Despite a victory yesterday, the Rams were officially eliminated from playoff contention. As they trudge forward into their week 17 matchup versus red-hot Seattle, fans can begin to wonder what this offseason will be like for the Rams.
With some cap room to spare and two first round picks, the Rams will have every chance to improve their roster this offseason. What are the Rams’ strength and weaknesses? What positions are set and what positions need some work? How about we take a look.
Quarterback
Regardless of what some may say, I absolutely still believe Sam Bradford can be a franchise quarterback. Sam’s biggest problem is inconsistency. If you have watched Sam play every week, there is no denying that this guy has all the ability in the world. If he can put it all together, the rest of the league better watch out.
Outside Sam, the Rams currently have Kellen Clemens and Austin Davis. I think Clemens time in St. Louis may be up after this year, but Austin Davis is intriguing. He looked extremely impressive in preseason this year. He should be the second string guy next season.
Offseason Prediction: Release Clemens and either draft a QB late or sign an undrafted free agent.
Running Back
Will Steven Jackson return? Steven is great and Daryl Richardson has been very solid this season as well. Isaiah Pead has looked bad, but he still has plenty of time to improve in his career. If Jackson stays, the Rams are set at RB, but if he leaves, do they trust Richardson as the starter? They may look for a guy to help out the youngster.
Offseason Prediction: Jackson resigns a short contract and the group remains the same.
Wide Receiver
Once again, fans will holler for a wide receiver this offseason. However, receiver may not be as glaring of a need as some may think so long as Amendola resigns in St. Louis. Amendola and Givens have been great this year, and even Gibson has had a productive season.
Brian Quick has not seen a lot of playing time, but has looked awesome at times on the field. An offseason with the team could do wonders for his game. Steve Smith will more than likely be gone after this year, so the Rams will at least have one roster spot open for a receiver.
Offseason Prediction: Amendola resigns, Smith Released, a decent receiver is signed in free agency, and a receiver is taken by the third round in the draft.
Offensive Line
In all honesty, the offensive line has actually played okay this season, especially when healthy. I like Saffold at tackle, Wells at center, and Dahl at guard. The team could use another tackle possibly more than anything else this offseason. Rokevious Watkins will hopefully be the guard of the future and allow the team to fill other holes rather than guard.
Offseason Prediction: A tackle is drafted in the first round.
Defensive Line
The Defensive line looks absolutely superb. Not only the starters, but the depth guys have been awesome as well. They are already one of the better defensive lines in the league, and they still are getting better. Rest assured that no offensive line is happy about facing this front four.
Offseason Prediction: A few camp guys are drafted in the later rounds.
Laurinaitis and Dunbar have been awesome this season. I believe the team is absolutely comfortable lining up those two for years to come. The other linebacker spot could use another guy there. If they do anything at linebacker, it will be getting a guy to fill that hole. Depending on who they
Offseason Prediction: An earlier pick is used for another linebacker.
Secondary
Cornerback has been awesome this season. Finnegan and Jenkins are already one of the best duos in the league, and the depth behind them has also been superb. Acquiring another corner would be a waste of money for the Rams this offseason.
Safety has not been quite as stellar. Craig Dahl is an awesome tackler, but man he is bad in coverage. I could maybe even take Dahl at strong safety, but not at free safety again. They have gotten good play out of Mikell and Stewart, so if they can pick a good starter, the position could be pretty deep with talent.
Offseason Prediction: An earlier pick is used on a safety and a capable starter is signed in free agency.
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