10 picks
#1, 33, 65, 99, 132, 163no/phi, 170, 208, 226atl, 254comp
Quarterback
There is not too much I can say here that has not already been said over and over by someone else. Bulger was cut shortly, and in an odd twist it came shortly after his wife gave birth. Everyone saw this coming for weeks. Boller is an unrestricted free agent, but with the addition of Feeley (Panthers) his services will no longer be required. Rookies Null and Reilly are around to fill up the depth chart. At this point it is pretty clear Oklahoma's Sam Bradford will be their choice at #1 overall. Feeley is certainly capable of holding down the starting job while he gets up to speed on playing under center in a pro-style offense.
Wide Receiver
When people talk about a #1 it means someone the opponent needs to game plan for. The Rams have no such threat here. They do have plenty of youth including Burton, Brooks, Gibson and Avery from the past two drafts. Gibson was selected by the Eagles. Burton and Brooks were middle round selections. Avery, who had a promising rookie season in 2008 as the first receiver taken, regressed a bit last year. They might be content to let this group develop given their many other needs, but if someone who their brass feels can anchor this unit crosses their path at #33 I would not be surprised to see them go for it.
Defensive Tackle
Signing veteran Fred Robbins (Giants) was a nice move to hedge their bets in case Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford wound up being their preference at #1 overall instead of McCoy or Suh. At least now, assuming Bradford in the choice, the interior of their defensive line gets an experienced boost. Robbins is 33 though, and while there are other young options on the roster none of them are standouts. Trade rumors have swirled around Carriker. Gibson is an unrestricted free agent, but valuable rotational piece. Ryan was given a second round restricted free agent tender, and is a reliable, consistent presence. Scott had a promising rookie season. All of this is fine if you're an optimist. The reality is in the 2009 final numbers. The Rams were the sixth worst run defense, giving up 137.6 yards per game, and worse yet an NFL leading 24 rushing touchdowns. Someone to rush the passer from the inside would be a huge plus as well, which is why so many mock drafts immediately had them going here at #1 overall.
Defensive End
The primary concern is aging Leonard Little teetering towards retirement. At 35 years old he led the team with 6 1/2 sacks. Of course, it isn't saying much for a team with the third fewest in the NFL (25). In year two Chris Long continued to progress with 5, but given the wild expectations of a #2 overall pick with a father in the HOF most expect a lot more. On a positive note James Hall signed likely his final NFL contract (3 years) after finishing with 4 1/2 sacks. They obviously feel he can have similar success into his 30's as Little has. Adeyanju signed his one year tender after spending the first half of the season mostly inactive, playing only when injuries dictated. One of those was to Ah You, an exclusive rights free agent who was a rotational player before a knee injury shut him down. As early as their #33 overall pick you can expect them to be in the market for someone to rush the passer. It is not a stretch to predict Hall and Little, who produced nearly half the team's sacks last year, will not be a factor in 2010 for aforementioned reasons. If that's the case this defense is in big trouble.
Offensive Line
This unit managed to get three different quarterbacks sacked at least a dozen times last year. The total (44) was the seventh most in the NFL. Even with the hard running Steven Jackson in the backfield, the Rams managed just 111.5 yards per game and an NFL worst 4 rushing touchdowns. Having just drafted Baylor's Jason Smith at #2 overall last year the plan has to be using him at left tackle pretty soon. Alex Barron mans the spot at the moment and his best asset is durability. There is something to be said for showing up to work and staying healthy. It seems like the team has been trying to get rid of him for a while now, and after tendering him (second round) as a restricted free agent they put out feelers. He could be shipped out during the draft, paving the way for an open competition on the right side with Smith going left and a fairly early addition at tackle to fill the void. McKee, an exclusive rights free agent who joined the team late in the year, would be in that mix. On the interior Hank Fraley (Browns) adds a ton of experience at center, and could have a starting spot at right guard. Setterstrom, who was hampered with knee injuries and then hurt his triceps, signed a one-year deal. If Barron is kept, perhaps a versatile guard/tackle would be enough to improve this unit. Otherwise two picks could be used.
Tight End
Remember when Randy McMichael was a promising young receiving tight end? He was a reliable fantasy football threat from 2004-2006 with 60+ receptions each season and a handful of touchdowns for Miami. In 5 seasons there he averaged 619 yards receiving. Then he passed through the archway and things ironically went south. After one decent season he only lasted 4 games in 2008 and last year was disappointing again. Bottom line, he is gone and now the team is without a receiving threat at the tight end position. To give you an idea how inept their passing game was, even his substandard season landed him third in yardage last year (332) just behind rookie wide receiver Brandon Gibson. Anyone who can catch the football would be welcome in this offense. They did make a savvy addition picking up Derek Fine (Bills) who can run block and catch a little. Fells, another blocking option retained in free agency, was inconsistent.
Linebacker
The turnover on the weak side continues. Witherspoon was traded prior to the season, and his replacement Paris Lenon (Cards) left in free agency. Their answer was signing Diggs (Panthers) who made 11 starts last year and was eventually cut. He might be used on the strong side though. It has yet to be decided. This confuses me a bit considering Vobora, who was tendered as an exclusive rights free agent, manned that role pretty well over 12 starts. Of course, his PED suspension cost him the other 4 games, which could weigh into the decision. I mean, the guy was Mr. Irrelevant 2008 so it made sense he was looking for something to boost his performance right? If they do start Diggs there, pushing Vobora to a reserve role, someone will need to be sought on the weak side. Of note strong side contributor Larry Grant, a teammate of starting middle linebacker James Laurinaitis at Ohio State, has not progressed as a member of the defense. He's an exclusive rights free agent who for now is only a factor on special teams. Given the number of picks the Rams have, even with all their needs, it would be a surprise if they do not add a linebacker to pitch in on the outside.
Running Back
Often times a misguided analyst living in the past will knock a player because they are not a "20 carry per game" player. Guess what? Those guys are basically extinct in the NFL. The 300+ club had six members. One of them (Thomas Jones, Jets) was allowed to walk in free agency. Another (Cedric Benson, Bengals) was a reclamation project. Only three guys averaged 20+ carries including Steven Jackson. So while it is great to have someone capable of taking over a game, most teams are worried about overuse leading to a breakdown the following season. Over the past three seasons only Adrian Peterson and Clinton Portis have gone 300+ in consecutive seasons. Michael Turner, Matt Forte and Ryan Grant all fell off this year following heavy use in 2008. The Rams need to preserve their only offensive asset. Darby was retained for this season while Gado has yet to be signed as a free agent. Jackson tallied 79% of the team's rushing attempts in 2009. Someone who can come in and chew up 100 or so with the ability to break a long touchdown run would be nice. Cal's Jahvid Best should be on the board when they pick to open the second day, for example.
Secondary
The section title says it all. This need is "secondary" to more urgent matters. Then again, this team has spent five top 100 picks (okay fine Justin King was #101) in the past five drafts on cornerbacks. You would hope those moves might fortify the position. The latest rookie, third rounder Bradley Fletcher, would start opposite of the first player who started this run of corners in 2005 - Ronald Bartell. Two of the five are gone. Wade (Lions) found his way to the dog house before departing in free agency and the only first round pick of the bunch, Hill, left last year for Atlanta and has found his way to Tennessee. The draft misses have left them short on depth, and King will be a free agent next year. Quincy Butler, an exclusive rights free agent, was tendered after seeing action as an undrafted rookie although he hurt his knee late in the season and is mostly a special teams threat. At safety Atogwe went from franchise player in 2008 to a low tender this year. That's why the NFL starts for "not for long". Things change in a hurry. Bassey missed the season with a knee injury, and is a restricted free agent. Roach, an exclusive rights free agent, was tendered. Dahl was locked up for 3 years after not being hit with any tender. He provides good special teams value and versatility. The need is for an impact "star" because clearly no one in this group has opposing quarterbacks thinking twice about throwing deep. The Rams allowed over 3,700 yards passing and 22 touchdowns against an NFL low 8 interceptions.
