Jason Smith Will Start His Career At Right Tackle

The last time the St. Louis Rams drafted a cornerstone of their offensive line, they installed him as the starter at left tackle. Twelve years later, the new supposed cornerstone of their offensive line will begin his career on the other side of the line. So Jason Smith, the second overall pick in the 2009 draft, really isn’t the team’s next Orlando Pace. For now. “The way we begin is not always the way it kind of unwinds, but I think it will kind of be a more natural progression for him,” coach Steve Spagnuolo said regarding the move, according to the Associated Press. “He’s played both [tackle spots], Alex [Barron] has played both, so it gives you a little bit of flexibility.” But if Barron, a first-rounder four years ago, were the long-term answer at left tackle, the Rams likely wouldn’t have used the No. 2 overall pick on a right tackle. Fortunately for the Rams, Smith doesn’t care. “I’m a football player, and if it was tackle, tight end, defensive end, nose tackle, D-tackle, waterboy, I didn’t mind doing what I’m asked to do,” Smith said. “I do what needs to be done for us. . . . I don’t think about me, I think about we.” In our view, it’s just a matter of time before Smith mans the left side.