SB Nation - Dane Looker

Tennessee Titans Morning Links: There Was A Time I Could Move, There Was A Time I Could Breathe Edition

August West — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:30:51 -0000

More photos » by John Russell - AP

You know what I'm digging? The realization that we may actually see some exciting plays on offense, even if the results are inconsistent. Maybe we'll finally see a few plays that make us stand up and cheer, if nothing else.

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In Facepalm news, kick returner Mark Jones won't be able to go on Sunday thanks to a hamstring injury he aggravated earlier in the week. Dane Looker and C.J. Jones caught punts on Thursday as the team tries to decide if they need to sign someone for the interim.

Hey, after what we've seen this season we've all got a right to be beyond worried about the return game sans Jones.. heck, we could even feel some Paranoia in B Flat Major... by The Avett Brothers! Can't wait for their show at the The Mother Church (a.k.a. The Ryman, home of the original Grand Ole' Opry) Saturday night.

Vince Young is back in the saddle again, and of course everyone in the football-covering national media is talking about it... examples here, here, here and here.

Follow us through the jump to find out what pisses LenDale off...

Think the Titans' record is due to lack of effort? Then LenDale White would like to have a word with you in this back alley:

"It pisses me off," running back LenDale White said. "I know all the people on my team work hard. I know that everybody does when we go out there for game day. I know everybody out there was fighting to get a win. Everybody went out there and prepared to get a victory.

"Nobody quit on us. We gave effort. Believe me, we did what we could. We tried very hard, but it is what it is."

Forgive me for not shouting hooray over the fact that Collins takes losing well.

Paul K asks, so if Fisher knew Vince Young was getting the nod, why did he waste first team reps by splitting them up on Wednesday? Shouldn't Vince get the most practice time possible?

David Boclair delivers a timely list of costume suggestions for Nashville sports figures, including this gem:

Alge Crumpler ought to sport the Lester Hayes look.

After all, the Tennessee Titans' tight end has had some issues with fumbles at inopportune times. There was the one against the Ravens in the playoffs, which brought an end to the team's 2008 season. Then a remarkably similar one on the first drive against the Colts two games ago seemingly started a stretch in which the team since has been outscored 90-9.

Hayes, of course, was the Oakland Raiders' defensive back who famously kept a gooey adhesive dubbed "stick'em" on his socks so he could rub it on his hands throughout the game — an act that later was deemed illegal by the league.

That type of goo would have to be good for Crumpler.

I love Thom Abraham's show (he, along with his sometimes co-host and former Titan Brad Hopkins, put this together), but this Terrible Towel business has to stop. Your weakness is defined by your superstitions. I mean the people of Pittsburgh have an excuse for this crap: they're surrounded by damned run-down nuclear plants*... you'd expect that to mutate some brain cells. (* - edited for accuracy)

If you see anything good or Titans related on your travels around the internets, be sure to send it to mcmaugustwest@gmail.com!

Thursday Notes: Lions Sign Billy Cundiff as Camp Breaks

Sean Yuille — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 08:16:05 -0000

Training camp is now technically over. Players are no longer required to stay in a hotel, and there is no longer a curfew. Practice still continues on, but the players' living arrangements are a bit different now (if they choose to leave the hotel).
With Jason Hanson out until at least the start of the regular season and Swayze Waters suffering the effects of a tight hamstring, the Lions decided to sign kicker Billy Cundiff on Wednesday. (Waters was released to make room on the roster.) Cundiff began his career as a starter for the Cowboys and has been on a few teams since then. He hasn't played in an actual game since 2006, and I hope he doesn't get to end that drought in a Lions uniform. It's nothing against him, I just want Hanson to be healthy enough to return for the season opener.
Receiver Dane Looker did a great job of filling in at kicker the last couple of days. He made a kick from 48 yards out yesterday before missing a couple attempts from 53 yards away. Like I said once before on this site, kicking is a lot harder than it looks, so I have an immense amount of respect for what Looker did. Yes, he was a backup kicker in high school, but it's not easy to suddenly start kicking again. For me, I maxed out somewhere between 30-35 yards recently, so nailing one from 48 is a great feat.
Louis Delmas helped cause a brawl during yesterday's practice after he laid out Aveion Cason similar to the way he hit Aaron Brown last week. Jim Schwartz again made sure Delmas realized that in practice you don't need to be laying such big hits on teammates. While Delmas does need to be a bit more careful, I love his physicality.
Ernie Sims was out for the second straight day with an oblique muscle pull.
Anthony Henry was also again missing from practice.
Kevin Smith left practice after Jordon Dizon's knee collided with his thigh.
On the positive side, Calvin Johnson and Bryant Johnson will likely play on Saturday against Indianapolis. Brandon Pettigrew may play as well, but don't expect to see Dennis Northcutt.
Gunther Cunningham is "flat pissed off" with the defense's recent tackling.
Louis Delmas originally didn't answer the Lions when they called on draft day because he thought it was a college teammate since a 313 area code showed up on his caller ID.

Wednesday Notes: Lions Claim Orion Martin, Release Eric Fowler

Sean Yuille — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 08:18:20 -0000

Don't forget, individual tickets for Lions home games go on sale tomorrow morning.
The Lions claimed linebacker/defensive end Orion Martin on Tuesday. Martin was released by the Dolphins on Monday, and the Lions wasted little time in claiming him. With depth at linebacker getting a little thin thanks to Darnell Bing's injury, the Lions felt it was necessary to bring someone in to shore things up a bit. Martin is an undrafted rookie from Virginia Tech.
To make room on the roster for Martin, the Lions released Eric Fowler. With a trio of Lions receiver returning to practice earlier this week, it's not too surprising that Fowler was released. I would have rather seen Keary Colbert get released, but it's not like Fowler was doing anything special. I'm sure he will be back at some point anyways. It seems like he is always getting signed and released by the Lions.
Brandon Pettigrew was back in practice on Monday, though it was in a limited fashion. Regardless, it's good that he has returned. There is a chance he could play against Indianapolis, though I imagine things would have to go perfect for him the rest of this week for that to happen.
Anthony Henry missed the morning session of practice yesterday, and fellow cornerback Phillip Buchanon only participated in individual activities.
Aveion Cason missed practice again, as did Allen Ervin, who just stopped wearing his protective boot.
While the Lions did add a running back to the team earlier this week, they may not be done with that position just yet. If injuries continue to pile up, undrafted rookie Tyrell Fenroy, who visited the Lions on Monday, could join the team. Fenroy went to Louisiana-Lafayette and was briefly on the Bears following the draft.
Although receiver turned kicker Dane Looker didn't miss a single field goal during yesterday's practice, the Lions are going to host a few free agent kickers for a visit today. Everyone was impressed with what Looker did, but the Lions probably want him to stay focused on being a receiver. Plus, the Lions need to have a kicker ready to go just in case Jason Hanson isn't able to return when the regular season begins. Swayze Waters hasn't looked bad or anything, but Detroit has to make sure he isn't injured on a regular basis with Hanson's status in question. Considering that, a backup backup plan may be necessary.
Aaron Brown is spending time in practice working on his pass-blocking.
With T.J. Duckett becoming a free agent, there has been some talk about the Lions bringing him back. Duckett is a good player for short-yardage situations, but I'm happy with Jerome Felton.
As if Daniel Bullocks wasn't having a rough enough time as it is, news broke yesterday that he may have been a victim of a Ponzi scheme.
Former Lion Dick LeBeau is a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's 2010 class.

Tuesday Notes: Hanson Has Surgery; Lions Make a Few Roster Moves

Sean Yuille — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 19:21:07 -0000

More photos » by Duane Burleson - AP

4 months ago: Detroit Lions kicker Jason Hanson kicks a 47-yard field goal, held by punter Nick Harris, with three seconds remaining to defeat the Atlanta Falcons 27-26 in an exhibition NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2009 in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

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Linebacker Cody Spencer has been placed on the injured reserve after tearing his ACL during a kickoff in the Falcons game.
Kicker Swayze Waters has been re-signed, filling Spencer's spot on the roster. The reason the Lions need a kicker is because Jason Hanson had "minor" knee surgery this morning. Jim Schwartz made it sound like the surgery was nothing major, but anytime a kicker has something done to his knee, concern is only natural, especially when that kicker is Hanson. Hopefully he will be able to return sooner rather than later, as it would hurt to lose Hanson for an extended period of time.
Yesterday, the Lions released wide receiver Bobby Sippio and put offensive tackle Kirk Barton on the waived/injured list. To fill those two spots on the roster, the Lions signed wide receiver Dane Looker and offensive guard Terrence Metcalf. Looker played for the Rams for the last seven years, so he has a connection to Scott Linehan. Metcalf was on the Bears for the past seven seasons.
Jim Schwartz is shutting Brandon Pettigrew down, as his quad injury isn't healing very quickly.
A group of local high school football players attended the Lions' practice this morning.
Peter King thinks Matthew Stafford has an "A-minus NFL arm."
The Lions benefited from a bad call in the Falcons game.
John Niyo has a list of the Lions' injuries going into this past Saturday's Falcons game.
The full Outside The Lines piece on Charles Rogers is now on the Internet.
Tom Kowalski thinks the Lions will go 3-13 this coming season.

Seattle Seahawks 2008 Season Retrospective: Jordan Babineaux

John Morgan — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 22:01:43 -0000

More photos » by Ted S. Warren - AP

This man combined with Muhsin Muhammad to embarrass Jordan Babineaux in 2007. The Seahawks protected him from such fearsome matchups in 2008. In 2009, Babineaux covers the water cooler.

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Overview: Jordan Babineaux played in 14 games including starting at right cornerback in week seven at Tampa Bay. He was suspended in week one for a violation of the NFL's substance abuse policy and did not play in week 16 against the Jets because of a concussion sustained in week 15 at St. Louis. He had 60 tackles including 57 solo tackles, three passes defended, one interception, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery for 24 yards and a touchdown.

What went right: If Seattle ever went pure Tampa 2, Babineaux could make a pretty good reserve corner, because he's a big hitter, a pretty sound tackler and decent in zone coverage. He's fairly described as serendipitous. As a low-level role player, Babs is a good talent to have around because he makes things happen.

What went wrong: Between those Big Play[s] is a lot of little plays in which Babineaux does little more than screw up big. He's a liability in coverage; Wont to fixate on the quarterback's eyes and let receivers run around him uncontested and neglected. Babineaux allows receptions and then attempts to blow up receivers, but the end product is a positive offensive play that weakens Seattle. Babineaux had 60 tackles in just 370 plays. Compare that to Marcus Trufant's 64 tackles in 1017 plays.

Outlook: Babineaux has carved out a nice little career for himself despite few tangible skills. He's fiery, versatile, a playmaker and I once referred to him as a "gamer". As a dime defender, Babineaux finally punched his weight as a cornerback, but Seattle doesn't need to spend $1 million annually to shut down Dexter Jackson, Dane Looker, James Thrash and Brad Smith. Babineaux falls into the Tim Ruskell blind spot of the established lower-tier veteran that Seattle pays to struggle when a younger, cheaper player could possibly play better and not likely struggle worse. He's young and maybe has a future at safety, but in five seasons and 67 games played, Babineaux hasn't so much improved as been embarrassed less as he's been demoted.

More Twitter shilling: Jordan Babineaux is a beloved Seahawk that is forever a part of the team's history, its story and he sucks.

Rams won't look to Looker for help at WR

VanRam — Tue, 26 May 2009 21:52:37 -0000

More photos » by Jeff Roberson - AP

St. Louis Rams wide receiver Derek Stanley will battle it out with a group of relatively unknown receivers for one of six roster spots at camp this summer. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

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It's been widely assumed here and elsewhere throughout the Rams corner of the internet that the team would bring back WR Dane Looker, if for nothing else other than his experience and need for depth at the position. Now, don't be so sure. In his chat over at STLtoday.com, Bill Coats had this to say about the team's dalliance, or lack thereof, with Looker:

Looker hasn't signed anywhere. I really thought the Rams would bring him back, given their youth and lack of personnel at WR, but they apparently aren't interested. Draftee Brooks Foster has been assigned Looker's No. 89.

Other than defying what stood as conventional wisdom, we shouldn't really be surprised. The Rams have gone to great lengths to jettison older players, even the big names weren't spared in the roster purges of '09. Looker, at 33, isn't much more than a role player at this point. That said, he could have been/could be useful for the Rams, but, other than experience and maybe some intangible like leadership, etc., what does he bring that one of the other, younger WRs on the roster can't offer?

Without Looker, they'll have to find another player to serve as holder for the field goal unit.

This doesn't mean the Rams won't resign Looker or find another WR as rosters get trimmed down in August. Injuries and the chance to evaluate players with the pads on could definitely shuffle team needs. However, with the direction the Rams appear to be heading, I'd be surprised if they brought in a player over the age of 30.

This is a good chance to take a look at the receivers likely to make the 53-man roster come September.They're likely to keep six WRs.

Shoo-Ins: Donnie Avery, Keenan Burton, Laurent Robinson

Somewhat less likely: Derek Stanley, Brooks Foster, Tim Carter

Much to prove: Chad Lucas, Jaret Byers, Nate Jones, Travis Brown, Horace Grant

The only player I feel comfortable about putting in the middle column is Derek Stanley, but I still don't thing he's got a guaranteed spot, especially since he's still recovering from an injury and others can emerge to return kicks. Foster gets a little extra boost since the Rams drafted him, but that's no given either. Carter is a younger, 28, veteran who rates as more likely than some of the undrafted guys and practice squad guys in the last grouping.

Right now, though, the Rams brass seems ready to go to battle with the receivers they've got, relative lack of experience be damned. It's not a common strategy, but there are examples in recent history of teams finding success with similar situations at WR.

Let's Take A Look At The Roster

Tackle Box — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 10:00:11 -0000

More photos » by Jay LaPrete - AP

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Well, the draft is over and while there has been some teeth gnashing over some of the picks, my personal opinion is that the team filled it's most pressing needs and built some good depth.

Then again, that's my gut reaction.

The team solidified it's Offensive Line (Jason Smith) and bulked up the Run Defense (James Laurinaitis, Dorell Scott). They then went out and added some depth with some players who have raw talent (Brooks Foster and Bradley Fletcher) and a quarterback who has a lot of us scratching our heads.

I have to say I'm not exactly sure about Chris Ogbonnaya, but he's bigger than I realized and apparently has pretty reliable hands. Honestly, he's a lot like Steven Jackson without the stunning track record.

Anyway, the question that needs to be addresseed is, "is the team better after this draft?" I can't see how anyone would say it isn't. We added the best Offensive Lineman and a Top Middle Linebacker to the fold and these were two spots of definite weakness. But what about the rest of the team? Sure we got better at two key spots, but that might not be enough, Let's take a look at our depth chart to see if it is.

Starting with the offense.

Quarterback:

Mark Bulger - 6'3" 212 - 32 years old - 5 years remaining on contract
Kyle Boller - 6'3" 220 - 27 years old - 1 year contract
Keith Null - 6'4" 222 - Rookie
Brock Berlin - 6'1" 215 - 27 years old - Will be a RFA

Here, I'm listing Null as the number 3 since I really think he'll displace Berlin. Berlin brings absolutely nothing to the table so why not go with Null, right? He's younger and could possibly become something...well, something better than Brock Berlin. Besides, it's not like you could make the argument that Berlin knows the system. No one really knows the system since it's a new system.

Running Back:

Steven Jackson - 6'2" 231 - 25 years old - 5 years left on contract
Kenneth Darby - 5'10" 211 - 26 years old - Will be a RFA
Chris Ogbonnaya - 6'1" 225 - 22 years old - Rookie
Antonio Pittman - 5'11" 195 - 23 years old - Will be a RFA
Brian Leonard - 6'1" 226 - 25 years old - 2 years left on contract

Well, there's some depth. Probably nothing that could take over if something happens to Jackson. (By the way, I'm slotting Ogbonnaya in the 3rd slot. No particular reason, but that's how I see it.) I'm still holding out hope the Rams get after Warrick Dunn. He'd be a difference maker.

(Note: Jeremiah Johnson did not get drafted)

Fullback:

Mike Karney - 5'11" 258 - 27 years old - Signed through 2011

That's it. Hope nothing happens to him, but what are you gonna do? Have two really good blocking Fullbacks on the roster at the same time? No. So, we should be fine here and since Karney is a great blocker, hopefully we'll keep Jackson healthier this year.

Wide Receiver:

Donnie Avery - 5'11" 190 - 24 years old - Signed through 2011
Laurent Robinson - 6'2" 195 - 23 years old - Signed through 2010
Keenan Burton - 6'1" 200 - 24 years old - Signed through 2010
Brooks Foster - 6'3" 205 - 23 years old - Rookie

After Foster, you'll see Derek Stanley, who's injured, followed by Travis Brown, Joel Filani, Chad Lucas, and Nate Jones. DON'T expect to see any of those guys on the roster this year. DO expect to see the Rams re-sign Dane Looker. You might also expect to see them add a veteran receiver who's either already available or becomes availalble during camp (but I wouldn't count on it). This is a very young receiving corps (average age 23.5 years), but I feel there is a ton of upside here. Not necessarily for this season (it'll be there in flashes), but it should start to develop and really start to blossom in 2010.

However, if our ground game takes off like a lot of us hope it will, then you'll see an immediate (positive) impact on our receiving corps. It all starts up front and we now have the horses to get it going.

Tight End:

Randy McMichael - 6'3" 255 - 29 years old - FA in 2010
Billy Bajema - 6'4" 255 - 26 years old - Under contract through 2011
Joe Klopfenstein - 6'5" 262 - 25 years old - FA in 2010
Daniel Fells - 6'4" 252 - 25 years old - FA in 2010
Eric Butler - 6'2" 255 - 24 years old - FA in 2010

Let's hope McMichael stays healthy. If he does, you can pretty much add him to the receiving corps making it much more potent. Then you add Steven Jackson and possibly Ogbonnaya and you've all of a sudden find a lot of options. Then if you can just add Warrick Dunn..............

Anyway, as far as Tight End, look for the Rams to draft one next season. Tight ends seem to be able to make the move to the NFL rather easily so it wasn't imperative to draft and groom McMichael's replacement this year.

Center:

Jason Brown - 6'3" 320 - 25 years old - Signed through 2013
Tim Mattran - 6'5" 298 - 24 years old - FA in 2010

I don't know who Tim Mattran is, and I don't care. Jason Brown is a difference maker and should improve things immensely.

Guard:

Richie Incognito - 6'3" 330 - 25 years old - FA in 2010
Jacob Bell - 6'4" 295 - 28 years old - Signed throught 2013
Jonn Greco - 6'5" 325 - 24 years old - RFA in 2011
Adam Goldberg - 6'7" 318 - 28 years old - Signed through 2010
Mark Setterstrom - 6'4" 314 - 25 years old - FA in 2010
Roy Schuening - 6'4" 308 - 25 years old - RFA in 2011

Lot's of depth here and with the addition of Brown as the Center, I expect Incognito and Bell to have great seasons.

Tackle:

Alex Barron - 6'7" 315 - 26 years old - FA in 2010
Jason Smith - 6'5" 298 - 22 years old - Rookie
Adam Goldberg - 6'7" 318 - 28 years old - Signed through 2010
Daren Heerspink - 6'6" 315 - 25 years old - FA in 2010

Jason Smith rounds out this line and should be able to step in on day one and have an impact. He's not Orlando Pace in his prime, but who is? What he is is a great athlete with a great work ethic who has been extremely good and has yet to reach his full potential. We should see great things from this line.

Average age of Line Starters: 25.2 years (Barron 26, Bell 28, Brown, 25, Incognito 25, Smith 22).

So, going into next year, we're going need a new Tight End and we'll have to probably draft a legit Quarterback plus possibly look for a big Receiver.

On to the Defense:

Defensive Tackle:

Adam Carriker - 6'6" 296 - 24 years old - Signed through 2011
Clifton Ryan - 6'3" 310 - 25 years old - RFA in 2010
Dorell Scott - 6'4" 320 - 23 years old - Rookie

After Scott, they'll have to find a possible fourth DT for the rotation from Willie Williams, Antwon Burton, and Michael Marquardt, or go out and sign someone who gets cut during camp. I really like those top three, but the depth is less than palatable.

Defensive End:

Chris Long - 6'4" 284 - 24 years old - Signed through 2012 (Voided 2013)
Leonard Little - 6'3" 263 - 34 years old - FA in 2010
James Hall - 6'2" 280 - 32 years old - FA in 2010
Victor Adeyanju - 6'4" 280 - 26 years old - FA in 2010
Eric Moore - 6'4" 268 - 28 years old - FA in 2010
C.J. Ah You - 6'4" 275 - 26 years old - FA in 2010

There's enough depth here for the season, but look for the team to move on without Little after this season. And despite what some may say, Chris Long had a good season last year and should improve under Coach Spagnoulo.

Middle Linebacker:

James Laurinaitis - 6'3" 240 - 22 years old - Rookie
David Vobora - 6'1" 236 - 23 years old - ERFA in 2010

Laurinaitis lends stability, leadership, and legitimacy to the middle of our defense. He'll be a difference maker.

Outside Linebacker:

Will Witherspoon - 6'1" 240 - 28 years old - FA in 2012
Pisa Tinoisamoa - 6'1" 235 - 27 years old - FA in 2012
Chris Draft - 5'11" 232 - 33 years old - FA in 2010
Chris Chamberlain - 6'2" 226 - 23 years old - RFA in 2011

We've got good depth here and with the addition of Laurinaitis at MLB, we can now move Witherspoon back outside where he is a legitimate playmaker. Pisa is a bit of a weak link, but should improve with the upgrades at MLB and SLB. Nevertheless, look for the Rams to find a new WLB next year but it's not going to be on the top of the list since Pisa is locked up until 2012.

Cornerback:

Ron Bartell - 6'1" 205 - 27 years old - Signed through 2012
Tye Hill - 5'10" 185 - 26 years old - FA in 2010
Bradley Fletcher - 6'2" 200 - 22 years old - Rookie
Justin King - 6'0" 186 - 21 years old - RFA in 2011
Jonathan Wade - 5'10" 195 - 25 years old - RFA in 2010

After Wade, you'll see Marcus Brown and Eric Butler. This isn't the fanciest of units, but the addition of Fletcher's size could help a ton when going up against the giant receivers in our division. Then again, if the defensive line can put adequate pressure on the quarterback, then you make the job of the DBs that much easier.

Strong Safety:

James Butler - 6'3" 215 - 26 years old - Signed through 2012
Todd Johnson - 6'1" 200 - 30 years old - FA in 2011
David Roach - 6'2" 215 - 23 years old - ERFA in 2010

The addition of Butler to the Defensive backfield should greatly help out the CBs. He was great under Spags last year and looks to continue that success.

Free Safety:

O.J. Atogwe - 5'11" 211 - 27 years old - FA in 2010
Eric Bassey - 6'1" 200 - 26 years old - RFA in 2010
Craig Dahl - 6'1" 207 - 23 years old - FA in 2010

We should be expecting a lot out of the duo of Atogwe and Butler this season. Those two make our Defensive backfield legit. Atogwe is franchised this season. Look for the Rams to lock him up next offseason (hopefully before the offseason).

So, there you have it. This is the roster as it stands today. I'd still like to see a D-Lineman who's been cut to fill out the rotation along, and you all know how I feel about Warrick Dunn.

Next season, look for the Rams to add a top tier Quarterback (Lefevour? Please?), a Tight End, a WLB (maybe), a DL, CB, and a big Receiver. They could possibly find the Linebacker, Receiver, and D-Lineman through free agency. They'll also have to address Atogwe at some point.

Bottom line is, this isn't done. This team has been improved, but we had a long ways to go. This is a great start and the team is extremely young and there is talent emerging in the right areas.

Looking to Looker for experience at WR

VanRam — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 16:32:39 -0000

You know it's a slow day when you're getting a post about Dane Looker. And what exactly do we want to say about Dane Looker?

Look, you and I both know the Rams don't have a lot of experience at WR - note I said they lack experience not talent - the two guys on the depth chart behind Donnie Avery - Keenan Burton and the newly acquired Laurent Robinson - carry big question marks. Now, teams have gone far with lesser receiving corps, but there's usually always some experience on the roster...that and an unstoppable defense and/or running game. There's not exactly anyone on the free agent market who'd be considered elite, to say the least, but there is plenty of experience, and some names the Rams could be considering. From a Pro Football Weekly item last week:

...we hear it’s quite possible the Rams might decide to re-up with veteran free agent Dane Looker after the draft if he's still available. Consistent and reliable, Looker has managed to stick around because of his savvy, versatility and special-teams ability. After the draft, we hear it’s also possible that the Rams might consider adding veteran free-agent WR Amani Toomer, whom Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo is familiar with from their time spent together with the Giants, or perhaps Ike Hilliard, a former Giant who was released by Tampa Bay.

They could do a lot worse than Toomer or Hillard, who would just be one-year hands hired to work the ranch as the Rams rebuild. Football Outsiders even suggested Philly WR Hank Baskett, a restricted free agent the Eagles tendered at a second round level. That seems unlikely until you consider that the Eagles are interested in some big names like Ocho Cinco and earlier talk about being a player for Anquan Boldin. If that happens, they might be willing to let Baskett walk since they also have Kevin Curtis, DeSean Jackson and Reggie Brown on the roster, unless they see his productivity from last season as a sign of things to come.

Baskett would be a nice get, more of a long-term solution at 26 than Toomer or Hillard. I also like his blocking ability. The Rams have decent blocking WRs in Burton and Robinson, but, again, we come back to the injury question marks surrounding those two. It seems pretty unlikely that Baskett will be a Ram.

And so we're back to Looker. He's a known commodity. He can block, play special teams (he's a fine holder). Don't overlook the blocking thing; one of Robinson or Burton is likely to be healthy at any point in the season but just one blocker among the WRs isn't enough. Looker wouldn't be much of a cap hit either. He's not your playmaker to complement Avery, but seems like a useful enough part to have around, as Tackle Box mentioned in his Being Billy Devaney series.

Bringing Looker back makes sense and gives the team some much needed experience at WR, but is that going to be enough?

2009 Rams free agents - offense

VanRam — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 16:11:39 -0000

With plenty of roster turnover predicted - and needed - the Rams may get some help through parting ways with some free agents. Which Rams free agents should the team hang hang on to and which ones should go? Let's take a look.

QB Brock Berlin - He's a Restricted free agent (RFA), and probably worth keeping around to see if he can earn the vaunted 3rd QB spot in camp this summer.

RB Sakmon Gado - Why bother?

RB Travis Minor - A Linehan employee, Minor hasn't really contributed much beyond special teams. With the Rams in the market for a studly #2 RB and Brian Leonard coming back from injury, Minor would be a major inconvenience on the roster.

KR/WR Dante Hall - Adios. Some much needed money off the books for the Rams, the close of another "meh" free agent story.

WR Dane Looker - They guy played hard this season, and probably earned the right to compete for a roster spot next year. He surely wouldn't be expensive to keep around, at least in his role as a holder.

OG Richie Incognito, RFA - He has value, or does he? See our earlier discussion(s) of Incognito's future with the Rams.

OG Mark Setterstrom, RFA - If he can play, I'd love to see him in uniform again. The Rams could certainly use him. Unfortunately, a shattered knee cap may have ended his career.

OT Brandon Gorin - The Rams signed him to a one year deal last spring, and then he got injured in camp an put on IR. Might be worth considering for depth competition at camp.

OL Adam Goldberg - Played 2008 on a one year deal. He's been useful as a depth guy, playing multiple positions on the line. Probably worth keeping since he'd be cheap.

Alright, weigh in.

Rams looking for a return man (again)

VanRam — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 16:23:10 -0000

With Derek Stanley now joining the other half of the Rams original 53-man roster on IR, the team will be auditioning other return men.

Kenneth Darby handled kick returns in Stanley's absense last Sunday, with solid results. But it's tough to gauge those two returns fairly since Seattle, on average, allows more yards per return, 26.4, than any other team. They're among the top five in total punt return yardage too.

According to Haslett, the Rams will continue to use Darby on kick returns and turn to Dan Looker for punt returns.

Mercifully, the Rams have just two more games this season. Why not use the speedy Donnie Avery to return kicks? The offense is in the tank, and it's just not reasonable to assume they can start clicking at this point. Let's see what Avery can do returning kicks.

Obviously, Avery's future isn't as a kick returner; he offers too much value on offense to max him out. These last two games are more akin to auditions, giving players and (potential) coaches a look at the skill set among the younger players; hence Darby's increased role. That's fine, but out of curiosity at the very least, I'd like to see Avery return some kicks.