Rams News

Rams have Conwell and competition at tight end
08/24 09:30 PM

By Elizabethe Holland
Of the Post-Dispatch Staff

There is only one certainty regarding the Rams tight end position: Ernie Conwell.
Conwell, in his third year, will continue to start, but as for the three other tight ends on the roster, anything is possible. Two may be cut, or all three may be kept as backups, with perhaps two of them also contributing at the H-back position, a hybrid of tight end and fullback.
Tight ends coach Lynn Stiles is hoping for the latter situation.
``That is the direction we're leaning, unless something unforeseen were to happen,'' Stiles said. ``It's really a very, very solid position and has been an extremely competitive position all the way through camp.''
Conwell is the only one working his way through the preseason without the stress of having to fight for a job. Instead, the 6-foot-1, 265-pound tight end has been focusing on becoming a greater presence in the passing game and refining his blocking techniques.
``He's asserted himself, he's much more attack-conscious coming off the line of scrimmage,'' Stiles said. ``His receiving skills have improved, his ability to run routes and get open have improved. Now we've just got to figure out a way to get him the ball on a more consistent basis.''
As for the others, what's left of the preseason may be the determinant.
The longest resume belongs to fifth-year player Tyji Armstrong, who took a year off before signing with the Rams as a street free agent last winter. Armstrong, a sturdy 6-4 and 250 pounds, can block and can catch the ball and has the benefit of playing time accrued during stints with Tampa Bay and Dallas from 1992-96. The Rams knew of his blocking abilities before his arrival but have been surprised to see his receiving skills improve as much as they have.
Mitch Jacoby, 6-4 and 260 pounds, was the third tight end last season. But he has increased his value this season as a part-time H-back, in addition to having a hand in special teams play.
``He more or less has taken on the role that Aaron Laing had a year ago, a combination role . . . and has done quite well in that particular area,'' Stiles said. Laing was the fifth tight end in Rams training camp up until his recent release.
The Rams aren't likely to cut a fourth-round draft pick, so 6-5, 269-pound rookie Williams may be safe, especially since he, too, may increase his value as a part-time H-back, Stiles said. Williams has the physical attributes to succeed and has shown he can run and can catch the ball, but his greatest downfall is his lack of experience.
``He may have to wait his time a little bit and be patient because of the nature of the position and the quality we already have there,'' Stiles said. ``But we think he's got tremendous upside and adds a lot of strength to the position.''

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