Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
Jason Smith's expected move into the Rams' lineup at right tackle makes sense.
The picture wouldn't look right if the No. 2 overall choice wasn't good enough to start -- particularly at right tackle, as opposed to quarterback -- for a team with a 5-27 record over the past two seasons.
I'm expecting the Rams to help Smith with a tight end or running back, particularly on passing downs. The rookie will be making his regular-season debut in one of the NFL's loudest stadiums. Opponents have committed 78 false-start penalties in their last 32 games at Qwest Field, seven more than the runner-up Metrodome during that span. Left tackle Alex Barron's ability to hold up against Seahawks pass-rusher Patrick Kerney could be a key variable influencing how much the Rams might help Smith, should they choose to do so.
Smith's transition from Baylor has likely required him to think more about technique, with mixed results. He'll line up against Cory Redding, one of the Seahawks' most impressive defensive players in training camp. The Seahawks also figure to line up pass-rushers, notably the very swift Darryl Tapp, on that side.
Whatever the Rams can do to minimize one-on-one matchups for Smith seems like a good idea under the circumstances. The questions facing Redding have more to do with long-term durability than what he might bring to an opening game.
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ABOUT THIS BLOG
Mike Sando
Sando joined ESPN.com in 2007 after nine seasons covering the Seattle Seahawks for the Tacoma (Wash.) News Tribune. He lives in the Seattle-Tacoma area with his wife and two sons.