Fisher talks about draft, offensive linemen ..

BY JIM THOMAS
Monday, February 27, 2012 12:10 am

INDIANAPOLIS • The fact that the Tennessee franchise didn't select a first-round offensive lineman during Jeff Fisher's 16 full seasons there probably was more happenstance than rigid draft philosophy.

"I think it's the way it happened," Fisher said. "Brad Hopkins was selected a couple of years beforehand, and Coach (Mike) Munchak does an outstanding job of evaluating the offensive line, as did the staff."

Hopkins, drafted two years before Fisher took over as head coach, was the franchise's starting left tackle for the first 11 years of Fisher's tenure there. Munchak, now the Titans' head coach, was Fisher's offensive line coach.

Then again, Fisher also suggested there was some sentiment toward developing linemen rather than expending high draft picks for them.

"We just felt like over the years that we could get those guys in Round 2, 3 or 4 and develop 'em," Fisher said. "And we did so. We've got an outstanding offensive line coach with us as well (in St. Louis), and we share some of the same philosophies. That doesn't mean to say we won't take an offensive lineman that high, though."

Veteran offensive line coach Paul Boudreau, who was here under Scott Linehan, has returned to the Rams under Fisher.

Backing up Bradford

With veterans Kellen Clemens and A.J. Feeley scheduled for unrestricted free agency March 13, the Rams are weighing their options for a backup quarterback.

"There may be some guys out there," Fisher said. "There's the potential for a trade for a guy. But we definitely need to consider that. I'm not expecting (Bradford) to be on the ground very much, but you need to have a backup."

Franchise tags coming

With one more week for teams to place the franchise tag on pending free agents, and more than two weeks to re-sign their own players before the start of free agency, the current free-agent lists may be a tease. At wide receiver, for example, there were reports over the weekend that Kansas City plans to franchise Dwayne Bowe and New England plans to tag Wes Welker.

Fisher seems very confident that he will be able to improve our OL play.

Fisher's quotes make you think he may be more interested in trying to salvage Saffold as a left tackle before replacing him.

Ive kind of been banking on the idea, that the Rams will have improved play up front. It is a shame Munchak is a HC these days, as Im certain Fisher would have targeted him. OL coach Paul Boudreou wasn't a bad consolation prize though. I expect Fisher to make a serious effort to improve the foundation of both lines. The inside areas of both lines will hopefully be a little more valued with the new coach.??

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Originally Posted by Nick

Fisher's quotes make you think he may be more interested in trying to salvage Saffold as a left tackle before replacing him.

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Additionally Snead's comments imply Smith is healthy and will be given another shot. IMO it's too early to give up on either guy. I'd draft a potential replacement in a later round.

Music to my ears. Look at the teams Joe Thomas & Jake Long represent.

Now look at GBs, NYG, PITT, etc. LT.

I rest my case. Take your skill guys first, and worry about your lineman later. Just need to have good evaluators, and you can find good starters that are tougher to find at the skills.