LA Rams Make Roster Moves On Tuesday, Signing Former Rimington Trophy Finalist

Heading into the 2017 NFL offseason, many pegged the center position as the most dire need for the Los Angeles Rams. But there were no splashy free agency moves, nor top draft picks used in order to address the position.

After narrowly missing out on Bills’ backup center Ryan Groy, they ultimately settled for a veteran, former Redskin John Sullivan.

And, at this point, you’d have to assume that Sullivan is penciled in as the team’s starter; with only Demetrius Rhaney and recently signed UDFA Jake Eldrenkamp as depth.

That is until Tuesday, when the Rams signed former Indianapolis Colts’ center Austin Blythe off waivers.

Blythe, out of the University of Iowa, was a 7th round selection for the Colts in 2016. In 2015, Blythe was a finalist for the Rimington Trophy — an annual award given to the nation’s top center. Among the three finalists, Michigan State’s Jack Allen and, the winner, Alabama’s Ryan Kelly.

Blythe started only one game in 2016, though he appeared in eight. In order to acquire the former Colt, the Rams waived UDFA linebacker Folarin Orimolade (Dartmouth).

A Look Back at Blythe’s Pre-Draft Scouting Report, from PFF

Stat to know: Highest run blocking center in the Power-5. 97.1 pass blocking efficiency was 63rd among centers in the FBS

Bottom line: He’s no pass protector, but you can get away just fine without being one at the center position. He offers considerable upside in a zone running scheme.