Right Tackle

DistantRam · Joined: 10 Oct 2010 Posts: 581 Location: London, England

Although the Rams need to address other positions, such as safety and wide receiver, in the upcoming draft, many people have been mocking us a right tackle. Much depends on who is available when we pick, obviously, but do we really need to use up a high draft pick on a right tackle?

Barry Richardson was solid in his play last year and improved as the season progressed; he may not be the big name player many fans want to see there but he exceeded expectations in 2012 and, as the incumbent, currently has first shot at retaining the spot for the upcoming season. He will become a free agent, though, so are the Rams willing to pay the increased salary which he will no doubt expect?

Joe Barksdale showed glimpses of promise in his six games (two starts) last year; has he shown enough, though, to be a regular starter?

Some are advocating moving Rodger Saffold over to the right and drafting a new left tackle; I think that this option makes no sense, as Saffold is far better suited to the left than the right, but I've included him as an option nonetheless.

DJ Fluker has been cited as a possible solution to our problems but to me he lacks footwork skills and would be far better as a guard- in fact, he could be one of the best in the league if moved inside, in my opinion.

We could draft somebody else, but whom and at what stage of the draft? Do we use up an early pick (rounds one and two), a middle one (three or four) or find a late-round bargain in round five or later? I'd love to hear more about possible sleeper picks for the position from those who have far more access to scouting material than we get here in the UK.

Finally, we could go for a new right tackle in free agency. Sebastian Vollmer and Phil Loadholt are two quality candidates but both are going to be expensive, if they're not franchised by their current teams, and cheaper options include Gosder Cherilus and Will Svitek.
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NVRamsFan · Joined: 22 Mar 2009 Posts: 5096 Location: Reno, NV

Looking at Fishers history and listening to Snead I think the first few rounds will be on weapons and play makers. Mid round on O and D line with later rounds being on depth and fliers.

That said I voted mid round pick.

ramsfan4lyfe8 · Joined: 03 Jun 2011 Posts: 206 Location: Emmaus PA

I voted Gosder Cherilus. He was ranked the best or second best RT in the NFL by profootball focus or one of the other organizations. I would be very excited on that signing as I was an advocate on here about drafting him out of BC when he came out in 08.

Ryback · Joined: 04 Feb 2013 Posts: 85 Location: Memphis, TN

I say Phil Loadholt. Get him in free agency and draft a quality guard.

STLRamsFan99 · Joined: 17 Aug 2012 Posts: 1587

Hoj398 · Joined: 19 Jan 2011 Posts: 1109 Location: Detroit, Mi

DEE RAWL · Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2013 2:54 pm Post subject:

I voted Richardson. If he can play well enough to hold it down then we dont have to use any resources on it via draft or FA
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The J.R.S. · Joined: 15 Feb 2007 Posts: 4389 Location: Next to Waldo

Flatlyner · Joined: 06 Feb 2006 Posts: 6812 Location: WESTCOAST

I voted Loadholt, though, he likely is too spendy. Would be quite happy with Loadholt or Cherilous, at the right price. More likely, we take one mid round.
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ramsfan4lyfe8 · Joined: 03 Jun 2011 Posts: 206 Location: Emmaus PA

FRO · Joined: 02 Feb 2013 Posts: 1208

I hoping we get Lane Johnson at 16 and can move Saffold to RT. if Johnson is gone I like Dallas Thomas at RT in the second.

The J.R.S. · Joined: 15 Feb 2007 Posts: 4389 Location: Next to Waldo

StLunatic88 · Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2013 10:24 pm Post subject:

Why would anyone vote for Barry Richardson? He was bad this year, just Bad. I sure as hell hope he is no where near this team next year.

I like Joseph Barksdale as a backup/developmental #3 OT, but I do not want him as my starting RT in 2013.

Vollmer, Loadholt, & Cherilus are all very likely to be out of our price range, and Im not sure I want to spend one of our first 3 picks (2 firsts & second) on strictly a RT. Now if they have the upside to be a LT we are having a different conversation.

I think our RT comes from another cheap vet (one with much more talent/upside than Richardson), a Draftee from somewhere in rounds 3-5, or a combination of the 2.

DEE RAWL · Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2013 10:41 pm Post subject:

DerekBrink · Joined: 16 Nov 2012 Posts: 378

middle round pick, I wouldn't mind looking at it in first round but all the top tackle prospects will be gone by our pick and no way we move up.

I'm glad to see no one voted for the Saffold option. He played extremely well last year and he looks like he can be a future pro bowler(health permitted).

I think we should sign a young prospect or a reclamation project in free agency and look at tackles in round 3-5