:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/35912178/20130221_mje_ss1_1291.0.jpg)
The St. Louis Rams have been working hard to build a strong offensive line in recent years. The proof lies with the acquisition of Jake Long last off-season, drafting Greg Robinson with the second overall pick this season, and signing/re-signing some other solid lineman. That being said, Barrett Jones is part of the Rams long-term plans as well. St. Louis selected Jones in the fourth round (113th pick) of the 2013 NFL Draft. While that is not nearly as much as an investment as the second overall pick, it still shows that the Rams see potential in the most decorated O-lineman in college football history.
Roster Battle
Jones will be battling for the second spot in all three interior positions. Right now, he sits firmly behind G-Rob, Scott Wells, and Rodger Saffold, but will have an opportunity to slide into the rotation if he can show improvement on his 2013 season. It's likely Brandon Washington and Tim Barnes are also in front of him on the depth chart, but that is where the battle will be fought.
Expectations
With the inevitability of injury in this league -- and with the Rams in particular -- there is a good chance that Jones will take snaps this year. It would have been interesting to see Jones develop as a player in his rookie campaign, but a lingering foot injury hindered that opportunity. In a sense, 2014 will be seen as his rookie year. Barrett is one of my favorite guys on this team. From everything that I've seen, he seems like a great locker room guy and hopefully someone that can anchor the interior offensive line for the Rams in the coming years.
Will Jones make the 2014 roster?
Absolutely. There is no doubt in my mind that Jones will be a part of the Rams team in 2014.
Check out Nick Wagoner's article on Barrett from early June.