Rams lost to the Cardinals 17-13

Even though the Rams lost, the whole team showed some poise especially the Rams defense. DE Chris Long and DT Fred Robbins showed some early presence to the game.  Sam Bradford performed nicely despite the 3 interceptions which is not a common outing for a rookie quarterback. New Ram WR Mark Clayton played like he has played with the Rams for a long time as he has a career high 10 catches in the game.

On the other hand, Rams should keep SS James Butler on the bench as he got burned on the winning touchdown pass from Anderson to Larry Fitzgerald for the win which only show his weakness for the pass. Craig Dahl should cement his position as the Rams starting strong safety.

Overall the Rams did well on their first outing and I expect some

Sam Bradford Era in St. Louis starts tomorrow

After missing out on most of the pre-season due to a busy personal schedule I am now back in blogging before the start of the Sam Bradford era of the St. Louis Rams 2010 regular season. 

After a very impressive outing during the preseason, Sam Bradford now enters the season the the starter for the Rams basically unseating veteran QB AJ Feeley.  

Experts and NFL Analysts are expecting the Rams to win the NFC West this year because of some of the clear improvement that where made during the offseason specially the run defense. But the question remains if the Rams offensive line can hold opposing defense so that Sam Bradford can do his thing and also give running back Steven Jackson the running lanes he needed. I would hope Roger Saffold lives up to the jersey number that he was given to be a once great left tackle for Rams named Orlando Pace.

OT Alex Barron traded to the Cowboys for LB Bobby Carpenter

Personally, I consider this trade a good one since both teams are in need to fill those positions in need: Cowboys need some help at offensive tackle after the release of Flozell Adams and the Rams needs upgrade their linebacker corp. To some football experts Bobby Carpenter is a bust but I my opinion, he's in a wrong system. the Cowboys ran a base 3-4 system on which the OLB's mostly rush the passer and the ILB's are to stop the run and do some coverage. the Cowboys are basically set with Bradie James and Keith Brooking manning the ILB's position which relegated Carpenter as a coverage linebacker on nickel and dime situations. Carpenter's coverage skills is an asset for the Rams since he's been covering All Pro Jason Witten during practice and with that he significantly improve on that area. He will battle David Vobora , Na'il Diggs and Larry Grant for one of the outside linebacker positions.

Rams 2010 pick-by-pick Draft analysis

Needs Analysis: It's not every year that a team in need of a franchise QB gets a shot at one, but the Rams could get their chance with Sam Bradford. With how well he performed at Monday's workout, and if the doctors clear him, he will be the No. 1 overall pick. After that decision, it might be a good idea to move down in the other rounds and get multiple picks to fill up the roster. At least one wide receiver is a must, and a third-down running back would help if they don't add one in free agency. The defense needs help at left defensive end.

Rams' draft picks
Rd	Sel. #	Player	Pos.	School
1	1	Sam Bradford	QB	Oklahoma
2	33	Rodger Saffold	OT	Indiana
3	65	Jerome Murphy	CB	South Florida
4	99	Mardy Gilyard	WR	Cincinnati
5	132	Michael Hoomanawanui	TE	Illinois
5	149	Hall Davis	DE	La.-Lafayette
6	170	Fendi Onobun	TE	Arizona
6	189	Eugene Sims	DE	West Texas A&M
7	211	Marquis Johnson	DB	Alabama
7	226	George Selvie	DE	South Florida
7	254	Josh Hull	LB	Penn State

Rams pick by pick analysis

Day 2 Summary: Rams solidify O-Line picked OT from Indiana

Day 2 of the NFL draft started with a not so spectacular yet a very solid pick as the Rams picked Offensive Tackle Rodger Saffold from Indiana. This pick shows that they will protect Sam Bradford and Steven Jackson. It also signals Alex Barron's upcoming departure as Scaffold might start opposite Jason Smith.

Round 3 was a bit of a surprise for me a the Rams drafted cornerback Jerome Murphy of South Florida. This pick is obviously influenced by coach Spagnuolo as he likes big and physical defensive backs (Jerome Butler and Ron Bartell are above 6 feet in height).

Rodger Saffold At a Glance

Jerome Murphy At a Glance

No Surprise: Rams picked QB Sam Bradford

"With the number 1 overall pick, The Rams pick --- Sam Bradford, Quarterback from Oklahoma". There's no surprise for this pick. The Rams now have a franchise quarterback they can build over for years to come.

There's a caution though, the Rams should address the offensive line and the wide receiver spots on the remaining rounds. If not, Rams should sit him for a season.

Top 3 Quarterback Prospects

A Run down on the Rams top 3 QB prospects

The NFL draft is fast approaching and the St. Louis Rams will be on hand for the top overall pick. And with the release of Marc Bulger the Rams are gonna draft a quarterback regardless of which round. I'm gonna do a brief review of the top 3 QB prospects that the Rams have recently scouted.








Sam Bradford (Oklahoma)
Pros: Strong Arm, Accuracy, Smart
Cons: injury concerns
Projected Round: 1




Jimmy Clausen (Notre Dame)
Pros: Knowledge of the pro system, Accuracy
Cons: Attitude, Mobility ( injured toe)
Projected Round: 1 or 2




Colt McCoy (Texas)
Pros: Very Accurate, good arm strength
Cons: Height and some injuries
Projected Round: 2

Draft Scenario Number 3: Trading down and get more picks

I'm leaning more with this scenario since the Rams has a lot of areas that needed to be addressed. I can predict at least three possible trade down scenarios:

Rams trades #1 overall pick to Tampa Bay for the #3 pick and the #42 pick (Round 2): The Bucs are in dire need of an upgrade on their defensive front they get to draft either Ndamukong Suh or Gerald McCoy while the Rams can draft Sam Bradford on pick #3 (the Lions will either pick McCoy or OT Russell Okung). As of late the Rams have some success drafting potentially good player on the second round (Ron Bartell, James Lauranaitis, Donnie Avery) possible pick #33 WR Arrelious Benn (Illinois) and #42 Outside Linebacker or OL

Rams trades #1 overall pick to Cleveland or Washington and an additional 2nd round pick: This scenario would be considered unconventional but still possible if the Rams considered addressing the offensive line first and address the quarterback spot in the 2nd round. A possible pick here would be Oklahoma OT Trent Williams who is considered best to play Right Tackle which is one position the Rams need to address. For the additional 2nd Round  would be Jon Asamoah of Illionois or Sergio Render or Virginia Tech on which both can address the Right Guard spot.

Draft Scenario Number 2: Drafting either Ndamukong Suh or Gerald McCoy on pick #1

Here's another draft scenario that was brewing before Sam Bradford rose his stock. Drafting either Suh or McCoy will upgrade the defensive line unit which struggles to stop the run because of injuries specially in the middle. If this is the direction that GM Bill Devaney would take then it's a clear indication that they will take a quarterback on Round 2. It's been reported that the Rams will host a private workout for Texas QB Colt McCoy before the draft keeping their options open on that position.

Draft Scenario Number 1: Drafting QB Sam Bradford at pick No.1

This scenario would be what most would people expect as the Oklahoma star quarterback is viewed as a potential franchise quarterback because of his cannon of arm strength combined with his uncanny accuracy as well as his leadership skills which is rare for a college prospect.

Pros: The Rams gets their future franchise quarterback with all those intangibles they are on the right track on their rebuilding process.

Cons: Bradford has a history of injuries which includes injuries to his throwing shoulder. It would be foolish for him to start right away unless the offensive line has been given attention.

Rams To Work Out Colt McCoy Before Draft

The Rams plan to take a closer look at their options for drafting a quarterback, including Texas’ Colt McCoy.

St. Louis will hold a private workout — date unknown — for McCoy in Austin before the NFL draft begins April 22, according to an ESPN.com source.

McCoy is working out today during the Texas Longhorns’ pro day, and NFL.com reports more yhan 75 coaches and scouts representing 30 teams (Rams and Lions are not represented) are in Austin.

The Rams could still be considering taking one of the stellar defensive tackles, Ndamukong Suh or Gerald McCoy, with their first overall pick and then look to pick up the Texas QB in the second round (No. 33 overall).

Rams Draft scenarios

It's only weeks until the 2010 NFL Draft and there's no clear idea on which draft prospect will the Rams take for the top overall pick. Would it be Oklahoma's Sam Bradford or would it be either defensive tackles Ndamukong Suh (Nebrask) or Gerald McCoy (Oklahoma) or would there be a trade-down to get additional picks .

I will be posting a series of blog post on each scenarios and explain my take on that particular scenario and what would be the possible benefits that the team would gain.

Rams Re-signs DE James Hall and 2 ex-Giants

The Rams brought back an important piece of their defense Monday afternoon, re-signing valuable defensive lineman James Hall.

Bringing Hall back provides the Rams with a veteran presence that might otherwise have been missing.

Hall established himself as the team’s most versatile defensive lineman, starting 14 games at defensive end. But as part Spagnuolo’s scheme, defensive linemen are expected to be able to play multiple positions along the line.

Nobody did more moving around than Hall, who would regularly shift to the inside in passing situations.

Rams sign 2 ex-Giants

Continuing to add to their offseason roster, the St. Louis Rams on Monday signed cornerback Kevin Dockery and tight end Darcy Johnson to one-year deals. Both players are former New York Giants who were not tendered as restricted free agents this offseason.

Dockery, 5-10, 188, had 10 career starts in four seasons with the Giants and has three career regular-season interceptions. He should compete for the nickel back job in St. Louis and be a core player on special teams.

Johnson, 27, spent most of his rookie season (2006) on the Giants’ practice squad, and then missed the entire ‘07 season after suffering a knee injury in training camp.

Off Season Transactions Update

As of this writing the St. Louis Rams has signed and re-sign key players that would provide needed depth on key positions

Former Eagle and Browns Center/Guard Hank Fraley signed a three-year deal with the Rams. He is possibly penciled as a starter at the Right Guard spot. Rams also re-signed G Mark Setterstrom to provide competition  and depth on the interior.

The Rams also has re-signed veteran long snapper Chris Massey for 4 years reportedly for $4.4 million. Making him the richest long snapper in the NFL to date.

And finally linebacker David Vobora, has signed his one-year tender offer with the team. Vobora adds depth to the position that is in need of an upgrade

Rams starts free agency: Familiar Faces joins the Rams

Rams started free agency by signing veterans: quarterback A.J. Feeley (ex-Eagles) and defensive tackles Fred Robbins (ex-Giants). Although not spectacular but solid and reliable veterans that knows the systems. Feeley knows Pat Shurmur's system very while he was with the Eagles. Robbins has played for Spagnuolo with the Giants and he will provide mentorship to the young defensive linemen.

Sign good free agents

Everybody is raving about the Rams should draft Nebraska DT Ndamukong Suh on the first overall pick on the upcoming NFL Draft in April. Others says the Rams should draft a future francise quarterbacks either Sam Bradford (Oklahoma) or Jimmy Clausen (Notre Dame). Other draftnicks also say the Oklahoma DT Gerald McCoy is a safer pick than Suh.

Personally, I would be watching more on who are the Rams are sign during the free agency. I just recently read that Jacksonville just recently released former Rams WR Torry Holt which in my opinion should the Rams sign back to provide a solid foundation on a young and inexperienced receiver corp. Sure Holt has slowed done because of age but Holt has a good rapport with current QB Marc Bulger and at least take off the pressure on Steven Jackson. If signed, Holt can take the pressure of Donnie Avery and help other budding wideouts like Brooks Foster, Brandon Gibason and Danny Amedola (who is also the Rams best return guy since Az-Zahir Hakim).

Other areas that the Rams need to address are the backup running back, outside linebackers, offensive line should also be addressed on both free agency and the draft.

SuperBowl Slingers: Drew Brees versus Peyton Manning

SuperBowl XLIV (or SuperBowl 44) is coming close as the SuperBowl Week festivities has started today. And for those who where not able to follow the NFL playoffs, the teams that would battle for the Vince Lombardi trophy are Indianapolis Colts lead by NFL MVP quarterback Peyton Manning against the surprising New Orleans Saints lead by quarterback Drew Brees in a showdown of two of the leagues bests.

Although both teams have superb offenses, their defense will be the ones to be put to the test as the team that has a better defense wins the coveted Lombardi trophy. The Colts defense is lead by All-Pro defensive end Dwight Freeney while on the otherside, All-Pro safety Darren Sharper will rally his defense in an attempt to bring in the franchise's very first SuperBowl title.

A look ahead on the St. Louis Rams 2010 Off-Season

Last season was one of the most disappointing for the St. Louis Rams as the team finished 1-15. Though its understandable that injuries was really the biggest factor to the Rams dismal season (blaming it on some player will an overstatement in my opinion).

Key areas that the Rams need to address in the off-season:

Wide Receiver
Quarterback
Offensive Line (Right Side)
Backup Running back
Outside Linebackers
Defensive Line