St Louis Rams Rookie offensive lineman Jason Smith, the second overall pick of the NFL draft out of Baylor may get to start because fellow offensive tackle Alex Barron has missed recent two practices with knee soreness. It’s also evidence that he’s making progress.
Smith refuses to lobby for a promotion with new coach Steve Spagnuolo or gripe about waiting on the sideline for so long, aside from a few special teams snaps. He’s willing to prove he’s worth the five-year, $62 million contract he signed the day before training camp opened, and still refers to veteran teammates as Mr. Jackson, Mr. Bulger and so on.
There was 4:29 left in the second quarter when the second team offensive line hit the field in last week’s 23-20 victory over the Jets. Smith lined up at right tackle for the first time.
That goes for the season opener, too. He’s likely to open the year as the starter for a franchise building from the ground up after totaling five victories the last two seasons, but is making no assumptions.
If he plays well in the second preseason game, Smith said working against Leonard Little and James Hall in practice will be a major reason. He’s also had to adjust to a three-point stance after playing in a spread offense at Baylor, but said dealing with speed has been tougher.
The 310-pound offensive lineman Jason Smith also credits Adam Goldberg , who started at right tackle in the preseason opener, for helping ready him for the pros. Goldberg would likely move to left tackle, Barron’s spot, if Barron isn’t ready to go on Friday.
Goldberg played at four spots on the offensive line last season, filling in for various injured players. He said it’s part of his job to tutor Smith to take over at right tackle.
Running back Steven Jackson echoed those sentiments, observing that Smith is “full of humility.”
“He’s not afraid to be picked on,” Jackson said. “He knows his stuff, he’s going to work hard, and you like to see that. He’s always upbeat.”
Most of the time, at least.
Rams Rookie offensive lineman Jason Smith dropped the yes sir, no sir routine at the end of an interview when asked about keeping his weight up during two-a-day practices that ended Tuesday. His answer: “Lions eat meat. Whatever runs by.”
Coach Spagnuolo said starters could play the first half against the Falcons when they play here Friday. That means potentially a lot more action for Jackson, who had two carries for 15 yards in the opener.