Rams interested in C Justin Hartwig

by Ryan Van Bibber on Mar 13, 2008 8:55 AM CDT in News

It's nice to get validation. Yesterday, I wondered if the Rams ought to kick the tires on C Justin Hartwig, released by Carolina earlier in the week. And today comes word via the PD that the Rams are indeed looking into Hartwig. The guy's not a Pro-Bowler, but he's a capable starting center with a solid track record. During his time starting for the Titans, from 2003-2005, the Titans' o-line twice ranked in the top 10 for pass blocking, according to Football Outsiders. He sat out 2006 with a groin injury and missed the last game of the 2007 season with a bum knee. He's only 29, though, relatively young for an offensive lineman.

Like I said before, if his health checks out, sign him. That would take care of our need for a starting center.

Brandon Chillar has yet to find a home. I'm really kind of surprised. With the flotsam and jetsam that teams have been throwing oodles of cash at in free agency, I figured Chillar to become a rich, rich man just a few days into open season. The same PD article linked above says the Rams are still on his radar. Wonder what kind of deal he's asking for?

Now for some Rams draft gossip. At his Hashmarks blog, Matt Mosley runs through the first ten picks of his mock draft. He has the Rams picking Michigan OT Jake Long; however, he does say:

I know for a fact that the Rams are in love with Ohio State DE/LB Vernon Gholston, but not enough to take him here.

He has Gholston going fifth to the Chiefs. Gholston seems to have worked his way into top five pick territory, making a trade down beyond the 5th spot a risky move to take Gholston. A trade with the Chiefs, who desperately need o-line help, might be a possibility, giving them Jake Long. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

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I really want Hartwig

I think if they get Hartwig, they'll have a solid offensive line for a few years now and can focus on defense the rest of the offseason with the exception of getting another WR

by Option27 @ Turf Show Times on Mar 13, 2008 10:28 AM CDT reply actions

Good news

Additionally, it seems he would have played next to Jacob Bell before and would be comfortable blocking next to him.
Continuity and guys who are know each other's abilities on the line is a huge plus.
That I think was a big problem with the line last year, no one knew anyone else and how they would play.

by jroman on Mar 13, 2008 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions

Titans

With Hartwig, Bell, Bennett, and Pacman, we could become the Titans West. Like the Cardinals becoming the Angels East.

by Ryan Van Bibber on Mar 13, 2008 3:18 PM CDT reply actions

Hartwig

ahhhhh, I hope he came cheap.

My interest is in the new poll(should the Rams trade down). That is what I'm talking about! I like the poll because it condenses all of the wonderings. 12 votes to 0 for trading down. Now that speaks volumes.

Or maybe it doesn't. Maybe everybody wants to trade down.

one bourbon, one scotch, and one beer.

by chosen1 @ Turf Show Times on Mar 14, 2008 4:20 AM CDT reply actions

What about Chillar (and Atogwe)?

I love the St. Louis dispatch. They really go after the hard information. Boy, we really know what is going on with the much needed Rams info. Thier investigative reporting reminds me of the Post during Watergate.

Hey, we just signed Carter. And we don't really know what is happening with Chillar or Atogwe. Man we are good.

PS. Do they really pay you guys? No, I mean really, seriously.

PSS I would never participate in thier blogs. Ask a hard (well, real), question and they get defensive.

PSSS And, Oh, after things are done, we (slp)report them and you should be previledged to here it from us first, or second, or third!

one bourbon, one scotch, and one beer.

by chosen1 @ Turf Show Times on Mar 14, 2008 4:58 AM CDT reply actions