Week 1 Highlights vs. Seattle Seahawks

Reaction: Although the Rams got shutout on offense but the defense was decent. James Laurinaitis and O.J. Atogwe was solid. It's still the 1st game and I would consider this game as a wake up call for the team.

Rams vs. Bengals week 3 of preseason Highlights

Preseason Game Highlights: Rams vs. Jets

The first preseason game for the St. Louis Rams will be against the New York Jets and I was able to find a video highlights on Youtube.

Training Camp 2009 Videos

It's been a while since I posted an update but I would make it up to you by posting some of the training camp videos uploaded on Youtube with some interviews to marquee players


Steven Jackson (July 31, 2009)


Jason Smith interview (July 31, 2009)


Marc Bulger interview (August 4, 2009)


Chris Long (August 3, 2009)


Leonard Little (August 4 2009)

2nd Day Draft Picks Where So-So but solid

Based from the several articles that I read today from GM Bill Devaney's breakdown to the fan's reaction as well some of the Draft analysts analysis, The 2nd day of the Rams draft was more on "so-so" for me personally. Bill Devaney and Coach Spags like what they have picked but it could have been better.

Read Bill Devaney's Break Down of the 2nd day draft picks

Rams Day 2 Draft Picks

from espn.com

3	2(66)	Bradley Fletcher	CB	Iowa
	Fletcher is 6-feet tall and, like we said yesterday in regard to Utah cornerback Sean Smith, corners this tall can have a hard time changing directions. In Fletcher's case, he doesn't have the burst or hip fluidity to consistently match up in man coverage. However, he does a good job masking his weaknesses with instincts. Because of his long arms he doesn't necessarily have to be in perfect position to make a play on the ball.
4	3(103)	Dorell Scott	DT	Clemson
	Scott possesses the adequate size to be an effective one-gap defensive tackle. However, his quickness is just average and we'd like to see him play with more of a mean streak. We do believe he has enough strength to develop into an effective interior run-stopper.
5	24(160)	Brooks Foster	WR	North Carolina
	from Atlanta
	Foster's a relatively fluid route-runner for his size. He possesses the body control to make the tough catch away from his frame. However, he takes too long to reach top-end speed and needs to work on getting a cleaner release against press coverage.
6	23(196)	Keith Null	QB	West Texas A&M
	from Atlanta
	Null is a developmental prospect with a strong arm and limited mobility. We like his upside due to good decision-making and his maturity as a leader.
7	2(211)	Chris Ogbonnaya	RB	Texas
	Ogbonnaya is a big north-south back who possesses great overall strength. He lacks in terms of top-end speed and elusiveness in the open field, but he is able to pick up tough yards after contact.

I'm Two for Two on my Mock Draft

As expected the St. Louis Rams picked Baylor OT Jason Smith for the number 2 pick overall and on the 2nd round the Rams filled in a need at Middle linebacker as they passed over USC's Rey Malauaga and drafted Ohio State's James Laurinaitis which is more of a three-down player and is a solid character.

On Day 2, I would expect the Rams to add depth on the Wideout positions and maybe a quarterback or a runningback.



Jason Smith Highlights


James Laurinaitis Highlights

My Rams Mock Draft

Round 1: Offensive Tackle Jason Smith - Baylor

The reason that an offensive tackle should be draft on the 1st round because the Rams should protect Marc Bulger at all cost and both Jason Smith or Eugene Monroe are NFL ready with Smith having more upside.

While both Smith and Monroe are elite pass protectors, the former offers more in the run-blocking department.

Why not Aaron Curry? a franchise left tackle holds way more positional value than a linebacker.




Round 2: Middle Linebacker James Laurinaitis - Ohio State

Will Witherspoon will be moving over to weakside linebacker, creating a need for the Rams in the middle. St. Louis could desperately use a dynamic talent like James Laurinaitis as a leader for its abysmal defense.


Round 3: Wide Reciever Hakeem Nicks - North Carolina

What I like about Hakeem Nicks aside from the size and is his route running and a sure catching hands. Speed and quickness are just average but with Rams now using a balanced West Coast type of offense speed is not an issue in my opinion.

Draft Prospect Review: Wide Receivers

The Wide Reciever position has become an urgent need when Pro Bowler Torry Holt was released so the Rams stockpiled their pre-draft visits with  a lot of WR prospects in this years draft and here's are the scouting reports of some of these prospects based from various scouting websites.

Texas Tech WR Michal Crabtree 
Height: 6-3, Weight: 209

Strengths: Sensational playmaker…utilizes his hands very well in catching the football away from his body…Crabtree is a physical player who has demonstrated that getting off a jam at the line of scrimmage is not an issue…has had the additional advantage of lining up at both flankers and slot positions, and has found success while playing both…runs crisp routes, so transition to the NFL level should be more smoothly than others…outstanding vertical leap, catches the football at its highest point…should develop into a terrific red zone threat…

Weaknesses: Top end speed is not going to be ideal, reportedly…added speculation circulates Crabtree’s 40 time as he is not going to run at the Scouting Combine, rather at individual workout…recent high-profile receivers who have not run well, Dwayne Jarrett, Malcolm Kelly, etc. have not progressed well to the NFL level…Crabtree has had an amazing collegiate career, but it was only two years, and prior to that, he was a high school QB, so as a wide receiver, he is still developing…playing in the spread offense at Texas Tech has, in all likelihood, glorified his statistics…will he be able to separate from cornerbacks at the next level…?

Overall: The one knock on Michael Crabtree’s NFL potential is his top-end speed, besides that he is, in many scouts opinion, infallible. He is extremely quick off the ball, and the more physical nature of the National Football League will be a fit for Michael Crabtree’s game. He has outstanding hands, and it is almost unbelievable to think that he has only played the position for two years. There are two schools of thought in regards to his experience or lack thereof, some may feel that there is going to be a transition phase where he struggles to the NFL level, some feel that due to his inexperience, the best is yet to come. The Andre Johnson/Larry Fitzgerald comparisons are out there, and they are accurate. Michael Crabtree is a top five talent in the 2009 NFL Draft, and the early favorite for 2009 Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Missouri WR Jeremy Maclin
Height: 6-1, Weight: 198

Strengths: Has sprinter speed and possesses acceleration that is second to none…ultra-talented, as he can make an impact in the passing, rushing, and returning game…has produced off the chart all-purpose yardage numbers…has been the focus of an offensive attack for several seasons now, and although the opposing defense has game planned to stop him, rarely any do…many times track stars are sloppy route runners, that is not the case in regards to Jeremy Maclin, his route running isn’t Jerry Rice caliber, but it is at least average...bottom line—if he gets a step on the defense, he’s gone…

Weaknesses: Needs work on catching the football, his receiving skills are not the smoothest…very fluid with the ball in his hands, needs to adapt that to his game prior to the ball being in his hands…the spread offense that he played in at Missouri can be a detriment to his future NFL prospects…listed at under 200 pounds, and around 6 foot, many doubt his ability to become a true #1 WR…hasn’t had to go over the middle and make the tough grab on a regular basis…not the red-zone threat that many 2009 prospects are…to get in to the end zone, an offense may have to be a bit more creative…

Overall: The comparisons have been made to Ted Ginn Jr. due to their receiving/returning skills and the fact that they are both world class speed athletes, however, the comparison falls short. For one, Maclin is a bigger receiver prospect, and two, he is just a better natural receiver than Ginn. The better comparison is a poor man’s Reggie Wayne. Maclin will immediately help an offense and on special teams, just don’t expect a legit 1,000 season right away. Maclin will take time to learn the nuances of the National Football League, but he has a ton of potential and will stretch a defense like not many in the league can.

Maryland WR Darius Heyward-Bey
Height: 6-2, Weight: 206

Strengths: Has electrifying speed and quickness…has the capabilities to take every play the distance and will provide whatever team selects him with explosiveness that they may currently lack…he possesses a unique combo of size and speed that is rarely seen—think Roddy White as a comparison…a versatile wide receiver prospect that can stretch the defense, go across the middle, and can be a factor in the red zone…plays with an edge at the WR position, gets after it in blocking the oppositions secondary down field…possibly has more potential than ANY other wide receiver in the 2009 NFL Draft…

Weaknesses: Had a very up and down collegiate career…will need to work on his hands, at times lets the ball get in on him…focusing on technique is essential in regards to progression…needs to work on refining his route running, has a tendency to get sloppy at times….statistics were nothing to write home about…could develop a little more strength to better develop his level of physicality…does he rely too much on his speed and quickness?

Overall: Some scouts and pundits are sleeping on Darius Heyward-Bey in my opinion. Critics will point to an underwhelming career at Maryland where he never dominated, but if one were to watch the Maryland football games you would clearly see that Heyward-Bey was not utilized very well at all and the passing attack, primarily at the quarterback position, of the Terps leaves a lot to be desired. Many are focusing on Michael Crabtree and Jeremy Maclin, however, don’t be surprised if you see pundits start using the terminology "stock moving up" in regards to Darius Heyward-Bey during the Scouting Combine and thereafter. Make no mistakes about it, Heyward-Bey is going to light up the Scouting Combine, and don’t be stunned if he even runs a faster 40 time than speedster Jeremy Maclin, and opens up the eyes of scouts in the process.

Hakeem Nicks
Wide Reciever - North Carolina

Height:6-1 , Weight: 212lbs.

The 6-2 wideout has had three productive years with the Tar Heels. As a freshman in 2006 he caught 39 passes for 660 yards, both records for a North Carolina freshman. As a sophomore he caught 74 passes for 958 yards and five touchdowns. His 958 yards ranked third all-time in UNC history. He shattered the record in 2008, tallying 1,222 receiving yards. He also set a record with 12 touchdown receptions. Even with playing just three years, Nicks has been the most prolific receiver in Tar Heel history.

Nicks is not a pure speed receiver, but he has certainly been productive. At 6-2 and 210 pounds, he has decent size and could develop into a solid complimentary receiver on just about any team in the NFL. It will take a big effort to move up into the first round, but Nicks' performance at the combine should be the difference between a second and third round selection.

2/11 Update: Nicks may even be able to sneak into the first round if teams start going after wide receivers early. Nicks is looking more and more like the fifth best receiver in the draft. The difference will be how well he does in the combine. There are some speed concerns with Nicks and if he quells those concerns, he will be a first or second round selection.

Brandon Tate

Wide Reciever - North Carolina

Height:6-0, Weight:183 lbs.

A knee injury sidelined Brandon Tate for most of his senior year, but he still had a very productive career at North Carolina. During the 2008 campaign he caught 16 passes for 376 yards and three touchdowns in just five games before the injury. In 2007 he totaled 1,765 all-purpose yards. A majority of those yards came from kick-off and punt returns and that skill will make him very attractive to certain NFL teams.

It will be his return skills that give him an opportunity in the NFL, but Tate could be a solid second or third receiving option on certain teams sooner or later. His collegiate production was never anything that impressive, but he did do a nice job of complimenting Hakeem Nicks, who could be a first or second round choice this year. Tate's 6-1, 195 pound frame will not allow him to be a primary receiver in the NFL and he has too many questions to answer. That means he will not likely be drafted during the first day of the draft.

However, he should show at the combine that his knee injury is behind him and that he is a quick player who can run decent routes and catch the ball in traffic. If that is the case, Tate will not last very long into the second day.

Opinion: Most of these years wide receiver prospects have the size to go with the speed which mean it's a good year for the position. The Rams will probably draft a wide receiver on the 2nd and 3rd rounds and the possibility of drafting one or two from these top picks. Personally I would go with either Heyward-Bey or Nicks on round 2 with the possibility of getting Tate on round 3. Crabtree and Maclin are sure 1st rounders unless the Rams drafts either of them on the #2 pick overall (which I doubt).

Rams trade for Atlanta WR Laurent Robinson

The Rams need help at the wide receiver position and got some Monday by trading for Atlanta wideout Laurent Robinson. The Rams acquired Robinson by switching draft positions with the Falcons in both the fifth and sixth rounds. They didn’t lose any picks; they just changed positions in both rounds with Atlanta.

The Rams get Atlanta’s fifth-round (No. 160 overall) and sixth-round (No. 196 overall) picks; Atlanta gets the Rams’ fifth-round (No. 138 overall) and sixth-round (No. 176 overall) picks.

Read More...

Linebacker Prospects Scouting Resport

Wake Forest OLB Aaron Curry
Height: 6-3, Weight: 240

Strengths: Naturally strong…explosive first step…offers exceptional versatility at the NFL level where he could play strong side in a 4-3 or 3-4 defense or in the middle of a 4-3…nose for the football with 6 career interceptions…ideal size with the desired bulk…adequate in coverage…experienced, team leader…excels at shedding blockers…should be able to make an impact immediately…attacks the ball 

carrier…good player recognition skills…decent speed for a player his size…

Weakness: Like many star college LBs, he can go over pursue at times…coverage skills are only adequate if asked to play man coverage…will struggle if forced to match up extensively with top tier TEs…

Overall: The best overall linebacking prospect seen since Lavar Arrington, even a more complete player than A.J. Hawk or Keith Rivers. Curry’s versatility will serve him well and allows him to be an option for many different schemes. Curry will make an impact immediately and serve to make any defense he plays on better immediately. Curry, a four year starter at Wake, was named the 2009 Butkus Award winner over fellow standouts James Laurinaitis and Rey Maualuga.

USC LB Rey Maualuga 

Height: 6-3, Weight: 250 

Strengths: Ideal size and bulk…freakish natural athlete who is incredibly strong…ultra aggressive with an attacking style…an intimidating player…has a knack for the big hit…will make a lot of highlight reel type plays…still improving as a player and took big steps forward in 2008…demonstrated good ball skills in zone coverage…good burst off the line of scrimmage…

Weakness: His aggressiveness can be his downfall at times as he goes for the big hit instead of wrapping up…tends to over pursue and run himself out of plays…still needs to improve his play recognition skills…timed speed is only average…will struggle to handle man coverage, as he can be a bit stiff…concerns about his maturity level, especially after some off the field issues and hits that injured teammates at USC…more of a “thumper”….

Overall: One of the flashiest players in college football, Maualuga will be on NFL highlight reels for year to come. His aggressive style and tendency for big hits will make him an asset in the NFL, especially if he can keep his emotions under control. He could play MLB in either a 3-4 or a 4-3 scheme, but would probably struggle if asked to play in a Cover 2 type scheme. Maualuga is probably a little overrated by the general public but he is still a solid NFL prospect with a ton of upside.

Ohio State LB James Laurinaitis 
Height: 6-3, Weight: 240

Strengths: Solid NFL frame with good bulk...good closing speed when rushing the passer...explosive hitter...better ball skills than given credit for...demonstrates good instincts and always flowing towards the ball...does a great job in zone coverage...dominate college player...works well through trash to locate the ball carrier...offers some scheme versatility....

Weaknesses: Needs to improve his functional strength...may struggle to shed blockers at the next level...will not be able to add a lot of bulk at the next level...probably a low upside player...played with several other NFL caliber players...probably a little overrated because he will struggle to make a lot of impact plays.

Overall: Following in the steps of recent Buckeye linebackers such as A.J. Hawk and Bobby Carpenter, James "Little Animal" Laurinaitis is probably a little overrated by the general public but still projects as a solid NFL starter. Laurinaitis is one of the most decorated collegiate linebackers in recent history, including a Butkus Award win. He can probably start in virtually any scheme but projects best on the weakside or in the middle of a standard 4-3 defense.

Opinion: The Rams really need to solidify their linebacking group specially the middle linebacker position since Will Weatherspoon is back at his original position which is the weakside LB spot and veteran Chris Draft manning the middle for now. If the Rams do get a Linebacker on the 1st round its obviouse the Aaron Curry will land on the #2 pick overall but personally it's highly unlikely because the Rams are sure to get an offensive tackle on the 1st round.

Round 2 is where the Rams have a success (Donnie Avery, Pisa Tinoisamoa, Ron Bartell, etc.) so here the Rams can draft the top 2 Middle Linebackers namely Rey Maualuga and James Laurinaitis. Both are high on my list.

Kyle Boller signs as backup quarterback

For weeks, the Rams appeared on the verge of signing veteran Gus Frerotte as the backup quarterback to Marc Bulger. But the Rams grew tired of waiting on Frerotte, and wasted little time signing his replacement.

Just a few hours after completing their first minicamp under coach Steve Spagnuolo, the Rams signed former Baltimore Raven Kyle Boller to a free-agent contract. It's a two-year deal but further contract details weren't available.

"We think he's a good fit for us backing up Marc," general manager Billy Devaney said. "He's a young guy that still has a ton of ability and a lot of upside. This is a really good pickup for us."

The Rams' depth chart at quarterback now includes Marc Bulger, Boller, Brock Berlin and Jeff Otis. Boller has started 42 NFL games, all with the Ravens. He spent last season on injured reserve with a shoulder injury. If healthy, Boller should serve as a viable backup. He is also relatively young -- 27 -- so he has more upside than the 37-year-old Frerotte.

Opinion: Rams made the right move on signing Kyle Boller rather than the aging Gus Frerotte.

TE Billy Bajema Signs with the St. Louis Rams

The St. Louis Rams have a new blocking specialist at tight end. Free agent Billy Bajema, who had spent his four previous seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, has agreed to terms with the Rams. Contract details weren’t immediately available. Bajema, 26, replaces Anthony Becht, who was released by the Rams earlier this month and subsequently signed with the Arizona Cardinals.

Draft Prospect Spotlight: OT Jason Smith

Baylor OT Jason Smith 
Height: 6-5, Weight: 298

Strengths: Tremendously gifted athlete…a former tight end, has unreal feet and quickness for an offensive tackle prospect…out of the top three offensive tackles expected to go very early in the 2009 NFL Draft, may be the best pass blocker of the bunch…is just scratching the surface of his pro potential…at 6’5 298, there is still plenty of room for growth and improvement…uses his hands effectively to keep on-rushing defenders from getting inside on him and controlling him…doesn’t seem to lose focus and plays every play to the whistle…

Weaknesses: Inexperience at the offensive tackle position is a large concern…weighing in at just under 300 pounds, will he get overpowered by stronger defensive ends the likes of Julius Pepper and Kyle Vanden Bosch?…the measure of the length of his arms is going to be a point of emphasis, shorter arms would limit overall potential…has a long way in developing into a premier run blocking offensive tackle…athletically gifted yes, a somewhat raw offensive tackle prospect, also yes…will need more time to adapt to the NFL level than will Andre Smith and Eugene Monroe…has draft momentum on his side, but may be slightly overrated…a high bust factor…

Overall: Whereas there is not very much concern that Andre Smith or Eugene Monroe will becomes draft busts, there is some concern surrounding the future of Jason Smith. There has to be, a former tight end transitioning to offensive tackle, with a slight frame, there are causes for concerns. A year ago, 1st round pick Duane Brown made the transition and performed very well, and Smith is a superior prospect than Brown. Jason Smith has the skill set to become a stellar left tackle, but his development is likely to take longer than the other two top offensive tackle prospects, and is likely to struggle early in his career. That being said, there is a ton to like in Jason Smith, he is mega-athletic and if he can pick up NFL game faster than anticipated you have a stud on the left side of the offensive line for the next decade and a half. 

Source: WarRoomReport.com

Opinion: Another sure fire prospect that the Rams could draft at #2 overall. Smith and Virginia's Eugene Monroe are basically equal on most cases with Monroe having a slight upside in terms of experience as a offensive tackle. 

Draft Prospect Spotlight: OT Eugene Monroe

Virginia OT Eugene Monroe 

Height: 6-6, Weight: 315

Strengths: Possesses the best combination of pass blocking and run blocking of any prospect in the 2009 NFL Draft…played at Virginia, which has been increasingly effective at producing top level NFL talent on both the offensive and defensive lines…is such a terrific talent that he kept top 2008 NFL prospect Branden Albert at offensive guard…at 6’6 315, has prototypical size for a NFL left tackle…dominated at times throughout his collegiate career, but perhaps even more importantly, he never seemed to battle inconsistencies that many offensive tackle prospects do…a very low bust factor, and you know when your drafting a prospect the likes of Eugene Monroe, he will contribute from day one…

Weaknesses: There is not a specific element of his’s game that one can point to as being superstar level quality…very good prospect, but can he be great?…low bust factor yes, but also may not possess the potential and ceiling that a few other offensive tackle prospects in the 2009 draft class do…one would have thought that with top-tier NFL talent the likes of Monroe and Albert playing side by side the Virginia rushing attack would have been more dominant…would be well served to add some more muscle to his wiry 6’6 frame… would like to see him play with a bit more of nasty streak…

Overall: There is not much to dislike in regards to the draft prospects of Eugene Monroe. Eugene Monroe is another safe pick and there is little to no chance that a team in the top ten do not select him to protect the blindside of their quarterback. Eugene Monroe has long arms, uses his hands very effectively, and is arguably a better pass blocker than Andre Smith. Eugene Monroe will continue to progress and develop, and although he may not have Pro Bowl level potential like some, he will start and contribute immediately.

Source: WarRoomReports.com 

My Opinion: Before, I go over my opinions about the prospect in particu;ar, I just wanna say that the Rams are clearly gonna draft an offensive tackle to address the loss of Orlando Pace. the idea of moving Alex Barron to left tackle is a bit unclear because Barron works better at RT. 

Regarding Eugene Monroe, the possibility of him being drafted at #2 overall is close to none unless Detroit drafts him beforehand. Monroe has a similar report to his fellow Virginia alumnus DE Chris Long (which the Rams drafted in 2008) on which he has the best overall skillset but little room to improve (so as they thought).

Versatile O-Lineman Adam Goldberg re-signs with the Rams

Rams has re-signed offensive lineman Adam Goldberg to a two-year deal. Contract terms weren't not available.

In three seasons with St. Louis, Goldberg has proven to be a valuable backup and spot starter. With Goldberg on board, the Rams now has valuable depth on both tackle and guard positions.

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Rams Add Depth on both Offensive and Defensive Line

Continuing to build their offseason roster, the Rams have re-signed offensive lineman Mark Setterstrom and defensive end Eric Moore, as well as four street free agents.

Setterstrom, who has missed most of the the past two seasons with knee injuries, has started 9 games since being taken in the seventh round of the 2006 draft. A healthy Setterstrom could compete for a starting job at guard, or at worst provide depth on the interior. He suffered a preseason knee injury last August which ended his season, but participated Monday in the start of the Rams’ offseason conditioning program.

Moore, has spent the past 2 1/2 seasons with the Rams, spending part of that time on the practice squad. He appeared in seven games for the Rams last season in a reserve and special teams role, recording five tackles from scrimmage with one sack and 3 quarterback hurries.

Also signed were quarterback Jeff Otis, defensive back Marcus Brown, tight end Eric Butler, and center Tim Mattran.

Rams finally released Torry Holt

Torry Holt's days in St. Louis has finally come to an end when the Rams finally released the 7-time Pro Bowl wide receiver. Prior to his release, Holt has already told the media that he wants out and wanna finish his career elsewhere.

Before that the Rams also released another 7-time Pro Bowler in Offensive Tackle Orlando Pace. Pace was hounded by injuries which contributed to his release.

The Rams gets an additional $14 Million in salary cap space.

Rams signed FB Mike Karney for 3 Years

According to ESPN.com's Jonathan Clayton, the St. Louis Rams finally have a full backfield after reaching a three-year contract agreement with fullback Mike Karney.

Karney agreed to a three-year, $3.6 million contract that includes $1.2 million in guarantees, according to a source. The Rams have been struggling at that position since they released Madison Hedgecock in 2007. Hedgecock ended up becoming a Pro Bowl alternate for the New York Giants last season.

The signing of Karney gives St. Louis a chance to be more successful in two-back formations. The 27-year-old Karney was named to the All-Pro team in 2006 when he played for the New Orleans Saints. The Saints released him on March 5, putting one of the league's more respected fullbacks on the market. The Rams were quick to have him in for a visit.

The 5-foot-11, 258-pound Karney had 46 career starts in five seasons with the Saints. Karney will be the blocking back for Rams halfback Steven Jackson.

Opinion: FINALLY! a good fullback to compliment Steven Jackson

Rams released OT Orlando Pace

Offensive tackle Orlando Pace has been released by the Rams.

Pace, 33, was taken by the Rams as the No. 1 overall pick in the 1997 draft and has been with the team since then. He was a staple at left tackle, earning seven trips to the Pro Bowl. Pace was hampered by injuries in recent seasons. A knee injury caused him to miss two games and part of a third this past season.

The Rams save $6 million under the salary cap by letting Pace go.

With Pace gone, Alex Barron becomes the new left tackle, and if his offseason tutoring goes well, Jacob Bell will assume Barron’s old spot at right tackle. Recently signed free agent Jason Brown is the center, and Richie Incognito and John Greco are the favorites to start at guard.

Opinion:
It pains me that the Rams let go of one of the francise's greatest Offensive Left Tackle of all time but the team is moving on and I respect that. It would have been an "easier" decision if the Rams worked on trading or releasing Torry Holt first than starting with Orlando Pace. Holt has already said he wants out of St. Louis. Pace on the other hand can still play and loves to play for the Rams.  

SS James Butler signs with Rams; FB Mike Karney to Visit

League sources confirmed Monday night that the Rams and free-agent strong safetyJames Butler have agreed to contract terms. An announcement out of Rams Park is expected Tuesday. Butler, who spent the previous four seasons with the New York Giants, reportedly will get a four-year deal that, with incentives, could net him $17 million. Butler, 6 feet 3 and 215 pounds, is 27. 

In another news, Free-agent fullback Mike Karney and Rams officials will meet Tuesday at Rams Park. The team is looking for a lead-blocking fullback, and the 5-foot-11, 255-pound Karney, released by the Saints on Thursday, could fill the bill.

Karney, 27, is an Arizona State product who has spent all five of his NFL seasons in New Orleans. The Rams also had shown interest in former New England fullback Heath Evans, but he signed with the Saints last week.

Opinion: Rams should go with Brock Berlin as #2 QB

There were reports that the Rams are planning to sign veteran quarterback Gus Frerotte back after the releasing Trent Green, well for me this move is PREPOSTEROUS. They are gonna replace an old veteran with a much older veteran.

The Rams should think of giving Brock Berlin a chance to prove himself and draft another QB in the late rounds for QB #3.

---

Meanwhile the hunt for Steven Jackson's lead blocker has suffered a minor setback as fullback Heath Evans signed with the New Orleans Saints. The Saints also released FB Mike Karney to make room for Evans. In my opinion the Rams should pickup Karney because he's a proven solid lead blocker and average receiver out of the backfield which can be very beneficial.

Rams Re-signed Ron Bartell for 4 Years

Cornerback Ron Bartell decided to remain with the Rams by agreed to a four-year deal that includes $13.6 million of guaranteed money. The overall value of the contract can max out at $28 million if certain incentives are meant.

Rams solidifies O-Line signed C Jason Brown

Rams finally landed their first free agent for the offseason as they signed former Baltimore Raven C Jason Brown to a five-year, $37.5 million contract — a deal that averages $7.5 million per year. Brown earns $20 million in the first two years; $24 million in the first three. Of the $37.5 million, $20 million is guaranteed.

The signing of Brown solidifies the interior of the offensive line which has suffered from injuries setbacks on the middle of the offensive line.

Also, Rams released QB Trent Green and WR Drew Bennett.

Oshiomogho Atogwe slapped with the franchise tag

Although they will continue to negotiate on a long-term deal, the Rams have decided to place the franchise tag on free safety Oshiomogho Atogwe, according to team sources.

Atogwe thus counts $6.34 million against the Rams' salary cap, a figure that represents the average of the five highest-paid safeties in the NFL. Atogwe has been designated as what's known as the "non-exclusive" franchise player, meaning he can talk to and negotiate with other teams. But the Rams would get two first-round draft picks as compensation from the team that signs Atogwe if he goes elsewhere.

Rams released Corey Chavous

The Rams made the first of what figures to be many roster-shaping moves, releasing veteran strong safety Corey Chavous on February 13,2009. The move saves the Rams $1.2 million in salary cap space.

My Overview on the Rams Free Agency

With a new headcoaching staff and two new personnel for the purpose of handling the salarycap, the Rams enter free agency with a modest $14 million under the 2009 salary cap ceiling of $123 million. But this not enough considering the Rams' rookie salary amounts to about $6 million this year.

Here are some scenarios we can ponder on:

-Trading, releasing or restructuring the contracts of Torry Holt and Orlando Pace. This has been the rumors and speculation around the internet if these two Pro Bowlers are to be traded or release, the Rams would save a combined value of $14 million on the salary cap.

My speculation on this is that Big O is most likely willing to restructure because he loves to play as a Rams ( as evident on firing of his previous agent who has almost created a strain bewteen him and the Rams for stonewalling for more money) on the other hand Torry Holt, has previously express he might end up play for another team before his career ends (and expresses playing for his hometown team the Carolina Panthers) well I might be wrong and Torry should help the team restructuring his contract.

-Retaining Atogwe and Bartell is a priority. There are some reports that the Rams are focusing most of their money to retain O.J. Atogwe and Ron Bartell with Atogwe possibilty gonna get the francise tag. well I don't fault the Rams for doing so as Atogwe is the Rams best defensive player.

- Letting go of the underachievers and past-prime players. This one might get some attention as most of you might agree with me on this one. WR Drew Bennett and LB Pisa Tinoisamoa (frequent injuries), DT Claude Wroten (suspension), S Corey Chavous and DT La'Rio Glover (age). Of the aformention names, I might give Pisa Tinoisamoa some considerations of retaining as he has really contributed to the team but the rest won't matter if they are let go.

-Improvement on the O-line and Run Defense. This one is obviously the main goal of the Rams this offseason. If the Rams can get their clear answer on the free agency , the #2 pick on the draft will most like go on either an OT, WR or a trade down for a MLB.

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Offseason Projections

The Rams should enter the free agency with focus on filling the major needs before supplementing the rest of the team needs in the upcoming draft. The major focus will be solidifying the Offensive lines specially with Orlando Pace and Jacob Bell coming off from injuries as well as Alex Barron's inconsistencies.

Aside from the offensive line, the Rams needs to improve their run defense as most opponent exploited the Rams inability to stop the run last season. Hopefully the Rams can get someone who could replace the aging safety Corey Chavous. The Rams should also try to keep O.J. Atogwe as he's one of the best on his position.

ome free agency, expect the Rams to sign free agents to fill in those major holes for now and hopefully the get the best available .

St. Louis Rams announce 3 staff hirings

Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo has confirmed the hiring of Paul Ferraro on his defensive staff, and also announced the hiring of Dick Curl as assistant head coach-quarterbacks coach and Frank Leonard as an offensive assistant.

Ken Flajole hired as the Rams defensive coordinator

Ken Flajole of the Carolina Panthers is the new defensive coordinator for the Rams.

Flajole, 54, has been linebackers coach at Carolina. He has been with the Panthers since 2003 but also has had NFL stints as an assistant coach with Green Bay and Seattle. Flajole hasn't worked on the same staff as Spagnuolo but was an assistant coach at the University of Missouri from 1989-93.

For three of those seasons at Mizzou, Flajole was part of a staff that included Andy Reid, the Eagles' head coach, who gave Spagnuolo his first NFL job.

St. Louis Rams hire Pat Shurmur as offensive coordinator

It's official, Pat Shurmur of the Philadelphia Eagles is the Rams' new offensive coordinator.

Shurmur, 43, joined the Eagles staff in 1999, the same year newly named Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo was hired in Philly. Shurmur has been quarterbacks coach in Philadelphia for the last seven years of his stay there.

Rams hire Steve Spagnuolo as the New Rams Coach

The Rams have chosen Steve Spagnuolo as their new head coach, the team announced officially on Saturday evening. League sources confirmed Saturday that it's a four-year deal averaging just under $3 million a year.

He will be introduced at a news conference on Monday at 11 a.m.

Spagnuolo, the New York Giants defensive coordinator, and the Rams agreed on a four-year deal only hours after Dallas offensive coordinator Jason Garrett departed St. Louis following his one night visit.

Spagnuolo, 49, has spent the past two seasons as defensive coordinator of the New York Giants. He's known as a players' coach, but a coach who doesn't coddle players, either. Intense and energetic, he all but lived at the Giants' facility during the season, grinding film to find a weakness in the opponent, any nuance that might help.

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Season in Review

As the Rams look ahead to an important offseason expecting plenty of change, the team will look to some solid building blocks established in the 2008 season to lay the foundation for the future.

While the record wasn’t what the Rams had hoped for last season, there were some bright spots that will serve as the basis for what’s to come.

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