Mathis, Wisnewski, and Barksdale

[NN1Badboy]

Imagine how much further along we would be right now if we'd signed these three. I know hindsight is 20/20, but given the state of our offensive line was in last year before the draft it makes me wonder who's running this organization. Even with the draft that we had, we would have been, and still would be in great shape with all that young talent behind these guys.

Admittedly I wasn't sold on Barksdale, and I stated that I didn't think he was worth top dollar, but I did post several times(In another forum) that I thought both Mathis and Wisnewski would be great options for the Rams. Now reading the write ups about the top 75 free agents this year really leaves me scratching my head. Just take a minute to read what they say about these three.

(Per PFF top 75 2016 free agents)

18. Evan Mathis, G
2015 team: Denver Broncos

With a new team in 2015, his performance dipped a bit, but he still finished with the highest run-blocking grade among guards for the fourth time in five years.

48. Stefen Wisniewski, C
2015 team: Jacksonville Jaguars

Wisniewski had the third-highest pass-blocking efficiency among centers in 2015, as he allowed just 13 total pressures during his first season with Jacksonville. He’s a young, durable player who has missed 19 snaps over five seasons in the league.

57. Joe Barksdale, OT
2015 team: San Diego Chargers

Barksdale hits the market again after a one-year deal with San Diego. He has shown good stretches of play over the last few years, and if he can sustain that level for an entire season, he could be a steal of a signing on a small contract.

Just imagine how dominant our offensive line would have been last year like this: Robinson, Mathis, Wisnewski, Saffold, and Barksdale. Being backed up by Battle, Reynolds, Barnes, Brown, and Havenstein. Wow.

We could have been even better early on, and maybe made the playoffs. Imagine the possibilities for Gurley behind that line.

Robinson would have had the veteran leadership of Mathis (and I said this in several of my posts back then). Barnes could have stayed at backup, where he belongs. Saffold could have been playing right guard in the position where he has played his best football, and Barksdale could have played until Havenstein beat him out. All it would have taken is a two or three year contract for at least two of the three, and I believe we would have been a much better team.

Now maybe the reason these guys played so well in 2015 is because of the teams (or o-line coaches) they were playing for. Or maybe these guys should have been in Rams uniforms. Who knows, but it really leaves me wondering about the possibilities.

It's not too late. We can still possibly sign all three of them this year as they are all free agents again. If it were my call, I'd go get Mathis and Wisnewski. Our line could improve tremendously and our young guys could have another year or two to improve.

Imagine in 2016 we can still have Robinson, Mathis, Wisnewski, Brown, and Havenstein. We could probably do that for Saffold's money if we are smart enough to let him walk.