Even though Rams left tackle Jake Long won’t be ready to start OTAs next week, and even though Auburn left tackle Greg Robinson was the second pick in the draft, the Rams are in no hurry to push the kid out there.
According to Dan Pompei of Bleacher Report, the Rams intend to leave Robinson at left guard this year, regardless of whatever happens at other positions.
Rams General Manager Les Snead expressed a similar sentiment during a recent visit to PFT Live, as well.
The expectation that Long will be back in time for the regular season is the biggest part of the plan, though the Rams are taking the long view with a player who is clearly the left tackle of the future.
Playing him at right guard or right tackle would require teaching him a new position from college (basically forcing him to do everything in a mirror), and the Rams have the potential to have a very good line.
They were able to keep Rodger Saffold after the Raiders failed physical scuttled a deal there, and they still have the solid Joe Barksdale to play right tackle.
Signing veteran Davin Joseph gave them some depth, especially if Saffold has to play left tackle while Long returns to form.
Hall of Fame left tackle Jonathan Ogden started his career at left guard as well, and while Robinson may never reach that level, the Rams are doing everything they can to maximize his potential.