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2009 Team Report: St. Louis Rams

Quarterbacks

Starter: Marc Bulger
Backup(s): Kyle Boller, Keith Null [R]

Starting QB: First off, this is not Dick Vermeil's offense anymore -- not even close. The last couple of years, the Rams have been nothing more than a shell of that once vaunted attack. After the debacle that was the 2008 campaign, a change was obviously needed. New HC Steve Spagnuolo will install the West Coast offense and has already stated that the team will rely heavily upon stud back Steven Jackson. This is both good and bad news for Marc Bulger. Obviously, Bulger has the physical potential to excel as a fantasy QB (he has three Top 10 finishes (2003, 2004, and 2006) as a fantasy QB), but he has struggled with injuries in recent seasons. In his seven years in the NFL, Bulger has played only one 16-game season (2006). The changes in the offense (along with the lack of multiple, high-quality receiving options) will not afford Bulger the opportunities to finish in the Top 10 again, but those moves (along with the upgraded offensive line) will certainly help him stay on the field. Early reports from minicamp indicate Bulger is picking up the offense and has the full confidence of the new coaching staff.

Backup QB: Kyle Boller spent five years in Baltimore as their off-and-on starter (he started 42 games as a Raven). He has good size and athleticism and possesses a very strong arm. However, he lacks consistency and seems unable to read through his progressions with any regularity. He simply lacks the intangibles necessary to excel at this level. Boller is a solid option as a backup QB, but his shortcomings will prevent him from mounting a significant challenge to any starting job. Keith Null was taken in the sixth round and is a very intelligent passer with excellent accuracy on intermediate and short throws. He does, however, lack arm strength and faces a big adjustment from the spread offense he ran at West Texas A&M.

Running Backs

Starter: Steven Jackson
Backup(s): Antonio Pittman, Ken Darby, Chris Ogbonnaya [R], Sam Gado
Fullback(s): Mike Karney, Brian Leonard

Starting RB: After an enormous 2006 campaign (over 2,300 total yards and 16 total TDs), Steven Jackson has struggled with multiple issues the last two years. He has missed eight games in two years due to various muscle injuries (quadriceps and groin). The offensive line has had a tough time both staying healthy and opening running lanes. Obviously, there are no contract issues, so Jackson will fully participate in camp. He claims his injury issues were caused at least partially by his extremely low body fat and is beefing up a bit. The blocking has been improved by signing center Jason Brown, fullback Mike Karney, and tight end Billy Bajema and by drafting tackle Jason Smith with the No. 2 overall pick in the draft. These changes should afford Jackson the opportunity to challenge for the top fantasy RB spot as he has a full package of talents: speed, quickness, power, vision, and very good hands.

Backup RBs: Antonio Pittman is a speedy back who can make a single cut and then pick up nice yardage. He can fill in as a spot starter, but is more suited as a change of pace RB. Ken Darby has been on two teams in his two years as a pro and is just a reserve player. Chris Ogbonnaya was taken in the seventh round. He has nice size, but is a little slow and couldn't even outrush QB Colt McCoy in 2008. Sam Gado will be lucky to make the final roster.

Fullback: Mike Karney has good size and is generally a good blocker. As the only natural fullback in St. Louis, he will be counted upon as the lead man for Jackson. Karney is best when he doesn't have to make quick adjustments.

Wide Receivers

Starters: Donnie Avery, Keenan Burton
Backups: Laurent Robinson, Ron Curry, Derek Stanley, Brooks Foster [R]

Starting WRs: Not too long ago, the Rams were stocked at the WR position with Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt consistently turning in dominant fantasy seasons. Well, the veterans are gone, and Donnie Avery is now St. Louis' top receiving threat. Avery flashed excellence in his rookie season, and he has the elite speed, acceleration, and hands that are required to be a WR1. Of course, he was helped by having Holt playing across from him, so it remains to be seen if Avery is capable of anchoring a WR corps. The Rams obviously believe in him, and we expect Avery to lead them in receiving. Keenan Burton will get the first shot at starting opposite Avery. Burton lacks elite-level speed, but he has good quickness and can make plays after the catch. Still, he is a work in progress and will need to hold off newsigned Laurent Robinson.

Backup WRs: Many thought Laurent Robinson would immediately slot into the WR2 spot when he signed this offseason, but the Rams did not promise him a starting job. He opened minicamps as the team's third receiver and could excel in that role. If Keenan Burton falters, Robinson could easily move up the ladder. He has nice speed and is very athletic, but his technique often breaks down in traffic. Derek Stanley is a quick, undersized player that is more suited to the role of returner than receiver. Brooks Foster brings size to the table but struggles with consistency. Ron Curry has a chance to stick as a veteran, but it's hard to imagine the Rams don't want to push for a youth movement.

Tight Ends

Starters: Randy McMichael
Backups: Joe Klopfenstein, Billy Bajema, Daniel Fells

With the outflow of WRs this offseason, Randy McMichael could be called upon often in the St. Louis passing game. While he isn't as dangerous in the passing game as he once was, McMichael is still a force in the middle of the field. Joe Klopfenstein is an adequate backup, but he is neither strong enough to be a powerful blocker nor agile enough to separate from coverage. Billy Bajema is a good blocker with only seven career receptions.

Place Kicker

Josh Brown : While Josh Brown's field goal percentages fluctuated, his scoring during his first four years with Seattle remained remarkably consistent: 114, 109, 110, and 111 points. In 2007 he had his highest scoring year with 127 points. He hit 28 of 34 (82.4 percent) on field goals. Brown got plenty of field goal opportunities in his first year with the Rams in 2008, going 31 of 36 (86.1 percent). He was perfect on kicks under 40 yards for the second straight year. He has the leg to hit long field goals, as evidenced the last four years by going 17 of 26 from 50+ yards. He has hit a 54+ yard field goal in each of his six years as a pro. This year the offense will again be under the guidance of a new offensive coordinator, Pat Shurmur who spent the last seven year's as Philadelphia's quarterback coach.

Kick and Punt Returners

Kick Returners: Derek Stanley, Kenneth Darby, Donnie Avery, Keenan Burton, Justin King, Chris Ogbonnaya, Jarrett Byers, Cord Parks, Steven Jackson

During the final three weeks of 2007, WR Derek Stanley got a chance to handle kickoffs and did well (20 returns, 25.5 avg.). Last year he again took over (25 returns, 24.8 avg.) when Dante Hall was injured. This year the return specialist role is his to lose. RB Kenneth Darby could again serve as a backup (7 returns, 24.7 avg. last year). Three second year players are also possible backups. WR Donnie Avery averaged 28.3 yards and scored once for Houston in 2007. He had one 21 yard return for the Rams last year. WR Keenan Burton averaged 24.3 yards on 28 returns for Kentucky in 2007. CB Justin King returned several kickoffs during his freshman year at Penn State. Three rookies could also be involved on kickoff returns. Seventh round draft pick RB Chris Ogbonnaya had several kickoff returns for Texas in 2007. Undrafted CB Cord Parks averaged 21.0 yards on kickoff returns as a junior and 22.0 as a sophomore for Northeastern. The one who might have the best chance to be a surprise challenger to Stanley is undrafted WR Jarrett Byers. He averaged 37.6 yards and scored twice for Division II Northeastern State last year. RB Steven Jackson had four returns as a rookie, but is highly unlikely to do so again.

Punt Returners: Derek Stanley, O.J. Atogwe, Donnie Avery, Keenan Burton, Justin King, Jarrett Byers

Derek Stanley got more opportunities on punt returns last year and did well (11 returns, 9.2 avg.). Stanley had knee surgery at the end of last year and was limited during OTAs this spring, but is expected to be ready for training camp. The only other player that had any punt returns for the Rams last year that is still with the team is FS O.J. Atogwe who had one return for a two yard loss. Although they have more experience on kickoff returns, Donnie Avery, Keenan Burton, Justin King, Jarrett Byers could also get a look on punt returns. After finishing 6th in fantasy returns in 2007, the Rams slipped to 19th last year.

Offensive Line

Projected Starters: LT Alex Barron, LG Jacob Bell, C Jason Brown, RG Richie Incognito, RT Jason Smith
Key Backups: G/T Adam Goldberg, G Mark Setterstrom

The Rams are doing a very good job of revamping the offensive line. Jason Brown is guaranteed $20 million to start at center and become a leader for a young group of linemen. Next the Rams selected Jason Smith second overall, and he'll slot into the right tackle position. Once the unit plays together for a while, there is a real opportunity for this group to become Top 10 efficient by the end of the season. It all hinges on how quickly Jason Smith can adapt to the professional game.

Team Defense

The Rams were a terrible fantasy option last season. They finished well below the league average in points against and yardage allowed while scoring only one touchdown. That could change quickly under the direction of new head coach Steve Spagnuolo, who will bring the distinctive brand of pressure and aggression he learned under longtime Philadelphia defensive coordinator Jim Johnson. That philosophy should meld well with a defense that has never lacked talent. Defensive ends Leonard Little and Chris Long are both capable pass rushers. DT Adam Carriker has the ability to be a penetrating force inside, but has never been used in that role. Will Witherspoon should be more productive as a free-flowing WLB and rookie James Laurinaitis could thrive at MLB in this scheme. The secondary has two solid playmakers in CB Ron Bartell (three interceptions and 19 pass breakups in 2008) and safety O.J. Atogwe, who could be for St. Louis what Gibril Wilson was for the New York Giants and Brian Dawkins was for Philadelphia in similar schemes. The official FBG DST rankings have the Rams as the consensus worst fantasy pick this season, but don't be surprised to find them under consideration as a decent option.

Defensive Line

Starters: DL - Chris Long DE, Leonard Little DE, Adam Carriker DT, Clifton Ryan DT
Backups: Victor Adeyanju DE, James Hall DE, C.J. Ah You DE, Eric Moore DE, Darrell Scott DT [R], Antwon Burton DT, Willie Williams DT, Claude Wroten DT (suspended)

Starting DL: Long experienced growing pains expected of a rookie DE, with a modest 4 sacks. The highly touted second overall pick is a product of Howie Long's Hall of Fame bloodlines and schooling... he also inherited his father's legendary intensity and relentlessness. Scouts have called him among the most technically advanced and high motor DEs to ever enter the league. Long exudes charisma, and should fill a longstanding leadership void as a franchise cornerstone. Little escaped a veteran purge that claimed fellow aging, circa Greatest Show on Turf-era stars, Orlando Pace and Torry Holt. At 34 he isn't an ideal fit for a rebuilding team. Still capable of flashing an electric first step when healthy, his productivity has been on the decline. In the past two seasons combined (2007-2008), Little has just 7 sacks and 3 FFs, after amassing 68.5 sacks and 29 FFs in the six prior years (2001-2006), when he was one of the most feared pass rushers in the game. It should be interesting to see how much of a boost in QB pressure and sacks the bookends can get from new HC Steve Spagnuolo's signature eclectic pass rush schemes. Carriker made strides as a rookie ('07) but suffered an injury riddled, soph slump campaign, and needs to elevate his game to avoid being lumped into the Rams notoriously bulging 1st round DT bust ledger. The Rams have made no effort to retain former starting interior DL La'Roi Glover... insert promising youngster Ryan. The DL unit could be pivotal in reversing the shockingly feeble effort and embarrassing showing in 2008 (giving up a franchise worst 2,475 yards on the ground).

Backup DL: The Rams assigned a low tender to Adeyanju. With no other team showing interest, he will be back in 2009. Active in run support, he is limited as a pass rusher. Hall is another 30+ DE (32) that, like Little, isn't an ideal fit for a rebuilding team. In recent seasons he has been unable to approach his career year in 2004, when he had 11.5 sacks and 4 FFs. Hall has had at least 5 sacks in three of the last four years, though (including the 2006 campaign in which he played in just seven games). Hall and Adeyanju both have experience moving inside on passing downs, a skill set that dovetails with Spagnuolo's innovative four DE pass rush schemes employed during his highly successful stint as the Giants DC prior to landing the Rams HC gig. Scott is a 4th round rookie expected to immediately become the third DT in a rotation. He has good size at 6'4" 320 and is capable of stuffing the run and generating interior pressure on the QB, but like many young DL, needs to play with a more consistent motor.

Linebackers

Starters: Will Witherspoon WLB, James Laurinaitis MLB [R], Chris Draft SLB
Backups: Quentin Culbertson SLB, David Vobora MLB, Chris Chamberlain WLB, Larry Grant SLB

Starting LBs: 89Witherspoon is a Pro Bowl caliber LB that was playing out of position for a few years. Plans to move him to his more natural WLB position were cemented with the selection of prized high 2nd round MLB James Laurinaitis. The former Panther 3rd rounder is a multi-talented defender. A tackle machine his first two seasons in St. Louis (2006-2007), averaging nearly 100 solos, he is also a dynamic and accomplished playmaker, with career bests of 7 sacks ('07) and 4 INTs ('04). Witherspoon had an uncharacteristic down season in 2008 (57 solos fewest since '02 as a rookie), which can probably be chalked up to nagging injuries. He turns 29 in the preseason, is still in his prime, and could rebound with a vengenace. Laurinaitis is one of the most decorated athletes in Ohio State history, and LBs in NCAA history (rare company - three time All American and Butkus/Nagurski Award recipient). While his less than elite athleticism and measurables caused his stock to slip during the pre-draft process, his game is eerily reminiscent of heady serial Pro Bowl MLB Lofa Tatupu. While a legit talent, he was presumably hand picked by Spags to be the QB of the defense more for stellar intangibles, such as genuine passion for the game, exemplary character, work ethic, football IQ, leadership and the desire to be great (he is also squeaky clean off the field). Animal Jr. represents the fulcrum point in fixing the organization's chronic run support troubles since London Fletcher's disastrously fateful departure in 2002. Aging jouneyman Draft gets first crack at the SLB slot which opened up with the somewhat unexpected release of Pisa Tinoisamoa. He could still end up as the key reserve backing up all three LB positions, if one of the Rams youngsters comes to the fore, or if they pick up a free agent (or two) after league-wide roster cuts closer to the start of the season.

Backup LBs: Culbertson was a disappointment last season replacing departed free agent SLB Brandon Chillar, failing to flash range, athleticism or instincts, and was in turn replaced by Draft. Chamberlain and Vobora made the team despite their humble pedigree (both 7th rounders... the latter Mr. Irrelevant), but that spoke more to the apalling lack of talent/depth overall at the Rams LB position group than to their inherent ability. Grant flashed promise while at Ohio State and may have upside. He could be a sleeper and dark horse to emerge at the OLB spot opposite Witherspoon. With a high waiver priority (second, behind only the Lions), it would be surprising if some form of post-roster cut reinforcements aren't forthcoming.

Defensive Backs

Starters: James Butler SS, Oshiomogho Atogwe FS, Ron Bartell CB, Tye Hill CB
Backups: Todd Johnson SS, Eric Bassey FS, Jonathan Wade CB, Justin King CB, Bradley Fletcher CB [R]

Starting DBs: Butler's signing was prioritized by his former Giants DC Spagnuolo for a few reasons. Expected to be an upgrade over the departed Corey Chavous, he's younger (26), bigger (6'3" 215 lbs) faster (4.5) and more athletic (stratospheric 44" VJ), with the potential to be more of a playmaker in the passing game and reliable in run support. Butler will also accelerate the learning curve and adoption rate of Spag's complex defense, as well as be the QB of the secondary on the field. The former Georgia Tech standout could be an ascendant player, coming off a career best campaign (50+ solos and 3 INTs). Despite occassional misadventures in run support, Atogwe was franchised and is expected to be re-upped to a more cap friendly long term extension due to his outstanding playmaking ability. His 27 combined INTs and FFs since 2006 are the most of any DB in the NFL during that span. He should play a vital role in the overall defense, similar to that played by Spag's former FSs Brian Dawkins and Gibril Wilson. O.J. has the rare juxtaposition of superior aerial skills and impact striking ability, including a knack for stripping the ball (dating back to Stanford). Bartell overcame small school pedigree (Howard) as an impressive athlete and rare size/speed specimen (biggest AND fastest DB at the '05 Combine). Initially raw in coverage and run support, the light came on during the 2008 season. Bartell parlayed his timely breakout into a four year, $28 million deal, an essential signing for the club, with talented NFC West WRs such as Fitzgerald, Boldin, Houshmanzadeh, and now Crabtree. Hill has been a hugely disappointing 1st rounder (a painfully recurring theme after a litany of blundering Martz/Linehan-era drafts) on the precipice of bust-dom.

Backup DBs: The plodding ex-Bear Johnson has the versatility to play SS or FS, though he isn't exceptional at either. CB Fakhir Brown was an inevitable roster purge (30+ and a suspension-littered resume). Wade ('07 3rd round) and King ('08 4th round) are virtual Hill clones. They are both undersized, have legit sub-4.4 speed and still developing tackling skills from being relatively recent converts to the defensive side of the ball. King's progress was impeded by an early dislocated toe injury that aborted his rookie season. As neither were drafted by the new Devaney/Spagnuolo regime, the backup CB with the greatest upside on the roster may be the rookie 3rd rounder Fletcher. While he didn't have an extensive or distinguished collegiate body of work on which scouts could draw from (sporadically starting during an Iowa tenure that partly overlapped with good looking Panthers CB/FS Charles Godfrey), he looks like a late bloomer and emerging talent. Fletcher flashed promising coverage skills in the lead up to the draft and has the raw tools and natural ability to fluorish with further technical development and reps. He was an excellent fit given Spagnuolo's desired profile of bigger, stronger and more physical CBs capable of jamming WRs in press coverage. He could push for a starting role opposite Bartell by 2010, if not sooner.

Last modified: 2009-07-22 14:31:30