More photos » by Darron Cummings - AP

7 months ago: FILE - In this Feb. 21, 2009 file photo, Baylor offensive lineman Jason Smith runs a drill at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Smith is a top prospect in the 2009 NFL Draft. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings, File)

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Okay, so we've heard a lot of talk around here lately about the best strategy to use when drafting during a rebuild.  Do you pick for need or pick best available talent.  Obviously, there can be an argument made for either strategy, but you have to take each situation as a unique situation.  For the Rams, I think the consensus around here is they went "need" followed by "best available".  I'm not 100% sold on that though, so I figured I'd take a deeper look into what was known last year heading up to the draft to try to see if I can find anything.

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I saw this poll over at the Post-Dispatch website and the results (at the time of my vote) caught me off guard so I'm wanting to see what this group feels about him.  Mainly, I'm wanting to prove to myself that there is a difference in the people who frequent this site as opposed to the P-D Boards and I think just looking at a lot of the comments, it's easy to see.  But, nonetheless, I'm still curiuos what the results will be.  Here's the poll.

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.

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Continuing our search for depth and possible future assets, BBD turns to the position of Running Back.  You can't have enough good viable running backs and if Spags and company are truely committed to focusing on the run, then we're probably going to have to beef up that position a bit. 

Unfortunately, Runnning Back is actually a position that has gotten it's fair share of attention for a long time.  I say "unfortunately" because for all the draft picks spent on the position, there's not a whole lot to show for it because it's not like the team has totally neglected to draft or acquire running backs.  Now, one could easily make an argument against a lot of the guys they've brought in (Trung Candidate, I'm kinda looking in your direction......oh, and could you please take a seat next to Brian Leonard?  Thanks) but there have also been a couple of true stars.  And by "a couple" I mean "exactly two". 

We all remember the Marshall Faulk trade and how could anyone forget Steven Jackson.  For some reason (and this completely baffles me), there are people who doubt that Steven Jackson is an elite running back in the NFL.  Personally, I have no idea how you could miss it, but I digress. 

Some may point to Jackson's injuries like that's a legitimate knock on the guy.  If you haven't noticed, running backs get hurt all the time in today's game.  I suppose it's because the defensive players are bigger, stronger, and faster than ever before.  Whatever the reason, you can't go into a season any more with one viable running back.  Your guy WILL get injured at some point and then you're in big trouble.  Plus, having a viable backup allows you to have a change of pace and someone who can give opportunities of rest to Jackson that might actually help keep him healthy. 

(btw, did anyone notice Jackson got hurt this past season during garbage time?  The game was in hand for the Rams and he was out there getting handoffs.  I blame that one on the coaching staff and the fact they didn't have another running back on the roster who was any good. However, even if they didn't have anyone viable, Jackson shouldn't have been out there.)

So, with that being said, we'll take a look at the running back position and some possible upgrades to that number 2 slot which is becoming more and more important.

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