NFL Free Agency: Options Still Available for the St. Louis Rams

After the mass signings of players over the first couple days of free agency, it appears that most of the dust has settled.

The St. Louis Rams are a team that has been pretty quiet so far, only having signed safety Quintin Mikell so far. After finishing the 2010 season 7-9, they could afford to upgrade some positions on the field.

Coming into free agency it didn't appear the Rams would be in the market for a receiver, but I have listed some due to the fact that they have not yet brought back Mark Clayton.

These slides will show players that could very well be signed by the Rams in the next coming days, and that would help to improve on the 2010 roster.

Jason Snelling, RB

After seeing flashes out of third-down back Kenneth Darby over the past couple seasons, I believe that it is safe to say the Rams are ready to move forward. With the electric Darren Sproles now off the market the Rams will have to look at other options.

Jason Snelling has been very productive for the Atlanta Falcons being the No. 2 guy to Michael Turner. Over his four-year career, the 27-year-old Snelling has averaged 4.1 yards per carry. He has also proven that he can carry the load for a game whenever Turner was injured, which could really give the oft-injured Steven Jackson some rest.

Jerome Harrison, RB

Another guy who could really provide an upgrade to the backfield is Jerome Harrison. Most people are well aware of his potential to have monster games after his breakout season with the Cleveland Browns. He failed to meet those expectations last year, but that was primarily because the Browns wrote him off.

Despite limited action last season with both the Browns and the Philadelphia Eagles, Harrison still managed to average 4.6 yards a carry. I would much rather have that than Darby's 2010 average of 3.1 yards per carry.

Braylon Edwards, WR

I personally can't see this happening because of the Rams current front office's policy of not bringing in troubled players. Braylon Edwards has a history of being a diva and dropping passes, so signing him would be risky.

Despite these concerns Edwards has still shown the ability to be a No. 1 receiver. In his best seasons he reeled in 1,200 yards (2007), 900 yards (2010) and 800 yards (2006 and 2008). If the Rams do decide to take a chance on Edwards, they could be rewarded with a season similar to his breakout in 2007.

Malcolm Floyd, WR

As you see in the photo, Malcolm Floyd has freakish athletic ability. He has the size at 6'5" and 225 pounds to be a No. 1 receiver. Now, all he needs is the chance.

Consider this stat: Floyd put up greater totals in touchdowns and a similar amount of yards in 2010 than he did in 2009, and he played in five fewer games.

Floyd would be the top free agent receiver in this class had he stayed healthy. We'd be looking at a 1,000-yard, 10-touchdown-catch guy. In St. Louis, he may be able to take over the role as Sam Bradford's go-to guy.

Brandon Mebane, DT

One of the biggest needs that the St. Louis Rams have is another guy to plug into the middle of their defensive front. Brandon Mebane may be an expensive option, but I think it would be worth it.

The addition of Mebane would no doubt help solidify the Rams run defense. His presence allows James Laurinaitis to run free and make the tackle. He also could help cover for the lack of depth that the Rams have overall at the linebacker position.

Manny Lawson, OLB

Manny Lawson really struggled to find himself in San Francisco. A former first-round pick, he may not have been the perfect fit in the 49ers' 3-4 defensive scheme. A change to a 4-3 outside linebacker position could possibly help him realize that first round potential.

The Rams would have to be happy if they are able to come away with a guy like Lawson because he would be a clear upgrade over former Mr. Irrelevant, David Vobora. The addition of Manny Lawson could also make the Rams one of the fiercest pass rushing teams in the league. Pair him up with Chris Long and Robert Quinn and we could be looking at the quarterback sack trio of the future.