Take 2 (Filter...)
PFF just did an article projecting the 2018 lines. Couple interesting things if note:
1) They have Benenoch, who graded atrociously at 42.5 last year, starting at RG. I just don’t see it at all. I don’t understand why they (and everyone else) is forgetting Evan Smith. He played solidly at OG last year, grading at #29 of all Guards. He is very solid in the run game, an extremely physical finisher, and decent enough in Pass Pro. His primary issue is significant lapses here and there leading to Penalties.
If you slot him into RG, this is what our lineup looks like grade-wise:
PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP:
LT: Donovan Smith, 51.9
LG: Ali Marpet, 79.0
C: Ryan Jensen, 74.9
RG: Evan Smith, 72.9
RT: Demar Dotson, 85.0
2) With the above, expect the LT, the LG, and the C grades to increase:
A) Smith has had poor OG next to him. Sub Marpet for Pamphile and you have a potential All Pro Guard instead of a complete liability. It won’t turn him into a good player, but perhaps average and consistent could be expected.
B) Marpet was one of the highest graded Guards in the league in 2016. Expect a return to mid/upper 80s in grade.
C) Jensen did not have great Guard play next to him last year. A Centers play is always impacted by, and always impacts, the guys to his left and right. Expect his play, and grade, to improve.
3) Just sheer 2017 grade-wise (and again, I’d expect those 3 guys to improve), who are we comparable with in terms of PFF grades?
How about:
10. LOS ANGELES RAMS
PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP:
LT: Andrew Whitworth, 79.8
LG: Rodger Saffold, 84.6
C: John Sullivan, 74.6
RG: Jamon Brown, 52.1
RT: Rob Havenstein, 77.9
Assuming reasonable health, a top 10 unit overall (and a significant bump in the run game) is definitely in play. If that is in play, more finished drives, more ToP, and less D being on the field (and fresher 4th quarter pass rushers for us) is in play.
