Dotson. We draft a developmental OT in the draft who can spot start for us.
However, I don't think all that's likely to happen.
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WestCoastRam
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Having a 5th lineman who can play OT and G is such a gift to have. I don't think we can reasonably pay Boom as much as we are for that position but drafting or developing a 5th guy from what we have is important.
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Now I do like some centers in the draft, but I do not believe the Rams will go with a rookie at Center. I expect both Dotson & Shelton to be back in 2024 and it is time all of us give Shelton a little love.
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Observation about Noteboom's cap numbers.
Most posters are unhappy about his 2024 cap hit of $20M; plus another $10M in 2025 Dead-$/Void Year.
One thing to consider ... the Rams have NOT had significant cap hits for Noteboom prior to now.
He signed his big-$ extension (three years / $40M) in 2022 but like many big contracts, it was structured to have a small cap-hit in Year 1 (something to consider with regard to Kevin Dotson). Then the Rams restructured Noteboom in 2023 for cap relief.
As a result, Noteboom carried a small $3.5M cap-hit in 2022; and just $6.5M last year. The reality is that Noteboom has been Cheap (against the cap) the prior two seasons ... Unfortunately, he has also been injury prone, and his play has been only about average.
The cost for signing him to an extension after the Super Bowl; and then restructuring for 2023 cap relief has got to be felt on the Rams Salary Cap; and, it has NOT yet been felt. Regardless of whether the Rams keep him or release him (pre or post June 1), they will feel that cost against their cap over the next two seasons.
Most posters are unhappy about his 2024 cap hit of $20M; plus another $10M in 2025 Dead-$/Void Year.
One thing to consider ... the Rams have NOT had significant cap hits for Noteboom prior to now.
He signed his big-$ extension (three years / $40M) in 2022 but like many big contracts, it was structured to have a small cap-hit in Year 1 (something to consider with regard to Kevin Dotson). Then the Rams restructured Noteboom in 2023 for cap relief.
As a result, Noteboom carried a small $3.5M cap-hit in 2022; and just $6.5M last year. The reality is that Noteboom has been Cheap (against the cap) the prior two seasons ... Unfortunately, he has also been injury prone, and his play has been only about average.
The cost for signing him to an extension after the Super Bowl; and then restructuring for 2023 cap relief has got to be felt on the Rams Salary Cap; and, it has NOT yet been felt. Regardless of whether the Rams keep him or release him (pre or post June 1), they will feel that cost against their cap over the next two seasons.
AZRams
What, we're all thinking it...
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Make it really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, GOOD!