2012 NFL Free Agency: Previewing the St. Louis Rams

So earlier this week, we kicked off the Free Agency Preview posts with fireworks and celebrations, because after the Cardinals’ last season, they sure didn’t have a party (lol non-playoff teams!). This week, we will be taking a look at the St. Louis Rams.

The Rams are in a pretty interesting position, actually. They have the most important position pretty much set for the near future in Sam Bradford. Now, it’s all about building the supporting cast. As such, while they do have problems on defense, I expect that most of this offseason will be about building the offense.

The obvious big need for the Rams is pretty well covered by, well, everybody. Bradford does not have a soul to throw to. At least, not many receivers. Lance Kendricks, their TE, is pretty much all-around stud. That’s how he introduces himself at parties: "Hi, I’m all-around stud and lone bright star on a poor offense."

But, yes, the receivers. Brandon Lloyd is a good catcher of footballs. I remember his time with the 49ers quite fondly – and by that, I remember the highlight reels and not the separation problems he had against physical corners. Regardless, I think the Rams make it a priority to resign Lloyd.

Moreover, the Front Office will probably want to look to picking up some combination of WRs from FA or the Draft (we will cover their Draft positioning more closely after FA ends, so patience!).

Another big need for the Rams is the Offensive Line. Let’s put it this way: do you remember Tony Wragge? Yeah, he started 8 games for the team and, if resigned, would be in a competition for a starting spot, from what I understand.
Bradford was horribly plagued by injuries last year, and a broken down line was to blame. Big time.

On defense, the Rams have their Patrick Willis in Chris Long, their stud DE. That, however, does not speak to how crappy the Defensive Tackle position is. If they want to compete in the rush heavy NFC West, then the Rams are going to have to pick up a DT.

Similarly, I think the Rams could look to FA for a shiny, new Outside Linebacker.

Unrestricted Free Agents: QB Kellen Clemens, QB A.J. Feeley, RB Jerious Norwood, RB Cadillac Williams, WR Mark Clayton, WR Brandon Lloyd, TE Billy Bajema, TE Stephen Spach, OL Jacob Bell, OL Adam Goldberg, OL Mark LeVoir, OL Tony Wragge, DT Gary Gibson, LB Chris Chamberlain, LB Bryan Kehl, LB Brady Poppinga, CB Al Harris, CB Rod Hood, CB Justin King, S James Butler, P Donnie Jones.

Restricted Free Agents: DE C.J. Ah You, WR Danny Amendola.

Exclusive Rights Free Agents: QB Tom Brandstater, WR Dominique Curry, DT Jermelle Cudjo, OL Bryan Mattison, FB Brit Miller, S Darian Stewart.