With NFL free agency in full effect, the Los Angeles Rams are revamping their roster to put themselves in the best position to win games for the 2017 NFL season. They recently signed Andrew Whitworth as they attempt to fix their offense lines issues which have been amongst their biggest weaknesses in the past several years.
However, with Whitworth now assumed to take over the starting left tackle position, Los Angeles will now move around some of the unit’s current pieces in order to find the most effective five-man combination. According to Myles Simmons of Rams, the line adjustment will begin with Greg Robinson shifting over from left to right tackle:
“To that end, head coach Sean McVay said Greg Robinson — who has spent the better part of the last three seasons as the Rams’ left tackle — will be shifting over to the right to compete at tackle with 2015 second-round pick Rob Havenstein.”
McVay acknowledges the adjustment challenge that may come for Robinson since he has started all 42 games of his career at left tackle, but feels it is in the team’s best interest with the addition of Whitworth and the struggles the entire line had last season. For the rookie head coach, it is all about the 24-year-old feeling comfortable in all aspects of his new position:
“I think it’s more just getting a comfort level of working in his stance,” McVay said. “When you’re doing some of your drills, just get comfortable playing right-footed, with that right-handed stance as opposed to that left. And I think that’s something that he’ll immediately be able to work on, just get comfortable with that muscle memory. I think that’s something, with his athleticism, we feel confident that he’ll be able to make that transition.
Robinson was selected second overall out of Auburn in the 2014 NFL Draft to help the line woes the team had back then. However, he has had limited success during his young, three-year career in arguably the most important and toughest position amongst the offense line.
Although it is never easy accepting a new role change due to inability to perform the task at hand, Robinson was receptive when he was informed about the move as it will hopefully lead to both individual and team success. He will now compete for the right tackle position with 2015 second round pick, Rob Havenstein.
