Going in to the draft the Rams had need at the following positions:
Left tackle: The Rams’ offensive line was atrocious last season. Many players were lost due to injury, and the guys who managed to stay in one piece nearly got quarterback Marc Bulger shattered into thousands of them. They didn’t do any favors for the ground game; the running backs were limited to an average of 3.78 yards per carry.
Defensive end: Though the skill-position players still get all of the attention, the game of football is won and lost at the line of scrimmage. While not nearly as bad as the offensive line, the Rams’ defensive line could use an upgrade, too. They were 21st in the league in sacks last season, and 19th in opponent’s yards per rushing attempt, with 4.14. Their best defensive end, Leonard Little, is on the wrong side of 30, and James Hall was released earlier this year. Currently the Rams have only two other players at the position — Eric Moore and Victor Adeyanju.
Guard: The interior of the Rams’ offensive line needs almost a complete revamping. Jacob Bell has been added via free agency, and Richie Incognito has potential.
Linebacker: After letting Brandon Chillar leave via free agency, the Rams are extremely thin at the position. Quinton Culberson, a second-year player who was undrafted out of college, currently is listed as the starter on the strong side. Weakside linebacker is also a concern; Pisa Tinoisamoa has promise, but he has had injuries the past two seasons. The other guy in the mix is Chris Draft.
Wide Receiver: With Isaac Bruce cut and lingering concerns about Torry Holt’s knee, the Rams need to add some depth. The Rams would likely look for a burner or an excellent route-runner like Donnie Avery (Houston) or Earl Bennett (Vanderbilt). (more…)
Video highlights of the Rams new defensive end Chris Long in the Gator Bowl. This is kind of a long piece of video but for the true Rams fan who wants to see some high lites of the player the Rams just drafted it is a great clip.
Strengths: Possesses world-class speed. Gets from 0-to-60 mph in a hurry. Is able to consistently get over the top of CB’s in man-coverage. Can be a huge threat after-the-catch if he catches a crease. Is quick, shifty and agile. Possesses soft hands and good body control to adjust to the poorly thrown ball. Shows the ability to pluck on the run and get up the field immediately. Shows a rare second gear to run away from defenders. Has experience as a return man and rare speed alone gives him a chance to contribute in that facet of the game in the NFL.
Weaknesses: Is undersized. Not strong or physical. Is a small target in the passing game. Is too much of a straight line athlete. Struggles to get off press coverage. Needs to become a much more polished route runner. Is too slow getting in and out of breaks. Rounds off too many of his routes. We question his toughness. Doesn’t go over the middle much. Gives an inconsistent effort as a blocker and lacks the strength to sustain even when he gets in position and locks on.
Overall: Avery redshirted in 2003, and then started every game for Houston a year later. In his first three seasons (2004-’06), he appeared in 37 games (31 starts) and amassed 119 receptions for 1,833 yards (15.4 average) and 12 touchdowns. As a senior, he ranked fourth in the country in receiving yards per game (112.0) and 15th in receptions per game (7.0). He finished 2007 with totals of 91 catches for 1,456 yards (16.0 average) and seven TDs in 13 games (11 starts). For his career, Avery also 40 kickoff returns for 896 yards (22.4 average) and a touchdown, three punt returns for 28 yards and 14 tackles (including one for a loss). A hyperextended left knee and MCL sprain in August 2007 didn’t cost him any playing time. Bottom line: Avery is quite possibly the fastest player in the 2008 class. While there’s no doubt of his homerun-hitting potential for the next level, Avery remains too one-dimensional, with really just the ability to run go routes to threaten a defense. He is somewhat reminiscent of New Orleans and former LSU burner Devery Henderson, who has not transitioned to the NFL very well. Avery is dangerous, but he isn’t a refined route runner and he must learn to separate from man-coverage better in order to contribute as a consistent pass-catcher in the NFL. Avery is a bit overrated for those reasons and will be over-drafted if taken higher than the late-second or third round range.
The Rams made it official Chris Long is the newest Ram.
What he brings: Long doesn’t have elite size or as much upside as the aforementioned Gholston, but, he’s a tough run defend and a relentless pass-rusher, who has good but not great speed. He also does an excellent job of using his hands to control blockers. He’s capable of stepping in and making an immediate impact because he’s so fundamentally sound, as you would expect from the son of Hall of Famer Howie Long. How he fits: Even though there was some debate over Long and LSU DT Glenn Dorsey, Long makes a lot of sense. He allows the Rams to keep last year’s first-rounder, Adam Carriker, on the inside. Long is a versatile pass-rusher who defensive coordinator Jim Haslett can use in his schemes as a DE or DT in sub packages. The Rams will be able to pressure four and drop seven on the backend, while incorporating a lot of zone-blitz pressures. With Long pressuring from the right side teams won’t be able to set protection schemes towards LDE Leonard Little, and Long’s presence also allows speedy DE James Hall to get on the field as a defensive tackle, which gives them four effective rushers in sub.
ESPN is reporting the Rams will select Chris Long with the 2nd pick in the NFL Draft. I like the pick! He will bring an attitude, intensity and a needed position
I struggled to write this because I just did not how to start. But to me, this photo sums up the problem with the Rams’ offense, Bulger and Linehan. Bulger’s part would be his lack of leadership. Yes, he throws up numbers or passing yardage, but what about points. Lets get to the chase wins. Even in Warner’s worst year, he still got the team to the Super Bowl. I still don’t understand how he rates the over 60 million this team pays him. He hasn’t brought this team to the Super Bowl let alone a championship. He had even had the same players that Warner had when he went to the Super Bowl.
Strengths: Possesses world-class speed. Gets from 0-to-60 mph in a hurry. Is able to consistently get over the top of CB’s in man-coverage. Can be a huge threat after-the-catch if he catches a crease. Is quick, shifty and agile. Possesses soft hands and good body control to adjust to the poorly thrown ball. Shows the ability to pluck on the run and get up the field immediately. Shows a rare second gear to run away from defenders. Has experience as a return man and rare speed alone gives him a chance to contribute in that facet of the game in the NFL.
The Rams made it official Chris Long is the newest Ram.
I struggled to write this because I just did not how to start. But to me, this photo sums up the problem with the Rams’ offense, Bulger and Linehan. Bulger’s part would be his lack of leadership. Yes, he throws up numbers or passing yardage, but what about points. Lets get to the chase wins. Even in Warner’s worst year, he still got the team to the Super Bowl. I still don’t understand how he rates the over 60 million this team pays him. He hasn’t brought this team to the Super Bowl let alone a championship. He had even had the same players that Warner had when he went to the Super Bowl.
