SB Nation - Roy Schuening

Full Rundown of Lions' Recent Roster Moves

Sean Yuille — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:50:22 -0000

The Lions have been quite busy this week making changes to their roster. I wouldn't exactly call it a roster shakeup considering injuries forced two of the moves, but I am glad there are at least a few new faces in wake of what happened in Baltimore last Sunday. The season is as good as over already, but the Lions might as well get a look at as many players as they can with 2010 quickly approaching. Anyway, here is a rundown of the moves the Lions made this week:

Placed RB Kevin Smith (knee) and TE Casey FitzSimmons (concussion) on injured reserve
Signed RB Cedric Peerman from the practice squad to fill Smith's spot on the roster
Signed free agent TE Michael Matthews to fill FitzSimmons' spot on the roster
Claimed CB/KR Brian Witherspoon (he was waived by Jacksonville on Monday)
Released CB Jahi Word-Daniels to make room for Witherspoon
Released FB Terrelle Smith just days after Baltimore's Terrell Suggs called him out for taking a cheap shot at his injured knee
Claimed OG Roy Schuening to fill the open roster spot (he was waived by Oakland on Tuesday)
Signed WR Eric Fowler and DT Terrance Taylor (former Michigan player) to the practice squad

As you can see, it's been a busy week for the Lions. Although the season is winding down, it's at least good to see that the front office still has its eyes glued to the waiver wire. You never know when you might stumble upon somebody who just needed a change of scenery to really get his career going. At the same time, many of other teams' cast offs are upgrades over players currently on the roster, so the Lions probably figure that they might as well bring in talent whenever they can.

Rams make final roster cuts

VanRam — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 21:29:00 -0000

The Rams have made their roster moves to trim down to 53 players. No real surprises on the list, but a couple of names caused me to do a double take.

Here's the official list:

LB K.C. Asiodu, QB Brock Berlin, DT Antwon Burton, TE Eric Butler, DE Ian Campbell, WR Tim Carter, WR Ronald Curry, LB Dominic Douglas, T Renardo Foster, FB Jerome Johnson, S Todd Johnson, C Tim Mattran, RB Chris Ogbonnaya, CB Cord Parks, RB Antonio Pittman, S Mark Rubin, G Roy Schuening, T Phil Trautwein and WR Sean Walker.

Carriker and DE Eric Moore went on IR.

I was a little surprised by Johnson's name on this list, since he's been a part of the special teams and filled in for Corey Chavous down the stretch last year. Then again, it's not like he was anything special, and Spags brought in his own guy in Craig Dahl.

Congrats to Roger Allen III for making the cut.

What's interesting about this is that the Rams kept just five wide receivers: Avery, Burton, Robinson, Stanley, and Nate Jones.

Next task will be getting players signed to the practice squad...and combing the wires for available help elsewhere. I'd definitely think Ogbonnaya and Schuening will be on the practice squad, possibly Parks too.

Rams make Null 3rd QB

VanRam — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 18:20:18 -0000

by Jeff Roberson - AP

St. Louis Rams rookie quarterback Keith Null became the team's third QB when the Rams cut QB Brock Berlin today.

View full size photo »

Keith Null became the Rams third QB today, as the team parted ways with Brock Berlin as part of their efforts to get the roster down to 53 players by the league's deadline today.

It's a little bit of surprise and not so much. Berlin played well in the preseason, but their stats were very similar when you boiled it down. Null, however, was a draft pick of the current regime; Berlin was not. Null's younger than Berlin, 28, which gives the Rams coaching staff time to bring him along and see what they have when camp rolls around next year.

Among the others cut so far today was guard Roy Schuening, a fifth rounder from last year's draft. I thought he did okay in the preseason, even getting a little time with the ones due to injuries among the starters. Setterstrom and Greco will be the primary backups in the middle. I wonder if they'll keep another guard, since Setts is the backup center? Roger Allen?

Other cuts so far include: C Tim Mattran, OT Renardo Foster and FB Jerome Johnson, no surprises there. And earlier we reported that WR Ronald Curry was cut. DT Adam Carriker has been placed on IR, giving the Rams another roster spot as they trim from 74 to 53.

A look at ALL of the St. Louis Rams rookies

VanRam — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 14:31:00 -0000

With rookies in the mix for training camp today, I started thinking about just how many rookies are on the current St. Louis Rams roster. Sure, we know the big name guys from the draft, but there's a lot of other guys in camp this month with every intention of working their tails off in an effort to make the team, even though most of them won't find spots on the 53-man or even the practice squad roster.

Rather than go name by name, let's see if we can field a full team, offense and defense, with rookies currently on the Rams roster. (Note: I'm using the official position designation for each player from the roster listed on the Rams official site).

OFFENSE

LT: Jason Smith

LG: Roger Allen III (this is a player coveted by a number of teams after and before the draft. He has a real shot to make the final cut or the practice squad for the Rams.

C: Daniel Sanders (read more about Sanders here).

RG: ...and here's where my theory falls apart. Allen is the only rookie listed as a guard. If you expand the definition to include players who have never seen an NFL snap, then Roy Schuening fits here. Speaking of Schuening, he'll really have to work hard in camp this year to compete for a spot, even a practice squad spot.

RT: Phil Trautwein

QB: Keith Null (Nulls is essentially competing with Brock Berlin for the third QB job, and I'm predicting he'll earn that spot).

HB: Chris Ogbonnaya

FB: Jerome Johnson

TE: There are no rookie TEs on the Rams right now. Again, expanding it to include guys who haven't played an NFL snap, you can list Eric Butler.

WR (2): Brooks Foster, Jarrett Byers, and Sean Walker

DEFENSE

DE (2): Ian Campbell and...C.J. Ah You falls under the expanded definition, after spending the entire season on the Rams practice squad last year.

DT: (2): Darell Scott and that's it, nobody else at DT even fits the expanded definition, though there are several guys vying for a spot they're unlikely to get now that the Rams have signed Hollis Thomas.

LB (3): James Laurinaitis, Dominic Douglas, K.C. Asiodu

S (2): There are no rookies on the team to play either safety position. Only Eric Roach meets the expanded definition.

CB (2): Bradley Fletcher, Cord Parks

Other than potential return men, there are no rookie specialists on the team, not that you'd need them with K Josh Brown and P Donnie Jones. As camp moves along, we'll keep track of this list, with an eye on which rookies get cut and which rookies are making the most of their audition.

Rams mix it up on the strongside

VanRam — Thu, 28 May 2009 12:11:25 -0000

More photos » by Jeff Roberson - AP

St. Louis Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo is looking for a strongside linebacker to emerge. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

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What do you say about OTAs? It can be difficult enough for fans to glean anything from training camp, and in OTAs the players aren't even wearing pads. Still, there are a couple of interesting items worth comment from the PD's report from OTAs yesterday.

Looking to fill the hole left at strongside LB when the team released Tinoisamoa, Spagnuolo and defensive coordinator Ken Flajole used David Vobora and Larry Grant, a couple of seventh round picks from last year's draft. We saw Vobora play some last year, even pressed into starting duty late in the season. Grant intrigues me as an option on the strongside, where he spent most of his time at Ohio State. He's quick and a good open field hitter, who showed some ability to rush the passer tallying five sacks in his senior year. He clocks in at 6'1" 235 lbs, and I wonder if they won't get him to bulk up just a little bit between now and September. Spags and Co. reportedly think highly of Grant, and don't overlook the fact that he played next to this year's second round pick, MLB James Laurinaitis, at Ohio State.

The starting offensive line is set, though first round pick OT Jason Smith is working with the second team to learn the playbook. The first level of depth for each o-line spot is still subject to change, but listen to who's lining up behind the starters for now: LT Eric Young, LG Roy Schuening, C Mark Setterstrom, RG John Greco, and RT Adam Goldberg.

That's not exactly how it would shake out if a player went down with an injury. Smith could very well slide over to LT if Barron was out, with Goldberg replacing him. Greco would likely be the first to fill in at either guard spot. I like Setterstrom at C, where he's done solid work in the past, but I still wonder if sliding Incognito to C and plugging in Greco at RG wouldn't be the best route if Jason Brown missed a game. Of course, it's likely been a while since Incognito snapped a ball. I know nothing about Eric Young's ability. He was signed as an undrafted FA by the Browns last year, and the Rams grabbed the former Tennessee Volunteer when they waived him. I'm anxious to see what Phil Trautwein can do in camp, along with some of the other undrafted rookie linemen the Rams signed this year.

Back at you soon...

On the bubble: Which Rams need a good offseason to keep their job

VanRam — Wed, 06 May 2009 13:59:27 -0000

More photos » by Jeff Roberson - AP

St. Louis Rams rookie seventh-round draft pick running back Chris Ogbonnaya could force some veterans off the roster with strong camp. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

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New coaches, a new front office, and a host of roster changes, including the release of two long-time franchise greats, have marked the Rams offseason of change. As hard as it is to believe, the changes aren't done yet. There are some familiar names, familiar to Rams fans anyway, fighting for roles in the months ahead.

In his chat at the Post-Dispatch website yesterday, Bill Coats singled out CB Tye Hill, which should come as no surprise. Here's what he said about the Rams first round pick from 2006:

...he didn't have a very good minicamp and still seems to be affected by his knee injury from last season...I'd go even further and say this is a make-or-break preseason for Hill. If he can't earn the starting spot at the other corner, then he doesn't have much of a future here.

Like I said, not a huge surprise. If Alex Barron plays better this year, then Tye Hill might officially become the biggest disappointment for the Rams in recent years, in my opinion. At times, Hill has shown us glimpses of the talent that made him a first round pick, but injuries and inconsistency have really derailed his career. Tye Hill isn't the only player "on the bubble" heading into camp with a job on the line. Here's a look at some of the other players. (Note: This doesn't include rookies, since they haven't really established any kind of role with the team yet, just players who have been here that have a big case to make.)

TE Joel Klopfenstein - Another "no surprise" candidate and another disappointment from the 2006 draft. The second round pick has never blocked well or done enough offensively to justify his draft status, and now he's in danger of losing his roster spot to a mid-season free agent pickup from last season, Daniel Fells.

RB/FB Brian Leonard - I think Leonard's chances of sticking on the roster are better than Klop's; however, he has to prove he has some kind of role with the team, a role he fills better than Darby, Pittman, Ogbonnaya, Gado, or another potential RB addition that the team could make before the season starts.

RB Antonio Pittman - Really, you can put just about every Rams running back not named Steven Jackson on this list, though I think Kenneth Darby has a pretty good shot to stick as a third down back/return man. Pittman had the second most carries of any Rams RB last season, 79, and averaged 3.7 yards per carry. However, for a speedy guy he never really broke off a long run for a big play. Certainly the Rams poor o-line gets some of the blame, but Pittman has to earn a roster spot this summer.

G Roy Schuening - I really thought Schuening had the chops to be a contributor last year, but he only saw action in one game. And after last season, he still had some supporters in the building who thought he could be a solid player. Now, he's got some legit competition to round out the depth roles for the interior line with rookie free agents Roger Allen III and Ray Feinga.

QB Brock Berlin - Say what you want about the wisdom of the Rams drafting QB Keith Null in the sixth round, he threw the ball well in minicamp and could be a good fit as the third QB in the Rams new West Coast offense. That would make Berlin expendable.

LB Quentin Culberson - There's a log jam of young potential depth guys at LB, but Culberson stands out because he was the guy the Rams liked well enough to justify letting Brandon Chillar walk. If he can step it up in camp and through the season, he could be in line for a job as a starting strong-side linebacker, putting Tinoisamoa's name on this list for next season.

LBs David Vorbora & Chris Chamberlain - Both seventh round picks from last year's draft saw action last season on special teams and with the defense. Vobora even started a game...and he was Mr. Irrelevant you know. Despite their interesting stories from last season, their jobs are far from secure as some of the undrafted rookies and others, like free agent acquisition from last year Larry Grant, could push them for roles on special teams and in the LB rotation.

Obviously, there are other players who'll find themselves in a make or break campaign. These guys just stand out the most. Who else might be in danger of losing a job, or at least a prominent role with the team? Expect this list to evolve once camp starts in July and the season gets closer.

Who are 'your guys?'

Mocking Dan — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 01:03:16 -0000

Every year, for good or bad, I really fall for a few prospects. I refer to them as "my guy" and get pretty stoked when they're picked.

I never designate a high draft pick "my guy" or someone who plays for my favorite team (Akron - don't laugh, please).

Sometimes "my guy" ends up being a solid choice. Last year, it was Michigan linebacker Shawn Crable. I really liked KIrk Morrison of San Diego State in 2005. In 2004 it was, oddly, Memphis kicker Stephen Gostkowski. In 2001, it was Floyd Womack, mostly because I really, really like pork chops.

Other times, "my guy" has an embarrassingly poor career. In 2006, it was Darnell Bing. In 2007, it was sort of Paul Oliver, who was taken in the supplemental draft. There are plenty of others, like Roy Schuening or Lynell Hamilton, but I don't want to make myself look too bad.

This year, I have selected a few guys as "my guy." It's a high honor, clearly. Here they are:

- Jamarca Sanford, Strong safety, Ole Miss
Reason: He's very fast and gets after the ball. Just fun to watch on the field.

- Julian Edelman, Quarterback, Kent State
Reason: What, he's not ranked anywhere on the site? I know. He doesn't really have a position. It's just a coincidence that the next Josh Cribbs is going to come from the same school.

- Kevin Barnes, Cornberback, Maryland
Reason: Before a nasty knee injury, this guy was incredible. He was very fun to watch and has good ball skills. If he's as athletic as he was as a junior, he could be a steal.

- Tyrell Sutton, Running back, Northwestern
Reason: He's another guy who looked so much better early in his career before injuries struck. He's a very intelligent guy and a good receiver.

Tell me, who are "your guys?"

Being Billy Devaney - G

Tackle Box — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 18:10:51 -0000

First let me say, sorry for getting the BBD up so late. This has been a rough week and I've had absolutely zero time to myself. It's going to be border-line hectic for the next couple of weeks so I'm just going to have to ask you to hang in there with me. Deal? I hope so...

Now, at this time, I've come to the conclusion that we need to take the BBD series in a slightly different direction. As far as positions that are an immediate need for someone who can step in and provide an impact (or at least step in and be a starter), we've covered them. MLB, OT, WR, SS, CB, and DT are all major areas of need for the Rams and while it might not be realistic to think we can solve all of those positions in one off-season, I'd like to think the team is determined to either solve or patch those areas with a focus on the remainders next year. But that doesn't mean the job is done. There's still areas of depth and future that need a little tending to so that's what we're going to look at today when we dissect the Offensive Guard position.

So, now the change. Before, I was breaking down the roster, then a look at what was available in free agency, and finally what the top picks in the draft would look like in regards to that position. Now, since we're not necessarily looking for a star at these positions, it's probably safe to say they won't be looking to free agency to fill these needs, so I'm going to forego looking at free agency. Now there might be someone cut loose during training camp that would come in at a bargain price, but right now most of that is simply speculation. Plus, we are at the point where spending money on a free agent to fill one of these backup positions would have to wait on getting draft picks signed.

Also, I'd like to point out, I'll no longer be looking at what is available in the first 4 rounds of the draft. I think it's safe to say, the Rams won't be drafting a Guard in the 2nd round. The top 4 draft picks are probably spoken for and will shake down among the positions listed above, so it's pointless to even consider any of the top guys in the draft.

So, with that being said, let's take a look at the Offensive Guards.

So, as far as the Guard position is concerned, the Rams are fairly healthy. The guys on the roster may not exactly be the future, but they're definitely good enough to count on for a season or two. So, let's look at the roster.

Richie Incognito - 6'3" 330 - Signed through 2009 - Well, I guess he's not officially signed, but the team did make a tender to the restricted free agent and it would cost any team signing him a third round draft pick so it's safe to say he'll be with the Rams this season. Anyway, Richie is everyone's favorite football player around here, right? Umm... Well, he's got amazing talent, is ornery as all get out, but also often displays the maturity of a 4-year old. He has some versatility in that he can play either Guard position as well as Center. Hopefully the new coaching staff can harness this creature and he becomes a mainstay on the Line (he is only 25 years old and has a lot of service time ahead of him). If not, it's probably Siyanora before the 2010 season rolls around.
Jacob Bell - 6'4" 295 - Signed through 2013 - When the Rams made this signing last off-season, many of us loved it. Then Bell had a bit of a disappointing 2009 campaign which resulted in some talk of him being a bust. Put me in the camp of those who are still optimistic about Bell. He's only 28 and with the addition of Jason Brown as Center, I think we'll all see a much improved version of Jacob Bell next season......that is unless he's playing Right Tackle.
John Greco - 6'5" 318 - Signed through 2010 - Talk about a man of mystery. As a thrid round pick last year he rarely played last season, when he did it was near the end of the season when no one was watching, and Rotoworld.com doesn't even have a picture of him. Add this to his almost cult like following here (well, sortof) and I'm starting to think Mr. Greco is the Rams version of Brain Barton. All signs point to a guy who's young and who has talent. If Bell actually does play RT, then Greco's probably the man to start at Guard, but even if Bell doesn't make the switch, it's probably safe to say Greco might still be in the running to start if he impresses in the pre-season.
Adam Goldberg - 6'7" 318 - Signed through 2010 - Sure, Goldie's probably more of a Tackle, but he's kind of a utility man for the Rams line in that he can play (and pretty much has) every position on the line. He's not a Pro-Bowler by any stretch of the imagination, but he's an important piece to the depth and stability of the Offensive Line. He can start in a pinch and not be a disaster. Actually, that's probably a little harsh. Adam is more than competent at every position he's asked to play and it seems as if he's accepted his role in the NFL, which makes him even more valuable.
Roy Schuening - 6'4" 308 - Signed through 2010 - Schuening is a depth guy. He's probably not going to start, but he's young, got attitude, and does a decent job at Guard.
Mark Setterstrom - 6'4" 314 - Signed through 2009 - Setterstrom is a guy that lends depth and flexibility to the offensive line. He's cheap and young but he's had plenty of issues with injuries. Strictly a depth guy at this point.

So, there you have it. There's top talent and there's plenty of depth and versatility. Not too shabby especially after looking at positions like Cornerback and Wide Receiver the past couple of weeks.

As far as the draft, it wouldn't be the worst thing for the Rams to look to add someone in the later rounds who might have some upside. Is there anyone who fits that bill? Who really knows when you're looking toward the last few rounds of the draft and you don't know who's going to slip through the cracks and whatnot. But let's see what's projected to be there after the 4th round.

(Here's MockingDan's Offensive Guard rankings)

Louis Vasquez - Texas Tech - 6'6" 335 - Vasquez might not quite be there in the 5th, but there's always a possibility. If he is, the Rams would be hard pressed not to draft him (if they've satisfied their more pressing needs and really want a backup Guard with potential). He's big and really impressed in the combine putting up 39 reps (more than any other Offensive Lineman. Vasquez excelled as a pass protector but can also get after it when run blocking as well. Can be a bit of a mauler.
Anthony Parker - Tennessee - 6'3" 300 - Parker played 39 games for Tennessee. He might project out more as a Center due to his size,which is a position he's played in the past, but he's probably a better Guard. He's faster than the average lineman (5.08 40-yard). Was 2nd Team All-SEC in 2009.
Ray Feinga - BYU - 6'5" 331 - Is actually pretty quick on his feet with great lateral movement and has great size. He was named to the All-Mountain West First Team and was part of a very successful BYU offense where he was used primarily in 1 on 1 situations. Has shown the ability to succeed in both pass and run blocking.
Andy Kemp - Wisconsin - 6'6" 315 - Was named a All- Big Ten Honorable Mention and at one point started 20 consecutive games for the Badgers (broken hand). Some scouts prefer Kemp to teammate Kraig Urbik (projected as high as the 3rd round) since he is a "typical Wisconsin power football player. He won't start but he'll be a good backup."
Travis Bright - BYU - 6'5" 329 - Named to the All-Mountain West Second Team. Another part of the powerful BYU offense. Is older than the typical draftee (26) since he served on a Church Mission and while his potential is somewhat limited, he should be able to step in and play right away as a backup. Might be able to sign Bright as an un-drafted free agent.
Rich Ohrnberger - Penn State - 6'2" 291 - Was named as an All-Big Ten First Teamer and AP All-America Third Teamer. Had a good senior campaign at Penn State. Doesn't have great size but makes up for it with improved technique and great physical play. Extremely talented and considered to be a great teammate.
C.J. Davis - Pittsburgh - 6'3" 310 - All-Big East First Teamer. Started at Left Guard his entire career at Pittsburgh until a late injury caused a vacancy at Center where Davis finished out the season. Made 42 consecutive starts and is considered an accomplished run blocker.
Cedric Dockery - Texas - 6'4" 320 - All Big XII Honorable Mention two years after tearing his ACL. Played well after coming back from the injury.

And the list goes on and on. After Dockery, you start to see a common theme. Guys who can excel in at least one aspect of the position, great size, and usually played in systems where there was great success either running or throwing the ball. Some other names to consider are Jaimie Thomas (Maryland), George Bussey (Louisville), Roland Martin (Michigan State), Paul Fanaika (Arizona State), Greg Isdaner (West Virginia), Roger Allen (Missouri Western), and Seth Olsen (Iowa). All of these men would provide depth, but I'm not sold on their potential.

For the Rams to get potential along with one of these picks they're really going to have to do their homework, pick someone who matches up perfectly with their coaching staff, and simply get lucky to some extent. If I were trying to do this a safely as possible, I'd probably target Travis Bright of BYU. He's not going to be a starter for you 4 or 5 years down the road (probably), but he is mature and extremely reliable and could step in and spot start in a second.

However, if I were determined to add someone with real potential, I'd have to target Vasquez, Parker, and Feinga. All three of those guys would be good late picks and you could probably get Parker or Feinga a round or two later than you'd find Vasquez.

So, there's your late round look at the Guard position. Honestly, the Rams probably have enough depth at this position, but as we've seen before, you really can't have enough quality depth on your offensive line. There is great value in knowing your backups can step in and not miss a beat if and when they're called upon.

Not having quality depth at the Center position caused a lot of problems for this team last season (and probably in the season before) and I don't see this regime allowing that to happen again at Center or any of the other Offensive Line positions.

It's just too costly and can absolutely wreck your season.

Recent Draft History: St. Louis Rams

Jeremy Bolander — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 20:00:10 -0000

2008 Draft:

1 (2) Chris Long, DE STARTER

While Long's production may not be where many would like to see it, it is generally regarded as acceptable for defensive linemen to take a little time to develop, and in Chris' case, he does all the little things to make you comfortable with giving him that leeway. Reportedly a hard studier and film-room buff, he is a solid guy in practice and hustles on the field. The feeling, and it seems pretty accurate, is that he is well on his way to being a consistent, and possibly stellar, player.

2 (33) Donnie Avery, WR STARTER

Avery contributed immediately to the team, posting good numbers for a rookie WR and flashing some terrific instincts, body control and hands. The Rams liked his efforts enough to name him their rookie of the year, and he has a bright future ahead of him as the team improves around him

3 (65) John Greco, OT Backup

Greco came along slowly, but was moved ahead of G Incognito on the depth chart at the end of the season, where he was adequate. WIth Incognito likely to attempt an "attitude-readjustment" there will likely be a battle in camp for the starting RG spot. While Greco could win the spot in a darkhorse role, Cogs is certainly capable of hanging on to it, and Greco may end up learning to backup the C and LG in order to capitalize on his roster spot, and better position himself for an inevitable move into the starting lineup someday.

4 (107) Justin King, CB Backup

Sidelined by an injury in training camp, he looks to be healthy and ready to return. He will need to catch the coaches eye all over agian, but he was on his way to doing that once ,and he has the confidence to repeat it.

4 (128) Keenan Burton, WR Backup

Burton found himself in and out of the lineup with injuries and inconsistent play, but flashed the ability to play a possession role in a more spread out offense. Unfortunately, if he doesn't get more durable, playing over the middle will drop his value out of sight, and the Rams won't be willing to hang onto him.

5 (157) Roy Schuening, OG Backup

A promising prospect who is being developed very carefully by the Rams. May compete for a backup spot, but could likely end up on the practice squad in 09, with redundant interior depth ahead of him. He got off to a rough start, and the season finished with him not getting in on the "talent scouting" where the team played a lot of their depth in the final games, but in between reporst from the front office for him were favorable, so he seems to be doing the little things behind the scenes.

7 (228) Chris Chamberlain, SS/OLB Backup

After spending the season inactive he was able to get on the field towards the year, but didn't turn any heads while getting reps at OLB. his coverage skills appear to be solid, and he could provide key depth at the SAM position going forward.

7 (252) David Vobora, ILB Backup

Vobora didn't impress with plenty of playing time. He might be best suited to a move outside, as he is a tad undersized, but the Rams will likely try to upgrade the middle,a nd he will end up ahving his work cut out for him to keep a job.

2007 Draft:

1 (13) Adam Carriker, DT STARTER

Too small to be plugged in at NT, Carriker may shift to 34DE in the Rams new scheme, and the hope is that this could avert what looms as a "bust" scenario with Carriker. While DTs take some time to develop, Carriker has proven ineffective against the run, and so his development has been questioned. As a DE his skills may still be underutilized, but at least he would have less expected of him. if he can get his stock back up the Rams may decide that he is better suited going to another team.

2 (52) Brian Leonard, RB Backup

With only two games in two years at an impact position, Leonard may be looking at a ticket out of town, soon. He hasn't shown the ability to backup at RB reliably, and he isn't an effective FB, as evidenced by the FA FB signings. As a high #2, this pick isn't working out, and the disappointment is palpable.

3 (84) Jonathon Wade, CB

Wade was able to get provide a decent contribution as a rookie, but found himself being edged out for a starting spot in 2008. He did come in and replace Fakhir Brown a few times, adequately, and his progress has been noted by his coaches. He will likely be let to develop.

5 (139) Dustin Fry, C Backup/Cleveland

After making the PS and seeing a few actiavtions here and there, he was eventually cut in favor of other OL depth and eventually picked up by Cleveland, where he is signed to a practice squad contract.

5 (154) Clifton Ryan, NT Backup

closer to what the Rams need at NT, he has shown only limited ability to hold up to a double team. While he is not he runstopping answer the Rams are looking for, he still appears to be a solid member of the d-line rotation. With his contract coming up next year, the Rams will have to evaluate his long term viability in their new scheme.

6 (190) Ken Shackleford, OT Out of NFL

After doing nothing in St. Louis he was picked up and alter released by the Kansas City Chiefs, and remains unclaimed after a year.

7 (248) Keith Jackson, NT Out of NFL

Son of former probowler TE Keith Jackson Sr., this underwhelming prospect was out of St.Louis and then SD within a year and a half. He was never resigned by any teams.

7 (249) Derek Stanley, WR/KR Backup

Going into the final year of his contract, the odds are stacked against Stanley. With insignificant contributions on offense, and limited production in inconsistent STs roles, an ACL injury to close out 2008 came at exactly the wrong time. Inlikely to be 100% by training camp, Stanley and his agent should be looking at post 2009 plans.

2006 Draft:

1 (15) Tye Hill, CB Backup

Though he should have a starter's abiltiy, too many injuries ahve sidelined his potential and shattered his confidence. Under new coaching, he may get new life breathed into him, but it may also be too little too late.

2 (46) Joe Klopfenstein, TE Backup

Great talent but epic underachievement equals immense disappointment in this promising prospect. He could very well be the key to what ails the Rams offense, but inconsistency, injuries and an overall lack of "it" have made him a poster child for the Ram's struggles the past three years. He may still dig himselfout of this hole, but at this point, it isn't likely.

3 (68) Claude Wroten, DT Suspended

Another epic failure, but this time in the character department. Wroten never really provided any impact on the Dline in two years of rotating in and out, so his 2008 suspension for the entire season could hardly be said to have hurt the Rams,at least, no more than they were used to. He will be eligible for reinstatement May 30th, but that is likely to mean very little.

3 (77) Jon Alston, LB Backup/Oakland

A promising prospect who never managed to step in in St.Louis, he went to Oakland where he saw his share of deactivations, yet managed to impress the oakland front-office enough to earn a tender during his restricted free agency.

3 (93) Dominique Byrd, TE Out of NFL

Another low-character flyer that bit the Rams where it hurts, he saw himself at the center of infractions for DUI, and hten for criminal conduct and armed battery in a nightclub incident. Rams fans everywhere breathed a sigh of relief when the housecleaning swept this one out.

4 (113) Victor Adenyaju, DE STARTER

A rare draft hit for the Rams pre-Devaney front office, Adenyaju provided solid run support depth and was a high-motor, high-character kind of guy. His high tender in 2009 shows that he is someone the team would like to hang onto if they can, and he could be a key free agent re-sign in the future.

5 (144) Marques Hagans, WR/KR Backup/Redskins

Haggans is the prototypical underacheiver, with just enough upside to stick around, but who never manages to step up when he needs to. After the Rams shipped him out after a lingering hamstring injury sidelined him, he was practice squad player for the Chiefs, Colts and now, Redskins.

7 (221) Tim McGarigle, LB Out of NFL

No real sticking power, he was released to make room fo rhis replacement, never a good sign.

7 (242) Mark Setterstrom, G Backup

While he has played well replacing injured players, he himself too often has been injured, including a recent knee injury that is questionable enough for the Rams not to tender him in restricted free agency. After the chips fall where they may, Setterstrom will need to prove he can overcome the latest injury to have a future in the NFL.

7 (243) Tony Palmer, G Out of NFL

After being underwhelming in STL, the Packers picked him up where he never seemed to pick up enough practice reps to get a shot at the lineup, missing practice time, and being deactivated too many times. After a neck injury sent him to IR, the packers waived him when he failed his physical.

How will the Rams o-line shape up for '09?

VanRam — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 16:28:10 -0000

The Rams offensive line is in a state of flux, a good state of flux, but there are number of questions still to be settled. The signing of Jason Brown gives the Rams the meaty, tough pivot man that's been lacking for some time. That, combined with the near certain departure of long-time bulwark LT Orlando Pace, underscores a big change for the Rams line as it gets younger and prepared to pave wide open lanes through the near future. But what about the rest of the line? What will it look like for the 2009 season?

More likely than not, the Rams will take one of the premier offensive tackles in the 2009 Draft, probably either Virginia's Eugene Monroe or Baylor's Jason Smith. With that player on board, the '09 starters at C and both OT spots, Alex Barron on the right, are settled. That leaves a question mark over the guys in the middle next to Jason Brown, the guards.

There's a 99.9% chance that Jacob Bell will again be the Rams starter at left guard. Bell's play and loss of bulk left more than a few fans questioning the move, but getting some stability in the middle and a solid off-season of workouts and bulking up should put minds at ease over Bell's presence on the line. To the right of Jason Brown, the situation is still pretty fluid. The Rams tendered an offer to last year's starter, Richie Incgonito, but he didn't finish the season on a high note in terms of his attitude. However, it's not unreasonable to think that the new regime can't fix that.

How does John Greco fit into the equation? Getting some reps late last season, including a start over the attitudinally-incapacitated Incognito, Greco showed real promise, cementing the belief that he has what it takes to start in the NFL. I'd say there's probably going to be some real competition at camp between Greco and Incognito for the starting RG job.

Of course, teams could still make an offer to Incognito, figuring he's a young starter as good as any prospect they're likely to get in the third round. In that case, would the Rams make a move to retain him? They almost have to because of their need for depth. With reports that Romberg is looking elsewhere - Leckey's also a free agent - the Rams don't have a backup center. Incognito has value to the team because he can play that position, and almost would have to if the Rams are without Brown at all during the course of the season.

Behind the starters, the depth gets questionable. Obviously, one of the Greco/Incgonito combination gives the Rams depth in the middle, and I wouldn't be surprised to see Greco maybe taking practice snaps, just to bone up on the position. Versatile backup OL Adam Goldberg is a free agent, and a guy the Rams may have interest in keeping once they get things figured out with the first group of free agent starters, i.e. James Butler. There's also G Roy Schuening, who the organization liked, but felt needed some more refinement. He'll be one to keep an eye on come camp time. More than likely there will be other backup linemen available as the spring and summer drag on; there usually are. The Rams are better positioned for depth in the middle than at OT, where they'll have to consider Goldberg and additional backup help.

Then there's another kink in the equation. What if the team does not draft an OT with the second overall pick, opting instead to wait until the second round? In his Tuesday chat at STLToday.com, Jim Thomas mentioned the possibility of moving Barron to LT in that circumstance.

This is what makes the rebuilding process so entertaining. Stay tuned.

Poll

Who should be the Rams starter at right guard?

John Greco

182 votes

Richie Incognito

140 votes

Let 'em battle it out in camp

367 votes

Someone else yet to be named

38 votes

727 votes | Poll has closed