NFL Combine 2012: Glancing at St. Louis Rams OL and TE Prospects for 2012 Draft

Members of the St. Louis Rams' front office and coaching staff, like chief operating officer Kevin Demoff and head coach Jeff Fisher, among many others, have converged upon Lucas Oil Field in Indianapolis, Indiana for the  2012 NFL Scouting Combine.

Although various prerequisites began days ago, including check-ins and the measuring of quarterbacks, wide receivers, running backs, tight ends, kickers and offensive linemen, all of the on-field events begin today, signaling the in-earnest kickoff of the 2012 NFL Combine.

Today, the tight ends, kickers and offensive linemen take center stage as they will engage in various drills such as the 40-yard dash and vertical jump, among others. 

Players will also take part in position-specific drills. For example, offensive linemen will take part in a "kick-slide" drill to test each individual player's ability to protect the quarterback in pass protection. 

The focus of the Rams' brass today is expected to be most centered upon the offensive lineman, including projected top-five selection and potential St. Louis pick, Matt Kalil, the left tackle from USC, who was profiled here. 

Jason Smith, the Rams' right tackle who was taken with the No. 2 pick in 2009, is a question mark.

His play has been inconsistent, especially in pass protection, and he has missed major chunks of two seasons (2009, 2011) due to severe concussions.  

If cut by June 1, the Rams would save $2.4 million. Reports indicate that he faces a pay cut if he desires to remain on the payroll in St. Louis. Furthermore, the injury concerns are ongoing, despite what Fisher stated yesterday, according to a tweet from Howard Balzer:

"Howard Balzer ‏ @HBalzer721

Jeff Fisher says the concussion issue is behind Jason Smith.

"

Several left or right tackles who could be targets for the Rams in the first two rounds that you may want to keep an eye on today include Riley Reiff of Iowa, Jonathon Martin of Stanford, Mike Adams of Ohio State and Zebrie Sanders of Florida State. 

This year, however, the Rams could also be looking at a left guard and a center.  

St. Louis has next to nothing waiting in the wings at left guard and Jacob Bell is a free agent. Bell played well for then-head coach Fisher in Tennessee, but there is no guarantee that he will return.  

Jason Brown has been solid at center, but was benched for part of the 2011 season and could be a cap casualty. His cut would save the Rams $2.8 million.

Some middle-to-late-round guards to watch include Senio Kelemete of Washington, Lucas Nix of Pittsburgh and Ryan Miller of Colorado.

At center, some mid-to-late-round options to eyeball today include Michael Brewster of Ohio State, Philip Blake of Baylor, Quentin Saulsberry of Mississippi State and David Molk of Michigan.

It is not inconceivable that St. Louis could target a mid-to-late-round tight end as well—especially with the consistent injury issues of Mike Hoomanawanui and little else to write home about on the roster, outside of 2011 second-round pass-catching tight end Lance Kendricks, who should improve this season.   

If the Rams do select a tight end in the 2012 NFL Draft, look for them to grab a guy who is a strong blocker. James Hanna of Oklahoma, who is a capable run and pass blocker, could be an option in the mid-to-late rounds.

For a live, running St. Louis Rams blog regarding today's action at the NFL Combine, click this.  

Shane Gray covers the St. Louis Rams year round. To check out the rest of his work, go here.  You are also encouraged to follow him on Twitter.