NFL Free Agency Preview: Oshiomogho Atogwe, St. Louis Rams.

Free agent free safeties will be very hard to come by in 2009. That may help the marketability of Rams free agent Oshiomogho Atogwe. The fourth year safety had probably his best year in the blue and gold in 2008 and will be a very attractive player come February 27th.

Over the past two seasons, Atogwe has evolved into one of the leagues elite turnover-machines. Though he may be no Ed Reed, who is literally a ball magnet. O.J. has been one of the league's leaders in forced turnovers over the past two seasons.

A player comparable to Ed Reed in a way, Atogwe should be a high priority for the re-building Rams this offseason. The 2007 and 08' seasons were ones to forget for the Rams, but for Atogwe, they were seasons to remember. In 2007, Atogwe led the NFC in interceptions with eight. He followed his spectacular 07' season with a tremendous 08' campaign.

When you have five interceptions, seven forced fumbles and three recovered fumbles to go along with 85 tackles, I'd  say that is a very solid season. Maybe Pro Bowl worthy. The kicker here would have to be, Atogwe missed the entire preseason and training camp with an injury. Imagine if he had been healthy all year long.

If you were to find a weakness in Atogwe's game, it would have to be his one-on-one game. When left alone in space, he tends to be a sloppy tackler. That would have to be it. He is a solid cover safety. Has a nose for the ball and takes advantage of every opportunity to strip the ball. An absolute ball-hawk if you will.

The Rams are very thin in their secondary at this point. The safeties lack any depth whatsoever, and the cornerback's have seriously struggled staying healthy. It is a strong possibility that the Rams will re-sign Atogwe. If they let him go, expect him to be on quite a few wish lists.

Other possible suitors

Oakland - Michael Huff has not really panned out in Oakland. Maybe it's time the Raiders look in another direction at safety.

New Orleans - The Saints secondary could use a face-lift right now. Their secondary allowed more than 221 yards in 2008, ranked 22nd in the NFL.

Philadelphia - Philly fans would probably hate to see this happen. This would mean the Brian Dawkins era would end. That is the only way Atogwe could end up in Midnight Green, if Dawkins retires or is not re-signed.

Chicago - The Bears' secondary was pitiful in the 2008 season and struggled forcing turnovers. Atogwe would flourish in the Windy City. His ball-skills would fit in perfectly with their secondary.

Buffalo - The Bills could use some help in their secondary. Ko Simpson is a decent player but he is no starter, that is where Atogwe could come in and give their secondary some firepower.

Seattle - The Seahawks' secondary took a turn for the worst in 2008. They lack any depth at free safety, which may attract them to Atogwe. Signing OJ would really sure up their secondary and would almost assure the fact that they will force more turnovers in 2009. Don't be surprised if new coach Jim Mora takes a shot at Atogwe.