People were expecting too much from the St. Louis Rams after they just missed out on a division title in 2010, but to say that they disappointed last year was an understatement. They finished the year with an abysmal 2-14 record, which tied the Colts for worst in the NFL. There is some reason for optimism, however, as they have signed former Tennessee Titans head coach Jeff Fisher after letting go of Steve Spagnuolo. Fisher's schemes will likely take some time before the players can buy in, but you better believe that they will be more competitive than they were a season ago. The Rams traded away their No. 2 pick to Washington for the No. 6 pick, Washington's first-round pick in both 2013 and 2014 and a second-round pick this year. Here are some of the Rams' big additions and subtractions so far in this young offseason, plus a breakdown of their biggest needs heading into the draft.
Additions:
Nfl 2012
CB Cortland Finnegan
DT Kendall Langford
WR Steve Smith
G Quinn Ojinnaka
DE William Hayes
C Scott Wells
OLB Jo-Lonn Dunbar
DT Trevor Laws
Subtractions:
WR Brandon Lloyd
DT Justin Bannan
C Jason Brown
DT Fred Robbins
CB Ronald Bartell
OLB Chris Chamberlain
G Jacob Bell
Top 5 Needs:
1. Left Tackle
The Rams' top priority this offseason is to address their problems on the offensive line. Starting left tackle Rodger Saffold is better suited at left guard or right tackle, which makes them thin at left tackle if they move him. If Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon doesn't fall to the sixth pick, I think the Rams have to draft Iowa tackle Riley Reiff. If they do decide to go to a different direction, I believe they will no longer find a legitimate upgrade later in the draft or free agency.
2. Left Guard/Right Tackle
If St. Louis is able to upgrade at left tackle, then this need will be far less pressing. Either way, both these positions need to be addressed. Jason Smith has been a monumental disappointment at right tackle, and if they can move Saffold back to his guard spot, then things will be better for the Rams offensively.
3. Wide Receiver
While the Rams need to add some weapons at receiver, that needs to come after they address the offensive line. Once again, if Blackmon is available at the 6th pick, then he is the one player the Rams should pick. If he is not available, however, the Rams have two second-round picks where they can address this need. Wide receiver is one of the rare positions where great players can be had late in the draft.
4. Outside Linebacker
Starting weakside linebacker Chris Chamberlain has moved on and signed with the New Orleans Saints, and the Rams could use an upgrade at the starting strongside linebacker over Brady Poppinga. Jo-Lonn Dunbar was signed in the offseason, but the Rams need to keep looking for help at this spot.
5. Free Safety
The Rams have a number of additional needs, but I believe their next most pressing need is at free safety. Darian Stewart is simply not the answer, as he was dreadful as the starter for the Rams last year. There isn't really any one talent from the draft that could be a difference maker, which will likely force them to bring in a veteran free agent. Either way, the Rams need to make it a priority to find a suitable replacement, because clearly Stewart cannot be the starter.
2012 St Louis Rams Offseason Needs
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