St. Louis Rams Rookie Preview: Brian Quick Needs to Make Big Impact in 2012

After a 2011 season in which the Rams finished 30th in the league in passing, first-year head coach Jeff Fisher will be looking for consistency from his offense in 2012.

Running back Steven Jackson, the veteran of the offense, is entering his ninth season with the Rams. He was the only constant for an offense that ranked 31st in the NFL in total yards per game (283.6). He carried the team on his back with 1,145 rushing yards. 

Quarterback Sam Bradford only played 10 games due to an injured finger and ankle. The former Oklahoma product wants to stay healthy and make the Rams a contender in the NFC West.

Wide receiver was one of many positional needs the Rams looked to fill on their roster through the draft and free agency. With the their first pick in the second round, the organization selected Brian Quick from Appalachian State.

Quick, 23, has the size to go up and catch any ball with his great hands. He has the speed to create separation down the field and make big plays. He can play in the short passing game too, as he can shield his body away from other defenders.

The physical tools he brings will translate to the NFL quickly. The concern the Rams coaching staff has is his ability to grasp the playbook. The former Mountaineer will need to memorize the calls before the season in order to be a focal point of their offense.

Quick is a good route runner, but he also has to know where his assignment is on the field every play.  He can't run routes effectively if he doesn't know the playbook.

The Rams desperately need a weapon on the outside for Bradford. Quick will be competing against Danny Amendola, Danario Alexander and Brandon Gibson.

Amendola missed most of the 2011 season due to an elbow injury. The outside personnel are not enough for the Rams to contend for a division title.  It's surely not enough for Bradford to succeed consistently. It's also a guarantee Quick will need to grasp the playbook in a timely manner to be a constant playmaker on the field. 

If Quick can stay on the field and be the receiver the Rams expect, look for him to have at least 53 receptions for 855 yards and six touchdowns in his rookie season.