Free Agency Priorities

Outside Linebacker

They didn’t draft a linebacker until the 7th round so this position will have to be addressed in free agency. David Vobora and James Laurinaitis look like longterm keepers, but they have a huge hole at the 3rd linebacker spot.

Defensive Tackle

Other than Fred Robbins, they have nothing at the position. They need a complementary player inside. Corey Liuget was frequently mocked to them at 14, but with Robert Quinn falling to them there, they couldn’t pass. They then spent 3 straight picks trying to help Sam Bradford’s receiving corps so this position was ignored. 

Guard

Adam Goldberg can definitely be upgraded inside at right guard. Guards are tough to find in free agency so they may have to give Goldberg another year as the starter because they didn’t address this position through the draft. 

Running Back 

Steven Jackson has averaged 291 carries per year over the past 6 years and turns 28 in July. He is an amazing football player and one of the toughest players in the league, but they really should consider getting him a capable backup to help take some of the load off of him.

 

Draft Needs 

Wide Receiver

What makes Sam Bradford’s strong rookie year more impressive is that he was working with almost nothing in the receiving corps. Donnie Avery got hurt in Training Camp, Mark Clayton soon followed, rookie Danario Alexander also missed a few games, and this team didn’t have a strong receiving corps to begin with. Bradford’s receivers couldn’t catch a pass or get open at all in their loss to the Seahawks week 17. Even when Avery and Clayton are healthy (which in Avery’s case is not that often), they’re not true #1s. Wide Receiver has to be their biggest need by far going into this offseason if they want Bradford to continue to improve.

Drafted Austin Pettis (#78), Drafted Greg Salas (#112) 

Defensive Tackle

They ranked 24^th against the run. Fred Robbins will be 34 in March and they don’t have much after him on the depth chart. Steve Spagnuolo loves pass rushing interior linemen so he could pick up one early in this draft. In fact, if no receivers are worth the spot at 14, I expect them to go defensive tackle. 

Outside Linebacker

When the Rams traded Alex Barron for Bobby Carpenter in the offseason (somehow expecting Carpenter to win the starting weakside linebacker job) it broke the record for worst two players ever traded for each other. In fact, I would argue the Rams won that trade. They were smart enough to cut Carpenter in training camp. Barron lost at least one game for the Cowboys with an absolutely unnecessary and flagrant hold to nullify a game winning touchdown. It’s safe to say this is one of the few times a Bill Parcells drafted linebacker busted. The Rams will look for a true starter at the position this offseason.

Drafted Jabara Williams (#228) 

Defensive End

Yeah they had 43 sacks, but James Hall turns 34 in February, plus it’s kind of suspicious that Hall goes over 6.5 sacks for only the 2^nd time in his career at age 33. Something tells me, he can’t keep this up. Plus, Steve Spagnuolo comes from the school of “you can never have enough pass rushers.” He worked the three rotating defensive end strategy better than anyone had ever done before in 2007, en route to a title with the Giants. He might try the same thing with the Rams.

Drafted Robert Quinn (#14) 

Running Back

If I gave out a toughest man in the league award, I’d have given it to Steven Jackson at least 3 times in the last 5 years (with Brett Favre getting it the other 2). He is my favorite player in the league (not including anyone on the Patriots because I’m biased). He has battled chronic back problems, as well as every other injury you can imagine, yet still has 1744 carries in the last 6 years, and, despite never making the playoffs once in that stretch, he hasn’t said a word. However, sadly, some day he just won’t be able to do it anymore. Running backs have too short a shelf life, especially for someone with as many injuries as he has. Hopefully, before he isn’t able to do it anymore, his team wins a Super Bowl or at least a playoff series. The Rams should look at future successors/guys who can give him a rest next season in the offseason.

Tight End

The Rams need to get Sam Bradford a real pass catching tight end. No Michael Hoomanawanui doesn’t count, however cool and difficult to spell his name is.

Drafted Lance Kendricks (#47) 

Cornerback

Depth is needed at the position if they want to match up well with 3 and 4 receiver sets. 

Drafted Mikhael Baker (#216), Drafted Jonathan Nelson (#229)