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 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.

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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.

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 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.

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.

More on this on St. Louis Rams.com Site