Rams and Cowboys looking to swap disappointing first round picks
by Ryan Van Bibber on May 6, 2010 1:27 PM CDT
in 2010 St. Louis Rams offseason
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Print[Note by VanRam, 05/06/10 9:26 PM EDT ] It's now officially official, set to happen on Monday. Barron has to sign his RFA offer and I suspect physicals still have to be completed.
The St. Louis Rams made it known at the beginning of the free agent season that OT Alex Barron was available for trade. There were no takers, even during a draft that featured trade after trade. That might be changing now as word is that the Rams will send Barron to the Cowboys in exchange for LB Bobby Carpenter, a disappointing first round pick himself.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, it's all but a done deal. He said today:
Trade in works filed to ESPN: Cowboys preparing to trade LB Bobby Carpenter to Rams for OT Alex Barron. Not official yet but going that way.
The 'Boys would be looking to Barron as a replacement for Flozell Adams. Carpenter, 26, could be a nice fit for a Rams defense that could use a capable pass defender among their outside linebackers. Of course, which one is the bigger bust for which team?
Barron, for all the disappointment he's brought, has been reliable, even league average, except for those bloody penalties. Carpenter has been marginalized to a situational role in pass defense. He's partly an odd man out in the Cowboys 3-4 defense too.
To some, it looks like Dallas is getting the better deal, but the Rams coaching staff has a solid track record of maximizing the full potential of their linebackers (and other defensive players as well). Exhibit A: David Vobora. They've also seen Carpenter given their experience in the NFC East.
Fans of analogy ought to like this trade. Not only is a swap of two first round disappointments, Carpenter is now seen as unnecessary thanks to the Cowboys selection of LB Sean Lee in the second round of this year's draft. Barron is seen as expendable after the Rams drafted Roger Saffold in the second round this year. Far out.
Here's more from Dallas Morning News about Carpenter:
He was credited by the coaches with 48 tackles, two sacks, one tackle for loss, four quarterback pressures and a pass deflection last season. He did solidly against tight ends last season in pass defense, but many believe he will be a better fit as an outside linebacker in a 4-3 scheme, which the Rams run.
On the surface, it seems like a wise move for the Rams. They deal from a position of strength, OT, and get a former first round pick whose still young enough to develop into a useful role. Worst case scenario: the Rams get a situational nickel linebacker to help them with tight ends.
Here's a scouting report from Dave at Blogging the Boys, SBN's Cowboys site:
Drafted in the first round, Bobby Carpenter has never found his niche with Dallas. From the start, he was shuttled between OLB and ILB in the Cowboys 3-4 defense, and neither position truly worked for him. He's not strong enough to battle with linemen, and doesn't have the athletic ability to shed a block and still get to the hole. His best use is out in space, and there was a moment for a few games when he flashed some playmaking ability, but he could never sustain it.
His best contributions have been on special teams, and last season he was acting as the nickel ILB that we used for pass coverage. He was more miss than hit in coverage, TEs were able to take advantage. Plainly spoken, the guy's been a bust with us. What has been said about Carpenter is that a 3-4 defense doesn't suit his skills at all. Maybe as an OLB in a 4-3 he could contribute.
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I'd only hate it
if Barron becomes an all-pro tackle with Dallas…
Steve Nash plays D!!
Alvin Gentry: "We're a little finesse team that plays hard"
He'd have to beat out Doug Free first
Barron may be our swing tackle on game day
2009 BTB Fantasy Champ... Deal with it
DOUG FREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HUSKIES REPRESENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Life is tough, but it's tougher if you're stupid.
- John Wayne
I hate it because
I figured one more year for depth with 2 now really young OL starters.
Other than that – emotional swap at worst…..could pan out better for Rams if 4-3 base is really the problem. So, maybe an Ohio State coached linebacking corp working together will make a difference for Carpenter.
He is a season less or two in age and experience and beatings, etc…
Could be a bigger upside at weakside then we can know for sure right now.
++ for both teams – I worry for the depth this season.
I like it because
At least we get something for Barron because the Rams wouldn’t have resigned him next season. I still have nightmares about his penalties
Steve Nash plays D!!
Alvin Gentry: "We're a little finesse team that plays hard"
Haven’t seen much of Bobby Carpenter at all. I’ll have to look into him to see what’s up. But hell if he can take a starter job or hell a situational linebacking job, with solid play, I’ll take it. Barron at LT is a no go because SMith needs to get in there NOW. He isn’t great at RT due to his style of play. Barron at guard is laughable, he’s kind of the odd man out. Deal him for a good deal, and if the Rams think Carpenter could do more here, bring em’ to the fold..
It's too soon to tell but...
Wouldn’t Carpenter be able to replace David Vobora at strong side linebacker? I think he has a chance to start, and Saffold would be able to fill in at the tackle spot.
--Conquest Chronicles , SBNation's USC Trojans blog
Follow me on Twitter @Joey_Kaufman
Carpenter played at Ohio State
right? did he play with JL because there could be some chemistry there?
Don't leave the duck there thats totally irresponsible. Put it on the swing it'll have much more fun. - Sleep Talkin' Man
If this happens are we just trading one headache for another here? Or will this shore up our LB corps?
I believe Carpenter’s position on the Cowboys D was MLB so would he be used to backup Laurinaitis? Didn’t he play MLB at Ohio also?
Without Barron we have Jason Smith, Rodger Saffold, Adam Goldberg, Phil Trautwein and Eric Young (Practice Squad?). So I can see the Rams starting OTs being Jason Smith and Rodger Saffold if Rodger is as good as he could be. So I say why not trade?
Go Rams!
"We can't run. We can't pass. We can't stop the run. We can't stop the pass. We can't kick. Other than that, we're just not a very good football team right now." --- Bruce Coslett, New York Jets Head Coach circa 1990s
quick question
I noticed your a fan of the Flyers and Phillies are you from the Philly area. Because that’s kind of funny because I am too and we’re both Rams and Phillies fans.
Don't leave the duck there thats totally irresponsible. Put it on the swing it'll have much more fun. - Sleep Talkin' Man
I’ve never been to Philly actually, I’m from Quebec City. To explain why I like the Flyers and the Phillies is that I’m a huge hockey fan(well I’m canadian) and my favorite player is Simon Gagne, so I became a huge Flyers fan(and it has been a hard week). And I became a phillies fan (not a big one) while talking with Flyers fan. But I hate the Eagles.
You’re gonna make me cry.
But they are coming back, I lot of rumors are going on right now. We’re building a new arena and we have our own Rupert Murdoch (PK Peladeau) who said he wants to buy a team and some said that there’s a deal already with the Islanders. I can’t wait, I’m sick and tired of the Canadiens.
lol
I second this, can’t stand the eagles, and wooo glead we got Carpenter personally
yes please find some talent in him
i would love jerry jones to flip through the boxscores and see Carpenter ripping it up for you guys.
At least Gagne is coming back
I’m cheering for you guys even if you don’t win because well, I would just like the Bruins to have to work a little harder to get to the Conference Finals.
Don't leave the duck there thats totally irresponsible. Put it on the swing it'll have much more fun. - Sleep Talkin' Man
Is this a trump?
An LAD fan and a SFG fan – now, if you know this rivalry, then you would know this is few and far between for most.
great trade if it happens
bobby carpenter i feel was misused in dallas and with spags coaching and defensive scheme who knows, he might actualy play like a 1st rounder. im not sayin its gunna happen but id much rather have carpenter than barron personally. the potential in the trade is pretty good
there is no theory of evolution. just a list of animals David Backes has allowed to survive.
Potential to be a good trade
or not….
If he was truly misused in a 3-4 MLB role vs being better equipped for a 4-3 OLB. Then this is a good move. It def puts less depth on the OL and more pressure on Smith and Saffold to perform, but the Rams need help at LB. To get a solid every down LB to play oppo JL would be a win.
On the flip side, if Carpenter is truly a MLB (as he played at Dal and OSU) and all he is doing is providing depth at MLB….then it is a bad move because I’d rather have that depth on the OL then at MLB.
Baseball season is back - Go Halos!
As a Cowboys fan
I can tell you that Bobby Carpenter will play better in a 4-3 than a 3-4. He just didn’t fit in our defense.
2009 BTB Fantasy Champ... Deal with it
What are your thoughts on getting Alex Barron in exchange for Carpenter?
Go Rams!
"We can't run. We can't pass. We can't stop the run. We can't stop the pass. We can't kick. Other than that, we're just not a very good football team right now." --- Bruce Coslett, New York Jets Head Coach circa 1990s
He'll give Doug Free some competition
but he’ll likely be our swing tackle on game day. It was a good trade for us in that we had no depth at OT but we had extra linebackers.
2009 BTB Fantasy Champ... Deal with it
Starting LB corps?
SAM=Diggs, MIKE=JL, WILL=Carpenter. All Ohio St.
I like it if it happens and if Alex takes over at LT for Dallas, they will have “less” penaties than they had with Adams.
I was hoping we could keep Barron and move him to RT with Saffold at RG for a year but to trade for an OLB that could be a starter in our scheme does make sense.
Grant is an Ohio State guy too
Turf Show Times
by Ryan Van Bibber on May 6, 2010 3:19 PM CDT up reply actions
I was listing what I believed we would see as potential starters
I ddn’t think Grant would be one at this point IMHO.
But thanks for playing!
We have some lovely parting gifts for you
by CoachConnors on May 6, 2010 11:21 PM CDT up reply actions
Less penalties?
Really, you don’t remember Alex “False Start” Barron?
Yes, for last three years based on ProFootballFocus
2009
Barron 14 penalties, 11 accepted
Adams 12 penalties, 12 accepted
2008
Barron 11 penaties, 9 accecpted
Adams 14 penaties, 13 accepted
2007
Barron 7 penalties, 6 accepted
Adams 7 penalties, 7 accepted
So for the past three 3 years
Barron 32 penalties, 26 accepted, snap counts 2581, total penalties per snap = .012398
Adams 33 penalties, 32 accepted, snap counts 2643, total penalties per snap = .012486
Now IMO, since the Cowboys probably “moved” the ball better than the Rams over those 3 seasons, Adams’ penalties “cost” more than Barron’s.
Also IMO, since the Rams had a 1 dimensional offense Barron was probably facing “more” challenges than Adams since more defenders could commit to getting into the backfield with our offense than Dallas’ probably assisting in causing some of those false starts due to assignment changes on the line during snap counts. Let us also remember, last year we had revolvoing door QB postition so cadence changes too. Not a very good scenario for any lineman (or anybody on our offense) to keep it together.
BTW-they do mention on the Cowboys site that they are a pretty good 1st & 15 team :-)
FYI ProFootFocus does not appear to have a full year for 2007
Adams with 515 snaps, Barron with 560 snaps so 2007 is probably not complete
I like it!
No…I LOVE IT! Failing to know snap counts is a lack of focus. Not playing well in a 3-4 scheme is often due to lack of certain physical attributes. I think this is a win-win for the Rams if it goes through.
THIS year's the year. I hope....
by thisguy on May 6, 2010 3:05 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
I do have a lot of faith
in Spags and Flajole’s ability to get more out of their D, too. They made some strong game-changing plays last season that the O failed to make anything out of.
I just don’t think Barron was going to be fixed. Ever.
THIS year's the year. I hope....
I like it
just because of the fact that we are getting more out of Barron than we did in Carriker. It would have been nice to get a deal like this done for….perhaps….Osi, who many (especially me) thought we would be trying to get during the draft.
takes two to tango...
I doubt SERIOUSLY that we could have had Osi for Barron. Doesn’t make sense for Giants to give away a starter for a back-up.
wow
This would be interesting nothing but Ohio state linebackers all possibly starting this would have to be a first
Can closed
by CanofRamz on May 6, 2010 3:23 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
Nah! It happens at Ohio St. all the time.
;-) lol.
Go Rams!
"We can't run. We can't pass. We can't stop the run. We can't stop the pass. We can't kick. Other than that, we're just not a very good football team right now." --- Bruce Coslett, New York Jets Head Coach circa 1990s
In each of the last few years
we’ve had one of our starting OTs injured and out for a time. If we trade Barron and then Smith or Saffold gets hurt, who is going to play tackle? Goldberg I suppose, but he wasn’t that good last year. It just seems to me we are asking for big trouble on the OL, with our QBs getting killed over and over because one of the starters is missing. We need depth on the OL and Barron provided that. Why give up that depth we finally have for an underperforming LB? If we really thought OLB was a problem, why didn’t we draft one when we could instead of building depth at CB and WR? This just sounds like asking for trouble.
I feel you...
Like I mentioned above – I think this has potential to be a good trade IF Carpenter is an every down effective OLB in a 4-3. If not, I’d much rather have the OL depth.
Baseball season is back - Go Halos!
That being said...
Barron probably was not coming back in 2011 no matter what. On the flip side, IF Carpenter shines – I can see him signing w/ the Rams.
Baseball season is back - Go Halos!
I'm kinda agreeing with you there...
I thought with Saffold on board now with his versatility that our offensive line was actually going to have some depth now. We all talked `crap about Barron the whole time he was here but at least he stayed somewhat healthy. I’m starting to wonder what offensive line free agents are out there now that Barron might be leaving.
Speaking of free agents. Whatever became of John Henderson and Brian Westbrook?
I have been following those two also
Westbrook is still thinking about it… but in reality he is just waiting to see if a better team asks him in for a look. As for Henderson he visited the cheifs last wed. and thats it, he didnt get an offer sheet from the cheifs so he is still out there.
lol...
All year it seemed the consensus that Barron was a consistent “wtf” for fans. “Why is Barron still here??!”
Now we make a move to find a starter at OLB andn getting rid of the penalty machine in one sweep and the FO is making a mistake…
How can one win?
If Barron was All-Pro then sure, but he’s not, wasn’t, and the ways things are looking, won’t be. You can find other “depth”. I’d be willing to trade depth for a starter 9/10 times. But who’s to say Carpenter will win that starting spot. That’s the risk every FO takes isn’t it?
I was thinking something similar
That we were shopping Barron around before the draft and we were enthusiastic. Good riddance right? But the FO drafted a lineman and we scratched our heads, many thinking we should have gone OLB. Now we trade Barron for an OLB and the FO is taking away our depth at line?
Sure Carpenter is a risk, but so would any OLB in draft have been.
Barron would have been a better backup OT
than anyone else we will have. Do you guys remember all our injuries on the OL last year? None of the guys we will have to rely on in case of injury would be nearly as good as Barron would have been. And don’t start in about all his penalties. He had less than one penalty per game last year. Yes, that’s more than most, but it isn’t the ridiculous levels everyone seems to remember.
As to Carpenter starting for us, it’s a nice dream but it doesn’t look good. He has done nothing for the Cowboys, the ratings services say he is too soft, and he is trying to recover from off-season shoulder surgery. How is this a good deal for the Rams?
good trade for sho
Barron wasn’t in our long term plan anyway right? Might as well trade him. For a lb who apparently did poorly because he didn’t fit into dallas’ system. I feel like this IA like the Lakers trading away Kwame brown. Its a positive when he leaves. And for a team who could rarely manage to get yards,penalties were an absolute killer. So bye Barron. Good luck.
Carpenter a FA after this year too though
Baseball season is back - Go Halos!
yea, but everyone at TST knows Barron is not in our long term plan
Bobby Carpenter is an unknown. He could prove to fit into our system, then maybe we will sign him to a long term.
Yeah, between Barron and Incognito we had a ton of peanlties.
At least we have Jason Smith, Rodger Saffold, Adam Goldberg, Phil Trautwein, Eric Young, Ryan McKee and John Greco, who plays Guard on the Rams but was an OT in college and could play that position in a pinch if necessary. I think Goldberg and Trautwein are okay as backups, don’t you? As far as Young and McKee, well, what can I say. Both are way down on the food chain at this position.
I’m really hoping Carpenter does shine in a 4-3 in apposed to a 3-4. That would be great!
Go Rams!
"We can't run. We can't pass. We can't stop the run. We can't stop the pass. We can't kick. Other than that, we're just not a very good football team right now." --- Bruce Coslett, New York Jets Head Coach circa 1990s
pull the trigger
Other than QB a player taken in top 100 should be playing the majority of downs in 1st year. That’s why Rams drafted Safford.
Seems like an easy choice; trade your #3 OT for a position of need. Didn’t Carpenter do a good job on TE coverage; Didn’t Rams get killed by TE’s last year?
Over on the Cowboys forum
the general vibe is they feel they’re getting the better end of the deal, though many concede that Carpenter has been playing out of position.
As for Barron, someone there said if anyone knew how to deal with first and 15 it’s the Cowboys LOL. But for their sake I hope they don’t have to sing a different tune come playoffs, when a Romo to Bryant TD is called back and the camera cuts to a closeup of Barron with that blank stare on his face.
Hilarious!
I wish I had a link to this video.
I remember in a previous years game where Alex Barron intercepted a pass from our QB to the running back, and he started running. The replay was hilarious, you just see Barron turn around right in front of the RB and catch the pass, and of course also had that blank stare going on after the play was over. If anyone knows what game or can locate a link I would love to see it again!
Probably one of my all time favorite Alex Barron moments, the blank stare is close behind!!
Haha. I tried to look up offensive stats
for Barron on ESPN to see what game he had a catch in, but they don’t keep those for OL. I want to see this.
I still have my 2006 Sporting News Draft Guide when he was drafted...
…this is what they said about him:
He was the 5th rated outside linebacker behind A.J Hawk, Chad Greenway, DeMeco Ryans and Thomas Howard. He was rated ahead of Ernie Sims.
As far as Draft Status he was considered: “On The Rise; Has terrific size and speed. Is a versatile, talented, hard worker who continues to improve”.
As far as Skill Set he was considered: Most Versatile: Has played defensive end and is capable of playing any linebacker position.
On his personal profile it stated the following:
6-2 7/8 254 lbs 4.52 40 time 2nd Round
NFL Comparison: Napoleon Harris, Vikings
Strengths: Has nice speed and size with a frame to add bulk. Shows body control and change of direction skills. Can turn and run with tight ends and running backs in man to man coverage. Gets quickly into deep drops in zone coverage. Takes solid angles to the ball, breaks down in pursuit and makes tackles in the open field. Has experience at end; shows potential as an edge rusher. Shows solid blitz instincts and a closing burst. Works hard and has a great attitude. should contribute early on special teams.
Weaknesses: Must become stronger and play with better leverage at the point of attack. Allows blockers to get into body; must learn to use his hands and upper body strength to shed blockers.
Bottom Line: Carpenter has the versatility to back up at several positions until he develops and finds an ideal fit as a starter. He might fit best outside in a 3-4 because of his range in coverage and pass rushing skills. His unquestioned work ethic and high character leave little doubt he will continue to improve.
Here is a clip I found of him making one of his rare sacks against the Seahawks.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lDgIJdPgDM&feature=related
I am a little hesistant on this move...
Now those who have been on this site consistently will know that I have been one of the biggest advocates to adding another OLB. Yet, I don’t know if this is something I would pull the trigger on.
I remember Carpenter in college and he was a big piece on an impressive Defense (I actually was hoping that Hawk would fall to us that year).
Fast forward…For those of you who have HBO and watched the Hard Knocks series on the Cowboys will remember Carpenter. The Knock on the guy by his coaches was not his ability, or athleticism…It was his approach. They were critical and sometimes disgusted at his tenativeness. They thought he played afraid. They would tell him- “You can’t played scared!”
Now, with that being said, I thought he was playing out of scheme no matter when they played him as an ILB or OLB in the 3-4 Def. He is definitely better suited for a 4-3 base. I think he can play all 3 LB spots, but I don’t think he would be able to displace Diggs nor Vobora. Considering that I think Vobora is best suited as a rotational LB rather than our starting SLB, that should tell you where I place Carpenter.
I think we are best suited to keep Barron as depth and an insurance policy till we know more about Saffold at the next level.
I’m not saying I’m opposed to the move, but I am not gun-ho either.
I’d rather they make this trade for Derrick Johnson of KC.
I agree w/OLB - me too
I am concerned for OL depth now.
I think front office is scrambling from the messed up choice they made on selections.
The only 2 or 3 for sure trades that seemed to be good value was GILYARD by far, then SELVIE, then the USF cornerback in the 3rd.
ALthough, I fear the Tye Hill affect with the cb Rams chose.
I had SUH, McCOY, Okung or Berry @ #1
then an impact OLB AND an impact DE in rds. 2 & 3
ITS OFFICIAL
http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d817fee6f&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true
goodbye barron, you wont be missed.
It's still not official.
Barron has to sign his tender, physicals have to be taken, and the Rams still have to pull the trigger.
It really worries me. We have no competent backups if either Smith or Saffold gets hurt, only guys who should be fighting to be the 4th OT on the roster or the extra guy on the practice squad. (edpjr would tell us all that Smith will get another concussion this year.) We had better keep Feely loose so he can be the sacrificial lamb who gets killed if we have to put in a reserve OT.
Barron will be running out of St. Lou so fast, flames will be shooting off his shoes
And I’m with you on worried. Big time.
1 rookie. And 1 guy who didn’t finish his rookie season last year. Those are the guys protecting Sam’s blind side and edges, and busting holes at the point of attack for Steven.
I think they’re good, but not entirely sure they should both be starting where they’re at. Barron brought both flags and blocking skills, both run and pass.
by CoachConnors on May 6, 2010 11:20 PM CDT up reply actions
I can certainly understand your worries but I am still for it
Yes we will have two very young inexperienced guys protecting our pricey QB but jason smith looked great before his injury and we do have goldberg in case one gets injured. I remember one drive where 3 straight plays barron let the guy go right by him and all 3 plays boller ended up on the ground after the play. Sure saffold is inexperienced but he does not strike me as the type of player who takes plays off like barron did many times. It is a bit of a gamble throwing all these young guys in there but let them take their lumps and bruises and hopefully they learn a lot and build a strong chemistry for years to come without sustaining any serious injuries. OLB is a glaring need for us and it seems like this guy just needs to be placed in the right system. Billy has shown in the past that he has an eye for talent that is not being utilized on other teams and I am sure spags made sure this guy would fit in his scheme.
by Buck Nasty87 on May 6, 2010 11:40 PM CDT up reply actions
He has not done a thing for Dallas,
he is called soft by the ratings services, and he is trying to recover from off-season shoulder surgery. And all he needs is to be placed in the right system? It seems to me he will only be in on passing downs so he can cover the TE. Other than that, we’ll be very lucky if he can contribute much.
Barron only had 5 illegal motion penalties all of last year. So much for all the talk about having 1st and 15 all the time. No, he isn’t great and I would have hoped he would be the backup OT so when one of the starters gets hurt he could come in and do at least a reasonable job. Goldberg is not as good an OT as Barron, and Trautwein isn’t even close.
He may have had only 5 motion penalties last year
But the way I remember experiencing his tenure here is that his calls seemed come at the worst possible times, like when our anemic offense finally showed some life or when we were in a make or break situation with a game on the line.
I don’t have actual game data to confirm my feelings, but the frustrations I (and probably others) have had with him was seeing his face in close up when a crucial play got called back on more than a few occasions.
Barron was a big drive killer for us
We got rid of Incog for his bonehead penalties and see this the same way: good move for the team. Yes he was a good player and I would have hoped after his benching last season he would’ve taken head. Instead it went in one ear and out the other…same ol’ same ol’. His penalties were obviously a liability the team wanted to do w/out.
I suspect we will pick up another OL player by the time the season starts or maybe a rook makes the team?
I wouldn't doubt it
Seems like every personnel move we make is met with a doomsday response, but the offseason has a long way to go and the FO looks like they’re taking a thorough if not measured approach to rebuilding this roster.
Hooray!!
Glad to hear the deal is very close to done. He’s a big WLB but completely capable. Coverage and blitzing ability should be utilized well with him in the lineup, allowing Spags/Flajole to get more creative/aggressive in pressuring the quarterback. I’m pretty excited to see him be an integral piece in our competent teams down the road. I don’t like that he sucks at tackling but if he can cover and pass rush, James Butler or KEVIN PAYNE can always help him out in run situations or clean up duties (Togs too if we can get a darn long term extension figured out). Great move Rams if you can land this guy.
Julio Jones for Rams 2011
As a Cowboys fan I agree
I just don’t think Carpenter fits in our defense, but you will be getting the better player in this trade. He should do better in a 4-3
2009 BTB Fantasy Champ... Deal with it
This MIGHT be a good training camp trade.
Too soon to dump Barron though. Saffold hasn’t even played against the 1’s yet (let alone a pre-season game) so we don’t know what we have in him in his rookie year. This year the Rams need depth at OT until Smith and Saffold show they can both protect Bradford. Training camp should be the earliest the Rams pull this move. Am I the only one worried about this trade being pulled too early?
Barron's going to compete for the LT?
Wow. They must be pretty high on him…Of course, if there is anyone capable of getting something out of a bum, it’d be Jones in Dallas…
The House of Spears reigns supreme
Free is going to be the LT
but we need veteran depth after releasing Flo.
2009 BTB Fantasy Champ... Deal with it
Ah. Well ESPN seems to differ!
I think your right through…I wouldn’t want him starting on the left side.
The House of Spears reigns supreme
Am I the only one worried about the Tackles?
Jason Smith coming off an injury, and so maybe there’s no rehab to have gotten lazy about, no surgery to hold up, but still…did he really win the LT job last year? Now he has it. On the other side, a rookie in Saffold who presumably has less talent and definitely less experience of Smith.
Neither of these guys is a habitual flag catcher like Barron was, but also neither has shown he is the blocker Barron is, either. Not yet anyway. I know they needed an OLB but they weakened the O-line quite a bit for this rookie QB and for Steven Jackson (and/or SJ’s backup).
I was just getting used to thinking of the O-line as a unit of depth and strength, and this takes a lot of blocking talent off the top of that.
you should be more worried
about our linebackng corps.
If you love something, set it free. If it doesn't come back, find it and kill it.
I don't know why I would be more worried about the LBs
that doesn’t make much any sense to me
by CoachConnors on May 10, 2010 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions
Call me an optimist
I’m worried, sure, but I think the Rams are making the right move; either way, I would expect Saffold to push Alex Barron out the door anyway. Sam Bradford might just have to run a bit more….
The House of Spears reigns supreme
I like to think I'm an optimist too
And I guess until they play a little, I’ll just have to wait and see.
Highly doubt the rookie Saffold was going to push Barron or Smith off one of the Tackle jobs. I mean, we all bag on Barron but last year he was their 2nd best O-Linemen (please spare me the flags, I know) ….
AND now we have bookend rookies OT, if you count J Smith still hasn’t completed a season. There’s a very high chance are going to get fooled on the edge, and Bradford is going to get crushed. I don’t want it to happen that way, but it will. Screeenshot.
I will be optimistic about our running game taking pressure off of Sam…..
Count me as concerned...
IF Carpenter is a every down effective OLB that is re-signed…..then this has potential to be a good move (cause Barron wasn’t coming back in ’11 any way). BUT in the meantime – we went from depth to lack of depth on the OL in the blink of an eye. yes, I realize it was Barron that we lost but still – the dude was going to start at one of the T spots for the year. Lots of pressure now put on Smith and Saffold to both play well and stay healthy.
I guess thoughts comes down to what you think is an easier camp casualty to pick up – a starting OLB or OT depth.
Baseball season is back - Go Halos!
agree with the ol depth concerns
but the preseason is not done. maybe there are other options in the works?
by Sundowner on May 7, 2010 7:46 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Rookie Franchise QB and 2 new tackles?
I hate to sound negative but I just can’t help it so far this spring.
It sounds bad when you put it that way
But I don’t see coach starting Bradford if the line isn’t gelling. Their approach has been too meticulous and measured to do something reckless like throw him in the line of fire if the blocking isn’t working out.
I think so.
May is wayyyyy to early to be panicking about worst case scenario.
The problem with Carpenter
is that he is soft. His nickname in Dallas is Barbie for a reason. Good luck.
Eat yo gravy Carpenter
It has been scientifically proven that the wussification, cowardice, lack of mental toughness, and sue happiness these days is directly correllated to the lack of gravy being consumed.
I don't think many of us want Barron to stay but...
trading Barron before the team makes sure that the o-line is solid is like tossing the baby out with the bath water. I’m not knocking the trade, just the timing of it. CoachConnors brings up the same concern I brought up earlier (see my message above), why trade Barron right now? Don’t they realize that the Cowboys will either dump Carpenter or will be willing to wait until pre-season to make this trade? An experienced LB is nice to have, but an experienced LT is a must-have (even if it’s Barron). The Rams need the pre-season to know if Saffolds going to hold his own. If they trade Barron and Saffold still needs time to develop then Bradfords gonna get Bulger-ized (sorry I meant pulverized). Thats $50 million on IR and a player’s psyche destroyed. I know Barron is the false start king, but having him as a back-up to Saffold secures that position for this year. Otherwise you’re looking at potentially having a turn-stile at your one of your tackle spots, and no team can pay enough money to a QB to take the risk of having his career destroyed because they neglected to ensure his protection.
Barron only had 5 false start penalties last year.
Can we please deal with facts and not emotion. He was not the false start king last year, and he was at least a passable tackle. Now we are going with basically two rookies, with no adequate backup behind them.
In exchange for weakening ourselves on the OL, we are getting a soft LB who is trying to recover from shoulder surgery and probably won’t see the field except on sure passing downs.
There IS a Santa Claus and he came early for the Rams in 2010.
Just getting a slug and perennial loafer like Barron off the team will be a big improvement. This guy was the original Jamarcus Russell. He has all the physical gifts and skills, but no concentration, intensity or love of the game (or the Rams). AND, we get some sort of potential LB for him! What a touchdown!!! Has the deal been sealed??? This trade could be worth at least two wins this fall.
Haha @ the original Jamarcus Russell
You mean he could draw a penalty from sixty yards away on one knee?
I think OT's are harder to find than LB's
but I hope the trade works out OK
He’s always open. He catches a lot of balls. He’s un-guardable, no matter how old he is
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