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Jim Thomas offered a series of tweets tonight that shed some light on the Rams' depth chart going into their week one matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Here's the breakdown.
Greg Robinson Backing Up
As expected, 1st Rams (unofficial) depth chart of regular season lists Rodger Saffold starting at LG ahead of Greg Robinson.
— Jim Thomas (@jthom1) September 2, 2014
Davin Joseph listed as starter at RG. Robinson, the No. 2 overall draft pick in May, is listed second-team behind LG Saffold and LT J. Long.
— Jim Thomas (@jthom1) September 2, 2014
We'll have to see how the personnel on the offensive line get shuffled around throughout the game, but it's obviously not the most encouraging sign for a #2 overall pick to not make the starting lineup. Bear in mind, Robert Qunin missed the first game of his NFL career (a move that wasn't very popular at the time..), so not all is lost. Still, if you were charting a route to success for Greg Robinson back in May, it likely would have had him on the line in the Rams' first game of the 2014 season.
Wideouts Set
Kenny Britt and Tavon Austin listed as startings WRs. (Quick listed as 2nd team.) Stacy still at No. 1 at RB.
— Jim Thomas (@jthom1) September 2, 2014
This is bound to have less impact than the GRob news as the starting nod will matter less than the snap count (and yes, that applies to the O-line too, but it wouldn't make much sense to have GRob on the sideline and then bring him in early on). Britt could start and then play significantly less snaps than, say, Chris Givens, but it does suggest something about the big WR role. In Britt, Brian Quick and Austin Pettis, you have the three tallest receivers on the Rams' roster, all listed at 6'3". That Britt gets the first look suggests he's got a jump on the playing time in front of those two...which should start the Brian Quick concern train immediately.
Gaines Stepping Up
Mizzou rookie CB E.J. Gaines listed as 2nd team behind Trumaine Johnson. W/Johnson out w/injury, that could make Gaines the starter vs Minny
— Jim Thomas (@jthom1) September 2, 2014
We talked about the cornerback roster battle extensively in the last few weeks, and Gaines certainly had his supporters. Much like the wideouts, I expect to see a number of different looks that will require some personnel shuffling here. With Tru out, Janoris Jenkins is the only sure thing here. Should Gaines get the look on the outside, look for Lamarcus Joyner as the primary slot back which is practically as valuable as your paper starter these days. As for how that would affect the rotation plays of Brandon McGee and Marcus Roberson will have to be seen on Sunday.
Benny Returns
One other interesting note about Rams' unofficial depth chart: RB Benny Cunningham listed as No.1 kickoff returner ahead of Chris Givens.
— Jim Thomas (@jthom1) September 2, 2014
Take that image of Isaiah Pead's self-inflicted injury out of your head. Take that image of Tavon Austin returning a kick 100 yards for points. Prepare for Benny.
UPDATE: Here's the complete depth chart from the team's official game release:
