Rams Analysis In The Dead Zone

How can one analyze an unfinished work?  It's hard but I think people are mistaken about the Rams when they say they are unfinished.  People question two main areas on this team - the wide receivers and the defensive line.

In years past, cuts in June and July when roster bonuses, contracts, expensive veterans and surprise rookies were the thing, a good veteran could be expected to be cut by a team and another would pick them up hoping to add that "one missing piece" that would put them seemingly over the top.  Although this can still happen occasionally, it's been shown in recent years to be more of a rarity than a usual happening.  Major cuts are now taking place closer to before or right after the draft.

The Rams under Stever Spagnuolo and Bill Devaney have shown us what they are looking for in a free agent pick up or a trade.  A guy on the assent of his career with upside and good character.  These are guys that are not usually let go by other teams.

The Rams could desperately use a top teir runner behind Steven Jackson because of his history of getting hurt in past seasons.  This has not happened and probably will not happen unless they get lucky.  Fred Taylor, an oft injured back who had a respectable 2008-2009 season, would have seemed the ideal back up to SJ.  With limited carries a savy veteran like Taylor could have spelled Jackson and, perish the thought, if SJ was hurt he could have stepped in and helped out a lot.  The Rams didn't even give him so much as a passing look.  They've done the same with a number of other veteran running backs and seems comfortable with the back ups that they have.

This is pretty much the same situation with the wide receivers.  Donnie Avery is a hard working, hard studying, second year player with high character and was productive last year.  He has speed to burn and should do well in the new West Coast offense of new OC Pat Shurmur.  After him their are a bunch of question marks.  Laurent Robinson whom Bill Devaney picked up for next to nothing from Atlanta, is a speedster with a lot of potential but limited actual playing time.  He is tall (6'2"), thin (approx. 180 lbs.) and very fast (supposedly under 4.3 in the 40).  Keenan Burton is also a second year player but can't seem to shake the injury bug.  Right now he is fighting a hamstring injury.  Tim Carter, a UDFA, was signed to a two year contract after OTA's and could be a 30 year old surprise and a well travelled journeyman who sees a chance to get significant playing time.  Brooks Foster, the Rams 5th round draft pick out of North Carolina

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?