Tevin's Roster Review: Bobby Carpenter

May 10th Bobby Carpenter Former 2006 1st round pick out of Ohio State drafted by the Dallas Cowboys was traded to the Rams for their former 1st round selection Alex Barron which was an interesting trade on both sides with both teams getting criticism, Both of these players were considered disappointments by their teams.

Many fans didn't like this trade on the Ram side, because the Rams traded a starter who played in all but 2 games for a linebacker nicknamed Barbie. I won't say I was happy about the trade because I was hoping that the Rams would also get Tashard Choice because I have a feeling that he will be great, But sadly it wasn't to be and we just ended up with Bobby Carpenter. But anyway it's been a month since this trade now that the shock value has subsided let's get to why this was a good trade.

First of all he was a horrible fit for the 3-4 system, As I was doing research he was in the top 5 OLBs in his draft class and many scouts thought that he would be a good fit for the 3-4. Bobby Carpenter was fast but he just wasn't physical enough to play unguarded outside linebacker. Let it be know that I got this stuff from watching film listening to what most of the Cowboy fans were saying about Bobby Carpenter and what I read online from "so called scouts" Also the 2 or so games I watched of the Cowboys.

Bobby Carpenter is a finesse player at times which lead to him getting the nick name "Barbie" by Jerry Jones and others in the Cowboy organization. There were times where he could have made the tackle but instead he arm wrapped them and they broke for more yards. Bobby Carpenter also fails to shed blockers and isn't a big hitter, More than likely he lost confidence in his abilities (I mean your owner calls you soft hard to get over that). He often looked lost on the field and looks like he's a couple steps behind everyone else.

I mean I'm sure everyone is thinking Tevin why should I be happy that the Rams have Barbie Carpenter we could have kept Alex Barron for another year, The thinking behind that is solid but lets think about it for a second Alex Barron didn't even sign his one year tender until it was reported that the Cowboys would trade Bobby Carpenter for us. After the season everyone wanted Alex Barron out of St. Louis but when we get solid value for him and a rookie who supposedly has upside fans don't like the deal. I swear if Rodger Saffold had move to guard and Alex Barron left after this year fans would say why we didn't start Rodger Staffold at right tackle instead of right guard, Since we all know Alex Barron wasn't in our long term plans.

Now Bobby Carpnter was a great pick up he fits within the 4 pillars he is a real class and Bobby Carpenter didn't talk about the Cowboys like Alex Barron did to the Rams on the sly. I had to put that because I know most of the fans are tired of hearing about the 4 pillars. It's true though and I would rather have players who don't go to strip clubs to make it rain.

On the football side of things Bobby Carpenter He does have speed he isn't the quickest but he can get from sideline to sideline in a hurry. In my opinion I think what helped him out in Ohio State is because he had great talent around him so he could make plays I mean we have players who will take pressure from Bobby Carpenter on all levels of the game. First Chris Long then James L, Then our good friend OJ. Although he isn't good at shedding blocks he is a good blitzer and pass rusher in college in the 4-3 I am sure he can be effective back in it.. I think the main reason he was brought to the Rams is the fact that he is good in coverage which is something thst the Rams struggled with last year especially against tight ends. Also it's not like he just stopped playing last season he had good stats for a player who just played special teams and nickel line backer.

Now lets look at his 2009 stats and compare them to everyone on our team thats not James Laurinaitis

Bobby Carpenter

Na'il Diggs

The two players under Bobby Carpenter were the two starting linebackers before he joined the Rams, As you can see from the chart the stats between those two and Bobby Carpenter are pretty identical besides one stat, Games started is the most telling statistic. Now I will make a bold prediction that Bobby Carpenter will be the 2nd best linebacker on our team this upcoming season barring injury. I mean the facts are right there and then the fact that he will be playing on a 4-3 team with the opportunity to make plays on a defense that didn't make many in the 2009 season, I say that this year we will see a brand new Bobby Carpenter. He may not be an every down linebacker he may be on the sideline for short yardage run plays but we won't know that until training camp and the beginning of the season. At worst we will have a special team player who can be put into the game on passing plays either way if the Rams didn't win this trade then it was at least 50/50. If you read this article and still don't believe in Bobby Carpenter and that's understandable just look at the last few trades our front office has made recently and see how those turned out. This year Bobby Carpenter will become Ken Carpenter and we will never wonder who won the trade ever again.

Lets get em Buckeyes........... oops I mean Rams.