Another year. Another rookie offensive lineman ready to make an impact on the young St. Louis Rams football team.
The St. Louis Rams have been once again upgrading their offensive line over the past few months in order to protect their franchise QB, who is coming back from ACL surgery. The upgrade movement started during the 2014 NFL Draft, when they selected 6’5″, 320-pound, Auburn offensive lineman Greg Robinson second overall.
Robinson was, along with Falcons rookie OT Jake Matthews, one of the highest-touted lineman entering the 2014 NFL Draft.
With the issues plaguing the Rams’ offensive line, however, Robinson has been forced to learn two positions: left guard and left tackle.
On December 22nd, 2013, against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, pro-bowl left tackle Jake Long tore his ACL and MCL, causing him to miss the remainder of the season.
Coach Jeff Fisher remains optimistic on the recovery time of Long’s injury.
“Jake is doing well. We expect Jake, barring any setbacks, to be ready for the opener. That’ll give some of the younger players opportunities to line up out there and play during the preseason,” Coach Fisher said on July 25th following the day’s training camp practice.
Robinson was the anchor of an Auburn Tigers’ offensive line that paved the way for two 1,000 yard rushers (one of whom is on the Rams as well, running back Tre’ Mason). He was viewed by many pro scouts as an already-dominant run blocker who needs improvement in the pass blocking department. His combine stats were strong: a 4.92 40-yard time, 7.80 3-cone time, 4.86 20-yard shuttle, and 32 bench reps.
With Sam Bradford returning from injury, as stated earlier, the offensive line will have to stay healthy themselves if they intend on protecting the quarterback at the helm.
St. Louis had a very successful draft overall, from the first round all the way to the seventh, and it all started when they selected Robinson #2 overall. He brings a fresh blend of speed, strength and agility to the table, and will be a key component in the Rams’ running game, just as he was down in Auburn. With young backs’ Zac Stacy and Mason leading the charge in the backfield, St. Louis looks to have a revitalized running game, which was successful last year once Stacy took over the majority of the carries.
Greg Robinson’s addition to the Rams provides a sense of stability at a position that has had its fair share of issues over the past few years.
(Photo credit: Jeff Curry/USA Today Sports)
