St. Louis Rams Post Draft Commentary

The Rams came into the 2008 season hoping that they were in fact moving in the right direction. Head Coach Scott Linehan appeared to have the offensive players in place to at least compete in the NFC West. Chris Long was the team’s first round selection in 2008 and he did help to solidify the defensive line along with Adam Carriker. But, the Rams still struggled to slow down opposing ground games with any frequency; giving up over 154 yards per game last year on the ground.

The Rams decided the time was right for a change and chose Steve Spagnuolo as the man to spear head the movement. Spagnuolo will have his work cut out for him as the roster does have some talent but there are still some serious holes that need to be filled. The Rams released long time star Torry Holt; which left a gaping hole at wide receiver. The Rams do have a solid player in Donnie Avery, but the second year man does not appear to be a bonafide #1 receiver. Keenan Burton is penciled in as the starter opposite Avery, but he only recorded 13 catches. The Rams did decide to address the position by bringing in Brooks Foster, but the unit is still very young and inexperienced. Foster is a solid player, but as with most receivers he may struggle to see the field as a rookie. Unfortunately, the Rams cannot afford to get some production from Foster and they may have to try and spoon feed both himself and Laurent Robinson the football in an effort to find a capable player. If Foster or the other receivers on the roster do not step up, the team will struggle to move the ball down the field. Randy McMichael is not good player and is a liability when asked to block, the team could have used to bring in someone to push him for the starter’s role, but alas did not.

Another offensive need is along the offensive line as the team brought in Jason Brown through Free Agency and used the #2 overall selection to take Jason Smith. Smith has the natural athleticism needed to play left tackle in the NFL. He is a little raw in terms of being a pure in line blocker, but he has a nasty demeanor and desire to succeed. Smith should be able to protect the blind side of the Marc Bulger for as long Bulger remains in St. Louis. Both players bring quality and talent to the unit and should improve the overall ability of the line moving forward.

Perhaps the biggest challenge for Spagnuolo will be turning around the defensive side of the ball. The defense allowed over 154 yards per game on the ground and that must change. Spagnuolo has moved Will Witherspoon to the outside, and selected James Laurinaitis to patrol the middle of the field. Laurinaitis is an instinctive player, but he needs to be protected so as to run to the football. If Laurinaitis does not have protection, and is asked to take on blockers, he will struggle to make plays near the line of scrimmage. Dorrell Scott was brought in to tie up offensive lineman, and Scott should be able to do just that. In college Scott was very proficient at holding his ground against a double team, and defeating the blockers. The former Clemson Tiger is very strong and should be a nice addition to the front lines. But the front 7 was only the start, the secondary needed additional players as there was a lack of depth after Jonathan Wade. Wade has all the tools, but was inconsistent last year. Bradley Fletcher may be asked to slide between safety and corner as he finds his niche within the defense.

The Rams need solid seasons from their first four selections if they are to have a chance at respectability. If the defense can keep the team in the game, the offense has enough to put some points on the board, but will still be relying on unproven receivers to carry the load. If the first four selections do not produce as hoped, the team could be in for another long season as there is just not enough talented football players on the roster to change the fortunes of the Franchise.

Pre Draft Needs: OL, DL, LB, WR, TE