2008 St. Louis Rams NFL Draft Team Needs
This team finished its worst season in 13 years and there is no denying the air of uncertainty hanging around their ball club heading into the ‘08 season. Scott Linehan was granted a new life after his players suffered a load of injuries last year and has been retained as the Rams’ head coach, contrary to what their fans wanted. Twelve players in all, including six starters, ended last year on the injured reserve. Things can’t get much worse after this high-powered offense scored 263 points, their lowest total since the 1993 Rams team. Their defense surrendered 438 points and made it hard for St. Louis to even be competitive in most games. A change is in the near future staring with their 2008 NFL Draft selections as they have the No. 2 overall pick this year.
2008 St. Louis Cardinals NFL Draft Needs:
1.) Offensive Tackle
The offensive line was particularly hit hard with injuries and the Rams must add some depth on Draft Day. Seven-time Pro Bowler OLT Orlando Pace was lost for the season in Week One and has been able to suit up for only nine games in the past two seasons due to injury. Pace turns 33 next November. Former first-round pick Alex Barron has had numerous breakdowns and penchant false-start penalties to send up red flags in St. Louis.
2.) Defensive End
Starters Leonard little and James Hall are 33 and 31 years old respectively. Little is coming off major toe surgery and has indicated plans of retiring after his contract expires at the end of the ‘08 season. Hall underachieved after being signed as a free agent in ‘07 with a mere 2.5 sacks on the season.
3.) Wide Receiver
The age factor is another key contributor in this position being a pressing need in St. Louis. Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce are each a year older, and Holt has a chronic knee condition that only figures to get worse. Bruce is scheduled to make $5 million in 2008 and is no longer capable of playing up to his salary after this season. The team has to be looking to get bigger, faster and younger on the outside.
4.) Center
Beteran Andy McCollum will turn 38 in June, and Brett Romberg ended up sharing the load with McCollum at center after being penciled in as their opening day starter in ‘07. Both are unrestricted free agents and it remains to be seen whether the team is willing to pay either of them starting money.
5.) Running Back
Steven Jackson finished the ‘07 season strong after battling injuries early in the season. Jackson will be entering the final year of his contract in ‘08, and the team could be on the prowl for more insurance. 2007 second-round pick Brian Leonard had his moments, but looks best suited for a utility role rather than a starting back in this league. Antonio Pittman also displayed flashes, but remains a major work in progress. Neither can be half as effective as Jackson at his best.
2008 NFL Draft Prospects to fit Offensive Scheme:
New offensive coordinator Al Sunders will incorporate much of Martz’s wide-open philosophy, but with a much heavier focus on the run. Saunders envisions a diversified offense that can run and pass with equal efficiency, which neither was the case last season. OT Jake long of Michigan would be a great pick if he can fall down to them at No. 2. WR William Franklin of Missouri, WR Steve Johnson of Kentucky, RB Matt Forte of Tulane and RB Jehuu Caulcrick of Michigan State are the kinds of playmakers the Rams will be looking to snatch up in the later rounds on Draft Day.
2008 NFL Draft Prospects to fit Defensive Scheme:
A switch to more of a 3-4 defense in passing situations could be in store this season. Coordinator Jim Haslett is expected to remain very aggressive, employing a variety of looks and blitzes. Young DT’s Adam Carriker and Clifton Ryan figure to be their cornerstones inside for years to come. DE Vernon Gholston of Ohio State, DE Marcus Howard of Georgia and DE Dorian Smith of Oregon State will get a long look from the Rams on Draft Day to bring in a youth movement to this position. WLB Geno Hayes of FSU, WLB Larry Grant of Ohio State ans S Jamar Adams of Michigan are a few other names St. Louis may be calling in the 2008 NFL Draft as well.
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