Rams OL PFF Season to Date

[CierraRam]

Alaric Jackson: 16 of 75
Steve Avila: 9 of 79
Coleman Shelton: 6 of 34 (shocking)
Kevin Dotson: 4 of 79
Rob Havenstein 56 of 75
Warren McClendon : 29 of 75
Justin Dedich : 31 of 79

Notes: both our own eyes and PFF says McClendon should be starting at RT.

Dedichs pass blocking grade is TERRIBLE. His run blocking near elite.

With McClendon the Rams OL are all near elite in run blocking and average in pass blocking (Shelton below average). Only Havenstein is below average in both.

If the Rams OL holds this performance... I truly don't see how anyone is beating them in the end assuming reasonable health. Im not just being a Homer. I would say that if I were some other teams fan.

[RonMac]

We have 2 near elite Guards- when healthy it seems right “ to the eye” - the grade for Shelton is shocking to me . Alaric Jackson appears to be performing at a higher level than noted. There is much discussion as to the validity of PFF grades as stand alone values of any player but our OL ( sorry with the exception of Shelton) are grading out about right. Rams OL played their best game of the year vs SF. They were outstanding. Like all of us just my opinion.

[HellRam]

Hav has been playing better as he gets healthy. But Mclendon is someone to keep a eye on going forward.

I don't live or die by PFF. But I agree this oline is playing as good as any unit in the league right now.

[CierraRam]

We have 2 near elite Guards- when healthy it seems right “ to the eye” - the grade for Shelton is shocking to me . Alaric Jackson appears to be performing at a higher level than noted. There is much discussion as to the validity of PFF grades as stand alone values of any player but our OL ( sorry with the exception of Shelton) are grading out about right. Rams OL played their best game of the year vs SF. They were outstanding. Like all of us just my opinion.

Here is Sheltons card. Im not at all sure how they get the final score.. while not as bad as Dedich, his pass blocking is close to well below average. Alaric is the only starter with above 70 in both. Like Shelton, Avila, Dotson, McClendon, Dedich all above 80 in run blocking. This actually reminds me of the 80's Ram OL. That group always had 2-3 Pro Bowlers

[malibu]

I feel the Rams go as far as the OL takes us. Currently the starting OL is in tact and to me have played really well hence the scoring ppg keeps going up each week. When we won the SB our OL was keeping Stafford upright and with wide pockets.

This season McVay added 13 personnel which helps in both the run and pass game instantly creating max protection with better protection then using a smaller wr to help in max protection. Also 13 personnel helps in our run game by putting a ton of beef on the line it also draws the defense towards the LOS and then one of the TEs can sneak out on a pass play. Lastly the OL has been helped by the elite blocking of Kyren Williams as a RB.

The OL will be tested this week.

[Cornell29]

Alaric Jackson: 16 of 75
Steve Avila: 9 of 79
Coleman Shelton: 6 of 34 (shocking)
Kevin Dotson: 4 of 79
Rob Havenstein 56 of 75
Warren McClendon : 29 of 75
Justin Dedich : 31 of 79

Notes: both our own eyes and PFF says McClendon should be starting at RT.

Dedichs pass blocking grade is TERRIBLE. His run blocking near elite.

With McClendon the Rams OL are all near elite in run blocking and average in pass blocking (Shelton below average). Only Havenstein is below average in both.

If the Rams OL holds this performance... I truly don't see how anyone is beating them in the end assuming reasonable health. Im not just being a Homer. I would say that if I were some other teams fan.

Hav was banged up earlier this year and it showed on the field.

Hav had a 72.4 grade vs niners. It is definitely something Mcvay needs to keep a eye on. Not only is McClendon playing better overall this year but he is younger and the future.

[CierraRam]

Alaric Jackson: 16 of 75
Steve Avila: 9 of 79
Coleman Shelton: 6 of 34 (shocking)
Kevin Dotson: 4 of 79
Rob Havenstein 56 of 75
Warren McClendon : 29 of 75
Justin Dedich : 31 of 79

Notes: both our own eyes and PFF says McClendon should be starting at RT.

Dedichs pass blocking grade is TERRIBLE. His run blocking near elite.

With McClendon the Rams OL are all near elite in run blocking and average in pass blocking (Shelton below average). Only Havenstein is below average in both.

If the Rams OL holds this performance... I truly don't see how anyone is beating them in the end assuming reasonable health. Im not just being a Homer. I would say that if I were some other teams fan.

Hav was banged up earlier this year and it showed on the field.

Hav had a 72.4 grade vs niners. It is definitely something Mcvay needs to keep a eye on. Not only is McClendon playing better overall this year but he is younger and the future.

It will be interesting as to what the Rams do with the 1st round picks. Earlier I would have said OL if not RT specifically. Now I think CB is the top need and OL the secondary. (Center) That's thanks to McClendon appearing to develop.

[RAMFAN71]

We still need an OT and a C (if Limmer doesn't develop- which I assume is no). But Agree CB is a huge need. We just have no depth at OT once Havs is gone.

[Fanofthegame84]

It’s clear PFF has no idea what it’s doing when evaluating pass protection (or at least the PFF analyst assigned to the Rams is unqualified). Stafford has the most passing yards in the NFL but PFF crushes our line’s protection … which is illogical. Stafford even subtly referred to it and said his Oline is doing an excellent job protecting him, which is how he stays upright and able to make those throws. So take PFF’s grades with a grain of salt. As JJ Watt said on the Pat McAfee show, PFF doesn’t know the schemes or the plays and just guesses (often inaccurately). The problem is not with our OLine … the problem is with PFF.
As for Shelton, what is shocking is the level of criticism he’s getting. He is, in fact, a top 10 center and deserves it. He’s smart, athletic and seasoned. He brings leadership and continuity and incredible football smarts to the line. Those traits are all equally as important to the center position as brute strength is. Dotson recently said Shelton was “the glue” to the line’s success. It’s astonishing that people don’t seem to grasp the complexity of the position and what a great job he’s doing. If you understood what a center needs to bring - both athletically and intellectually - then you’d understand what a great center we have. Appreciate him.

[Cornell29]

It’s clear PFF has no idea what it’s doing when evaluating pass protection (or at least the PFF analyst assigned to the Rams is unqualified). Stafford has the most passing yards in the NFL but PFF crushes our line’s protection … which is illogical. Stafford even subtly referred to it and said his Oline is doing an excellent job protecting him, which is how he stays upright and able to make those throws. So take PFF’s grades with a grain of salt. As JJ Watt said on the Pat McAfee show, PFF doesn’t know the schemes or the plays and just guesses (often inaccurately). The problem is not with our OLine … the problem is with PFF.
As for Shelton, what is shocking is the level of criticism he’s getting. He is, in fact, a top 10 center and deserves it. He’s smart, athletic and seasoned. He brings leadership and continuity and incredible football smarts to the line. Those traits are all equally as important to the center position as brute strength is. Dotson recently said Shelton was “the glue” to the line’s success. It’s astonishing that people don’t seem to grasp the complexity of the position and what a great job he’s doing. If you understood what a center needs to bring - both athletically and intellectually - then you’d understand what a great center we have. Appreciate him.

Playing 3 tight ends as much as the rams do, helps alot with pass protection.

[GoldenRam]

Shelton's grades seem right to me. Solid run blocking, suspect pass blocking. He does just enough in pass blocking to not get Staff killed, while manhandling some in the run game. KW is solid, reasonably steady gains. Would probably help to have someone back there with an electric get off so those openings in run blocking could be exploited a bit more, but things are what they are. We don't have any rotation back with that capability right now.

Hav is obviously a little long in the tooth, but as he gets healthy I think he'll improve more to his mean. Should be OK for the remainder of the season, but next season we may need to make that decision, especially given monetary issues

[DVA_ram33]

Just worried about another repeat of penetration up the middle in the playoffs.