Draft Analysis: St. Louis Rams Team Needs

April 22, 2008 @ 11:54:17

By Bryce McRae
Edited by Cory J. Bonini

2007 Finish: 3-13 (NFC West - 4th Place), Non-playoff team

2008 Draft Pick: 2nd Overall

Key Positional Needs: WR, OT, DE, DT, CB

Head Coach: Scott Linehan

Offensive Coordinator: Al Saunders

Defensive Coordinator: Jim Haslett

Key Losses: QB Gus Frerotte (UFA - Minnesota Vikings), RB Rich Alexis (RFA), WR Isaac Bruce (UFA - San Francisco 49ers), WR Dominique Thompson (UFA - Carolina Panthers), TE Aaron Walker (UFA), PK Jeff Wilkins (retired), OG Milford Brown (UFA - Carolina Panthers), OT Todd Steussie (UFA), C Nick Leckey (UFA), C Andy McCollum (UFA), DL Trevor Johnson (UFA), LB Brandon Chillar (UFA - Green Bay Packers), LB Quinton Culberson (RFA), LB Raonall Smith (UFA), CB Justin Phinisee (UFA - Dallas Cowboys), FS O.J. Atogwe (RFA), FS Hanik Milligan (RFA)

Key Additions: QB Trent Green (signed - Miami Dolphins), RB Travis Minor (re-signed), WR Reche Caldwell (signed - Washington Redskins), TE Anthony Becht (signed - Tampa Bay Buccaneers), OC Brett Romberg (re-signed), PK Josh Brown (signed - Seattle Seahawks), PK Justin Medlock (signed - Kansas City Chiefs), OG Jacob Bell (signed - Tennessee Titans), OT Adam Goldberg (re-signed), OT Brandon Gorin (re-signed), DL James Hall (re-signed), CB David Macklin( signed - Washington Redskins), SS Jerome Carter (re-signed)

Key Offensive Positions Needed

Quarterback

The team does not figure to significantly address the position.

Running Back

The team does not figure to significantly address the position.

Wide Receiver

With long-time Ram Isaac Bruce gone to the San Francisco 49ers and former All-Pro Torry Holt turning 32 this June, this is an area of need for the Rams. They have Drew Bennett ready to replace Bruce, but Bennett turns 30 in August and has battled injuries throughout his career. As well, Holt is suffering from chronic knee problems. Look for them to address this position early in the draft.

Tight End

The team does not figure to significantly address the position.

Offensive Tackle

If offensive tackle Jake Long is available with the second pick, the team has to consider taking him. They have Alex Barron situated at right tackle, although he spent most of last season working on the left and needs to work on is mental mistakes. On the other side of the line is former All-Pro Orlando Pace who is coming off a season-ending shoulder injury and is not getting any younger; he turns 32 this year. Look for them to address this position in the upcoming draft.

Offensive Guard

The team could look to shore up this position in the draft as injuries are bound to happen (they were a huge problem last year) and depth is important. The Rams suffered far more injuries across the line than they could handle and had to move several players around to compensate. Adding quality depth should be a focus during the draft.

Center

As with guard, this is not a need, but it is something the team could look at near the end of the draft, especially with center Richie Incognito (knee) coming off a season-ending dislocated kneecap.

Key Defensive Positions Needed

Defensive End

The Rams generated only 4.5 sacks from this position last year, and it is one of their priorities heading into the draft. They could use their first pick in the draft (second overall) on this position, but look for them to target an end later in the draft or free agency in case defense Leonard Little (toe) is unable to return to his former All-Pro form.

Defensive Tackle/Nose Tackle

Like the end position, this is an area the Rams will need to improve on and could do with the second overall pick in the draft. They could use a tackle that eats up space in order to help a run defense that was unable to stop anyone last year.

Linebacker

The team does not figure to significantly address the position.

Cornerback

The team will likely address this position in the draft, possibly as early as their second-round pick. Or it is possible they either trade or sign a cornerback as they are weak at the position.

Free Safety

The team does not figure to significantly address the position.

Strong Safety

The team does not figure to significantly address the position.

Key Special Teams Positions Needed

Place Kicker

The team does not figure to significantly address the position.

Punter

The team does not figure to significantly address the position.

Return Specialist

The team does not figure to significantly address the position.

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Bryce McRae
Bryce McRae is a Managing Editor with KFFL and has been involved in fantasy sports since 1999. He joined KFFL as a volunteer writer in March 2005 before becoming a Hot off the Wire Analyst in March 2006. He began working in his current capacity in September 2008. His work has appeared on fantasy sports sites such as Yahoo! and CBS Sportsline as well as in print. He graduated from the University of British Columbia in 2008 with a B.A. in History and U.S. Studies.

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