If you feel like the days of the Los Angeles Rams hedging their future on QB Sam Bradford was eons ago, you’re pretty much right – it was absolutely forever ago.
Part of the reason that’s so shocking is because the Rams dipped right back into the offensive pot with the 33rd overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft and selected an offensive tackle out of Indiana: Rodger Saffold.
Saffold was selected and expected to protect Bradford’s blindside at LT, though he spent time all across the OL. Fast forward eight long years (and a weird journey) and Saffold is still with the Rams (hardly) making him the longest tenured player on the team. From playing every position on the line outside of center, to signing a lucrative free agent deal with the Oakland Raiders that fell through on a sketchy “failed physical” for a shoulder injury that saw him land back with the Rams, and to the many injury struggles he’s had to endure. Saffold is finally slated to be a free agent again at the conclusion of this season.
To preface anything, I think the Rams should do everything (within reason) to try and keep Saffold around. The continuity and performance of this offensive line has been outstanding, it’s been the key to the entire offense working. But, regardless of whether he leaves in free agency or returns by way of an extension, I think the Rams should look into trading for Los Angeles Chargers OG Forrest Lamp in the offseason.
I myself was a huge fan of Lamp coming out:
I’m ALL IN on Forrest Lamp. Best talent remaining, plug and play day 1, and fills a massive hole. Just don’t think he lasts to us
— Sosa (@QBsMVP) April 28, 2017
Lamp was the 38th pick in the 2017 NFL Draft though many had him firmly entrenched as a first-round talent/selection. Lamp was a college left tackle who was likely to kick inside to guard in the NFL. His rookie season was lost to a torn ACL and his second season hasn’t went much better. Lamp has played in one game and wasn’t even active this past Sunday. He is an extremely talented player who hasn’t even been given a chance to prove his worth yet, that’s why I think the Rams (and many other teams) would be smart to offer a day-three pick for a starting caliber guard.
The move would provide the Rams a cost-effective and good talent with massive potential in case of injury to anyone along the offensive line or the departure of Saffold.
It’s why I think they’d be smart to inquire.