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In 2010, the St. Louis Rams drafted QB Sam Bradford out of Oklahoma. The star quarterback was supposed to be a franchise player for years to come. Instead, the Rams would find their franchise player in OL Rodger Saffold whom was drafted a full round later with the 33rd pick.
When the Rams drafted Saffold, high expectations placed on him. At this point of his career, those expectations have easily been meet. Saffold has shown the ability to play every position on the offensive line but center and has played at a high level throughout his career.
Now 30-years old and the longest-tenured Ram on the roster with eight seasons under his built, he heads into a contract year after finally tasting the postseason. Is this is his final audition for his last NFL contract?
Roster Battle
While the Rams did draft three offensive linemen in the 2018 NFL Draft, neither of those players will be contending for a starting position over Saffold. He’s locked in at left guard.
Expectations
The Rams know that in Saffold they have a good offensive lineman that will produce week in and week out. The biggest worry with Saffold will be injury due to the the fact that he has battled through injuries and missed games with them in the past although the last two seasons he has been relatively healthy. Last season, he was the 7th-highest graded offensive guard by Pro Football Focus.
Chances Of Making The Team (9.5/10)
As long as Saffold is healthy he will be creating lanes for RB Todd Gurley or pass blocking for QB Jared Goff.
The question is if he’ll be doing it beyond 2018.