| Justin Stine. 19th February, 2009 - 11:30 am
 With the Senior Bowl behind us and the Combine just around the corner, it's time to look ahead to free agency and the upcoming draft.
One issue facing the Rams on the offensive side of the ball this offseason is what to do with two staples of the franchise, tackle Orlando Pace and wide receiver Torry Holt. The team would like to re-work one or both of their contracts to create more cap room, but it is unlikely either player would take less money.
Another option would be to release one or both, but while this move would give the Rams considerably more cap flexibility, it would also create more holes in their already depleted roster. The most likely scenario is that the Rams will move forward with their current cap situation and adjust their signings accordingly.
The direction the Rams take in the draft will be heavily influenced by what happens in free agency, specifically whether or not the Rams can sign an offensive tackle that can make an instant impact on their much-maligned offensive line. If Jordan Gross hits the market, the Rams could make a run at him, although his price may prove to be out of their range. If they cannot sign a legitimate tackle, the plan will most likely be to take a tackle with the second overall pick. The following is a look at some players who the Rams may take a look at on draft day.
Quarterback
With Marc Bulger locked up to a long-term contract, the Rams do not have a pressing need at the quarterback just yet. They may, however, look to take a quarterback later in the draft to compete with veteran Trent Green for the backup role. With both Bulger and Green getting older, the Rams could use a young gun to sit in waiting for a couple of years and be the quarterback of the future. Some names to keep an eye in the later reounds include: Hunter Cantwell (Louisville), Graham Harrell (Texas Tech), Chase Daniel (Missouri), and a sleeper, Nathan Brown (Central Arkansas).
Running Back
The Rams have one of the best backs in the game in Steven Jackson, but in today's NFL the two-back system appears to be the formula for success. New coach Steve Spagnuolo has made it clear that he wants the offense to revolve around the running game, so taking a back early in the draft is a distinct possibility. With backs such as Antonio Pittman and Kenneth Darby third down options at best, the team may look to get a speed compliment to Jackson as early as the second round even with other holes to fill. Some names to watch here include: Shonn Green (Iowa), James Davis (Clemson), Glen Coffee (Alabama), and a sleeper, Devin Moore (Wyoming), who could be this year's version of Chris Johnson.
Wide Receiver
With Holt's production dropping off considerably last season and the nonexistence of Drew Bennett, the Rams could very well be in the market to upgrade their receiving corps. Donnie Avery had a nice rookie campaign and figures to be a major target for Bulger, but after him the options run pretty thin. If the team can find a way to sign an offensive tackle in free agency, it is possible that they could consider Michael Crabtree with the second overall pick if he truly separates himself from the pack at the combine. It is more likely, however, that they will look for value later in the draft. Some names to watch include: Darius Heyward-Bey (Maryland), Hakeem Nicks (North Carolina), Ramses Barden (Cal Poly), Austin Collie (BYU), and a late round sleeper in Brandon Tate (North Carolina).
Offensive Line
Quite possibly the group most in need of an upgrade this offseason, the offensive line is a focal point going into this year's draft. Luckily for the Rams, offensive tackle is probably the deepest position in this class. As mentioned above, unless the Rams find a way to upgrade their line through free agency, they will probably looking at a tackle with the second overall pick. There have been varying opinions on who the Rams should take with this pick, and until someone separates himself at the combine, it could be any of the top prospects. Names being tossed around right now include Eugene Monroe (Virginia), Jason Smith (Baylor), Andre Smith (Alabama), and Michael Oher (Ole Miss).
While Andre Smith has been highly touted all year, questions have risen about his weight and work ethic. If he shows these issues are in his past at the combine, he could very well be the pick. If not, look for the Rams to choose between Monroe or the other Smith, Jason, barring an outstanding performance by Oher at the combine. If Oher wows the scouts like he did at the Senior Bowl, he could bump himself up to the second pick. If the Rams choose to go a different route with the second pick, a name to watch out for in the second round is Troy Kropog, a lineman who was an excellent run blocker at Tulane.
Tackle isn't the only offensive line position in need of an upgrade for the Rams. If they do, in fact, take one of the tackles with the second pick, they may look at the center position with their second rounder. At this point, two centers seem to have separated themselves from the rest of the pack. Alex Mack (California) and Max Unger (Oregon) are both prospects that the Rams will have to take a hard look at in the second round. Mack is projected as a late first rounder, but if he falls into the second there would be serious interest. If he is gone, Unger would be hard to pass up as well.
The Rams have numerous holes to fill after their dismal 2-14 season. Whether it is through free agency or through the draft, the team must improve their talent and depth. Stay tuned for Part II of my Offseason Preview, where the focus will be on the defensive side of the ball. |
