The last time the St. Louis Rams drafted a cornerstone of their offensive line, they installed him as the starter at left tackle.
Twelve years later, the new supposed cornerstone of their offensive line will begin his career on the other side of the line.
So Jason Smith, the second overall pick in the 2009 draft, really isn’t the team’s next Orlando Pace.
For now.
“The way we begin is not always the way it kind of unwinds, but I think it will kind of be a more natural progression for him,” coach Steve Spagnuolo said regarding the move, according to the Associated Press. “He’s played both [tackle spots], Alex [Barron] has played both, so it gives you a little bit of flexibility.”
But if Barron, a first-rounder four years ago, were the long-term answer at left tackle, the Rams likely wouldn’t have used the No. 2 overall pick on a right tackle.
Fortunately for the Rams, Smith doesn’t care.
“I’m a football player, and if it was tackle, tight end, defensive end, nose tackle, D-tackle, waterboy, I didn’t mind doing what I’m asked to do,” Smith said. “I do what needs to be done for us. . . . I don’t think about me, I think about we.”
In our view, it’s just a matter of time before Smith mans the left side.
Jason Smith Will Start His Career At Right Tackle
Posted by Mike Florio on May 1, 2009, 6:17 AM EDT
7 Responses to “Jason Smith Will Start His Career At Right Tackle”
2nd pick for a right tackle? I guess in due time?
Spagnuolo is only doing this to make the kid feel like he needs to earn it. By game 6 he will be on the left side, and maybe sooner, because I think Barron will be sub-par on the left side. I love the attitude from Smith though. He has already been drafted, so he doesn’t have to say the right things anymore, and he still does. Looks like if nothing else they got a guy with a good attitude and a huge upside, now lets see if the kid can fill the monstrous shoes that Pace left for him.
Very odd decision.
Kinda like boning Angelina after having Aniston.
Very odd.
@burley29, he’ll hopefully be at left tackle by… game 6?!? he better be at LT by day 6 of training camp or that team is going 2-14 again
May also be a negotiation tactic. Right Tackles don’t get paid as much as left ones.
@jbwbubba
Could be, but I’m in burley29′s camp. I think it’s a motivational tactic.
As long as he gets his $30 million guaranteed, he doesn’t care where he plays.