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http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...t-louis-rams-top-offensive-defensive-starters
Full Stat Predictions for St. Louis Rams' Top Offensive, Defensive Starters
By Travis Wakeman, Featured Columnist
The St. Louis Rams have put together one of the best young rosters in the NFL. Head coach Jeff Fisher should be licking his chops as he prepares to lead this team in 2015.
By adding players like Nick Foles and Todd Gurley to go with veterans such as Robert Quinn and James Laurinaitis, the Rams are quietly becoming a force to be reckoned with—not just in the NFC West division, but across the entire league.
To build a winning team that makes a push for the playoffs, the Rams will need a collective effort from players on both sides of the ball. Between free agency and the draft, they have acquired the pieces to make a run.
But how will these players perform? How long will it take the new faces on the team to acclimate themselves to their new surroundings? Will any of the veteran players on the roster lose a step?
Here, we will take a look at five players on offense and five players on defense and predict their 2015 stats.
Nick Foles, Quarterback
Michael Thomas/Associated Press
During the offseason, the Rams made a very bold move when they officially gave up on former No. 1 overall pick Sam Bradford, trading him to the Philadelphia Eagles. In exchange, the Rams obtained Nick Foles.
Foles will be entering his fourth year in the league, but his future in St. Louis will largely depend on what he does this season.
Foles will be entering the final year of his rookie contract and will become an unrestricted free agent after the season. Between now and then, the Rams will have to decide if they want to offer him a contract extension.
That will be a tough decision based on what Foles has done over the last couple of seasons.
In 2013, Foles lit it up by throwing for 27 touchdowns and just two interceptions. But last season, he tossed just 13 touchdowns compared to 10 interceptions before suffering a shoulder injury that cut his season short.
In St. Louis, Foles will have to create a connection with his teammates and learn the offense while hoping to get adequate protection from the offensive line. It's truly anyone's guess as to how Foles will perform. Do the Rams get the good Foles or the mediocre one? Much of that will depend on how he is able to use the players around him.
At this point, we'll say that Foles posts decent numbers, good enough to earn that aforementioned contract extension.
2015 Stat Predictions: 3,265 yards passing, 24 TDs, 11 interceptions
Todd Gurley, Running Back
Jeff Roberson/Associated Press
Like Foles, Todd Gurley will begin his time in St. Louis facing many questions. Will he be able to bounce back from a torn ACL? Was he the right pick at No. 10 in the NFL draft?
St. Louis fans obviously hope the answers to both of those questions are a resounding yes. If he is fully recovered from the knee injury that ended his college career, the Rams obtained one of the best players in the draft.
Gurley can basically do it all from the running back position. He runs with power, shows good vision and can change direction with the ball in his hands to make defenders miss. He's also an excellent option out of the backfield as a receiver.
Though he's just a rookie, Gurley's skills should be able to help settle Foles into his role as the team's new starting quarterback. Gurley can also stay in and pick up blitzing defenders, something that will be necessary with Foles under center.
His health will be key, but if he can avoid injury, the Rams will get a very productive season out of their first-round pick.
2015 Stat Predictions: 305 carries, 1,250 yards rushing, 10 TDs, 48 receptions, 374 yards, 3 TDs
Tre Mason, Running Back
Mark Tenally/Associated Press
Tre Mason had a solid rookie season in 2014. In fact, since he was good, many fans had to be surprised when the team chose Gurley in the first round.
Mason was clearly the best running back on the roster last season, running for 765 yards and four touchdowns. With Gurley on the roster, his opportunities will likely be much more limited.
At the same time, the Rams could form a tremendous dual threat out of the backfield with their two young running backs. The team should have the utmost confidence in Mason any time his number is called. After all, he proved he could be productive last season.
This year, his job will be to spell Gurley and make the most of every chance he is given. It will not be an easy task for opposing defenses to have to stop a fresh Mason every time Gurley comes off the field.
2015 Stat Predictions: 169 carries, 710 yards, 5 TDs, 21 receptions, 173 yards
Kenny Britt, Wide Receiver
Tom Gannam/Associated Press
Kenny Britt hasn't had the explosive NFL career that his talent warrants. Issues off the field have prevented that. But it appears he has found a comfortable new home in St. Louis.
Remember, Britt was a first-round pick. His talent has never been in question.
Last season, he posted 48 receptions for 748 yards and three touchdowns. He also played in all 16 games for the first time since his rookie year in 2009. 33 of his catches went for a first down and his 48 catches were the most he has had in any year during his career.
Those are all very promising figures and point to a solid future. Now consider that he did that with the second- and third-string quarterbacks throwing to him.
If Britt and Foles are able to establish a connection early in training camp, they could unleash a dangerous aerial assault against their opponents. Britt has good hands and the size to go up and make tough catches.
Those are attributes that Foles will look for as he tries to find a reliable target down the field. As a result, Britt will blow his career single-season numbers away with his best season by far.
If you're looking for a sleeper at the wide receiver position when you go to your fantasy draft, here he is.
2015 Stat Predictions: 75 receptions, 1,170 yards, 9 TDs
Tavon Austin, Wide Receiver
Patrick Semansky/Associated Press
2015 will be a true make-or-break season for Tavon Austin, a former first-round pick who has yet to live up to his high draft status.
In his first two years in the league, Austin has 71 catches for 660 yards and four touchdowns. He didn't score a touchdown catching the ball in 2014, but he got into the end zone twice rushing the ball and once more on a punt return.
He is a player who can make an impact by doing various things on the field, and new offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti will be tasked with finding creative ways to use Austin. As a wide receiver, Austin has yet to have much of an impact and will likely take a back seat to Brian Quick and Stedman Bailey, two players rising into larger roles.
The Rams will get the most out of Austin as a kick returner and by using him on gadget plays, but fans shouldn't expect much more than we've already seen.
2015 Stat Predictions: 35 receptions, 385 yards, 1 TD, 30 carries, 245 yards, 1 TD
Robert Quinn, Defensive End
L.G. Patterson/Associated Press
Unlike Austin, Robert Quinn has absolutely lived up to being a first-round draft choice. Entering his fifth season in the league, he is one of the game's best pass-rushers.
Quinn has reached double digits in sacks in each of the last three seasons. With a line that features guys like Aaron Donald, Michael Brockers, Nick Fairley and Chris Long, there is no reason to think that won't happen again this year.
Teams will not be able to handle the defensive line that the Rams are going to put on the field. Quinn will get sacks when he is able to take advantage of a mismatch, and that should come often.
2015 Stat Predictions: 43 tackles, 14.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries
Aaron Donald, Defensive Tackle
Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images
How good was Aaron Donald last season?
Only three rookies were selected to the Pro Bowl last season, and Donald was one of them. The Rams found a star for many years to come when they chose him in the first round last season.
After racking up nine sacks, Donald was selected as the 2014 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. He was also rated as the No. 1 defensive tackle in the entire league by Pro Football Focus.
Those are high accolades for a young player, but Donald earned them through consistent, dominant play.
Coming into his second year in the league, there is no reason to think he will have a setback. He will be a handful for any offensive line that is forced to deal with him.
2015 Stat Predictions: 53 tackles, 9 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery
Chris Long, Defensive End
Michael Thomas/Associated Press
Chris Long played in just six games in 2014, having his season shortened by injury. He tallied just one sack in those six games and will be looking for a bounce-back season in 2015.
But when he is healthy, he provides a solid pass-rushing threat opposite Quinn. He has 51.5 sacks for his career.
This season, Long will be rested and eager to see the field. He has plenty of pieces around him that will help him become a better player and with Quinn on the other side of him, he'll be facing the right tackle of the opposing team.
In most cases, that's a big advantage for the veteran Long.
He'll have to work hard to reach double digits in the sack category, but he is certainly capable of doing so. Having a healthy Long to go with Quinn, Donald, Brockers and Fairley gives the Rams arguably the best defensive line in the entire league.
2015 Stat Predictions: 39 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles
James Laurinaitis, Linebacker
Matt Rourke/Associated Press
Consistency and durability describe the six-year career of James Laurinaitis. In that time, he has become one of the NFL's top middle linebackers.
Last season, the 109 tackles posted by Laurinaitis were actually the lowest of any season in his career. However, he has still yet to miss a game for the Rams.
Having No. 55 on the field helps give the defense a big confidence boost, and having him behind an already solid defensive line makes the middle of the defense even stronger.
Look for Laurinaitis to crack 100 tackles again while helping the Rams be one of the stingier defenses to score points on in 2015.
2015 Stat Predictions: 120 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 interception, 1 fumble recovery
Janoris Jenkins, Cornerback
Rick Scuteri/Associated Press
Another solid young player for the Rams, Janoris Jenkins will be entering his fourth season in the league. He is part a secondary that includes E.J. Gaines, T.J. McDonald and Rodney McLeod.
Jenkins could benefit from quarterbacks rushing throws in order to avoid the pass rush St. Louis is going to bring, but teams would be smart to throw it towards someone else.
Jenkins is extremely dangerous with the ball in his hands, as evidenced by his 99-yard interception return for a touchdown against the San Diego Chargers last season. He also had an interception return for a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys.
Jenkins will have to tighten up his coverage skills, but he will always be a threat to make a play on the ball and turn it into a big play for the defense. That will make opposing quarterbacks wary. Jenkins is also a good defender against the run. Pro Football Focus ranked him No. 21amongst all cornerbacks in that department for last season.
Jenkins will put together a good season and will add to his five interception returns for touchdowns.
2015 Stat Predictions: 62 tackles, 4 interceptions, 1 returned for TD
Full Stat Predictions for St. Louis Rams' Top Offensive, Defensive Starters
By Travis Wakeman, Featured Columnist
The St. Louis Rams have put together one of the best young rosters in the NFL. Head coach Jeff Fisher should be licking his chops as he prepares to lead this team in 2015.
By adding players like Nick Foles and Todd Gurley to go with veterans such as Robert Quinn and James Laurinaitis, the Rams are quietly becoming a force to be reckoned with—not just in the NFC West division, but across the entire league.
To build a winning team that makes a push for the playoffs, the Rams will need a collective effort from players on both sides of the ball. Between free agency and the draft, they have acquired the pieces to make a run.
But how will these players perform? How long will it take the new faces on the team to acclimate themselves to their new surroundings? Will any of the veteran players on the roster lose a step?
Here, we will take a look at five players on offense and five players on defense and predict their 2015 stats.
Nick Foles, Quarterback
Michael Thomas/Associated Press
During the offseason, the Rams made a very bold move when they officially gave up on former No. 1 overall pick Sam Bradford, trading him to the Philadelphia Eagles. In exchange, the Rams obtained Nick Foles.
Foles will be entering his fourth year in the league, but his future in St. Louis will largely depend on what he does this season.
Foles will be entering the final year of his rookie contract and will become an unrestricted free agent after the season. Between now and then, the Rams will have to decide if they want to offer him a contract extension.
That will be a tough decision based on what Foles has done over the last couple of seasons.
In 2013, Foles lit it up by throwing for 27 touchdowns and just two interceptions. But last season, he tossed just 13 touchdowns compared to 10 interceptions before suffering a shoulder injury that cut his season short.
In St. Louis, Foles will have to create a connection with his teammates and learn the offense while hoping to get adequate protection from the offensive line. It's truly anyone's guess as to how Foles will perform. Do the Rams get the good Foles or the mediocre one? Much of that will depend on how he is able to use the players around him.
At this point, we'll say that Foles posts decent numbers, good enough to earn that aforementioned contract extension.
2015 Stat Predictions: 3,265 yards passing, 24 TDs, 11 interceptions
Todd Gurley, Running Back
Jeff Roberson/Associated Press
Like Foles, Todd Gurley will begin his time in St. Louis facing many questions. Will he be able to bounce back from a torn ACL? Was he the right pick at No. 10 in the NFL draft?
St. Louis fans obviously hope the answers to both of those questions are a resounding yes. If he is fully recovered from the knee injury that ended his college career, the Rams obtained one of the best players in the draft.
Gurley can basically do it all from the running back position. He runs with power, shows good vision and can change direction with the ball in his hands to make defenders miss. He's also an excellent option out of the backfield as a receiver.
Though he's just a rookie, Gurley's skills should be able to help settle Foles into his role as the team's new starting quarterback. Gurley can also stay in and pick up blitzing defenders, something that will be necessary with Foles under center.
His health will be key, but if he can avoid injury, the Rams will get a very productive season out of their first-round pick.
2015 Stat Predictions: 305 carries, 1,250 yards rushing, 10 TDs, 48 receptions, 374 yards, 3 TDs
Tre Mason, Running Back
Mark Tenally/Associated Press
Tre Mason had a solid rookie season in 2014. In fact, since he was good, many fans had to be surprised when the team chose Gurley in the first round.
Mason was clearly the best running back on the roster last season, running for 765 yards and four touchdowns. With Gurley on the roster, his opportunities will likely be much more limited.
At the same time, the Rams could form a tremendous dual threat out of the backfield with their two young running backs. The team should have the utmost confidence in Mason any time his number is called. After all, he proved he could be productive last season.
This year, his job will be to spell Gurley and make the most of every chance he is given. It will not be an easy task for opposing defenses to have to stop a fresh Mason every time Gurley comes off the field.
2015 Stat Predictions: 169 carries, 710 yards, 5 TDs, 21 receptions, 173 yards
Kenny Britt, Wide Receiver
Tom Gannam/Associated Press
Kenny Britt hasn't had the explosive NFL career that his talent warrants. Issues off the field have prevented that. But it appears he has found a comfortable new home in St. Louis.
Remember, Britt was a first-round pick. His talent has never been in question.
Last season, he posted 48 receptions for 748 yards and three touchdowns. He also played in all 16 games for the first time since his rookie year in 2009. 33 of his catches went for a first down and his 48 catches were the most he has had in any year during his career.
Those are all very promising figures and point to a solid future. Now consider that he did that with the second- and third-string quarterbacks throwing to him.
If Britt and Foles are able to establish a connection early in training camp, they could unleash a dangerous aerial assault against their opponents. Britt has good hands and the size to go up and make tough catches.
Those are attributes that Foles will look for as he tries to find a reliable target down the field. As a result, Britt will blow his career single-season numbers away with his best season by far.
If you're looking for a sleeper at the wide receiver position when you go to your fantasy draft, here he is.
2015 Stat Predictions: 75 receptions, 1,170 yards, 9 TDs
Tavon Austin, Wide Receiver
Patrick Semansky/Associated Press
2015 will be a true make-or-break season for Tavon Austin, a former first-round pick who has yet to live up to his high draft status.
In his first two years in the league, Austin has 71 catches for 660 yards and four touchdowns. He didn't score a touchdown catching the ball in 2014, but he got into the end zone twice rushing the ball and once more on a punt return.
He is a player who can make an impact by doing various things on the field, and new offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti will be tasked with finding creative ways to use Austin. As a wide receiver, Austin has yet to have much of an impact and will likely take a back seat to Brian Quick and Stedman Bailey, two players rising into larger roles.
The Rams will get the most out of Austin as a kick returner and by using him on gadget plays, but fans shouldn't expect much more than we've already seen.
2015 Stat Predictions: 35 receptions, 385 yards, 1 TD, 30 carries, 245 yards, 1 TD
Robert Quinn, Defensive End
L.G. Patterson/Associated Press
Unlike Austin, Robert Quinn has absolutely lived up to being a first-round draft choice. Entering his fifth season in the league, he is one of the game's best pass-rushers.
Quinn has reached double digits in sacks in each of the last three seasons. With a line that features guys like Aaron Donald, Michael Brockers, Nick Fairley and Chris Long, there is no reason to think that won't happen again this year.
Teams will not be able to handle the defensive line that the Rams are going to put on the field. Quinn will get sacks when he is able to take advantage of a mismatch, and that should come often.
2015 Stat Predictions: 43 tackles, 14.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries
Aaron Donald, Defensive Tackle
Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images
How good was Aaron Donald last season?
Only three rookies were selected to the Pro Bowl last season, and Donald was one of them. The Rams found a star for many years to come when they chose him in the first round last season.
After racking up nine sacks, Donald was selected as the 2014 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. He was also rated as the No. 1 defensive tackle in the entire league by Pro Football Focus.
Those are high accolades for a young player, but Donald earned them through consistent, dominant play.
Coming into his second year in the league, there is no reason to think he will have a setback. He will be a handful for any offensive line that is forced to deal with him.
2015 Stat Predictions: 53 tackles, 9 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery
Chris Long, Defensive End
Michael Thomas/Associated Press
Chris Long played in just six games in 2014, having his season shortened by injury. He tallied just one sack in those six games and will be looking for a bounce-back season in 2015.
But when he is healthy, he provides a solid pass-rushing threat opposite Quinn. He has 51.5 sacks for his career.
This season, Long will be rested and eager to see the field. He has plenty of pieces around him that will help him become a better player and with Quinn on the other side of him, he'll be facing the right tackle of the opposing team.
In most cases, that's a big advantage for the veteran Long.
He'll have to work hard to reach double digits in the sack category, but he is certainly capable of doing so. Having a healthy Long to go with Quinn, Donald, Brockers and Fairley gives the Rams arguably the best defensive line in the entire league.
2015 Stat Predictions: 39 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles
James Laurinaitis, Linebacker
Matt Rourke/Associated Press
Consistency and durability describe the six-year career of James Laurinaitis. In that time, he has become one of the NFL's top middle linebackers.
Last season, the 109 tackles posted by Laurinaitis were actually the lowest of any season in his career. However, he has still yet to miss a game for the Rams.
Having No. 55 on the field helps give the defense a big confidence boost, and having him behind an already solid defensive line makes the middle of the defense even stronger.
Look for Laurinaitis to crack 100 tackles again while helping the Rams be one of the stingier defenses to score points on in 2015.
2015 Stat Predictions: 120 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 interception, 1 fumble recovery
Janoris Jenkins, Cornerback
Rick Scuteri/Associated Press
Another solid young player for the Rams, Janoris Jenkins will be entering his fourth season in the league. He is part a secondary that includes E.J. Gaines, T.J. McDonald and Rodney McLeod.
Jenkins could benefit from quarterbacks rushing throws in order to avoid the pass rush St. Louis is going to bring, but teams would be smart to throw it towards someone else.
Jenkins is extremely dangerous with the ball in his hands, as evidenced by his 99-yard interception return for a touchdown against the San Diego Chargers last season. He also had an interception return for a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys.
Jenkins will have to tighten up his coverage skills, but he will always be a threat to make a play on the ball and turn it into a big play for the defense. That will make opposing quarterbacks wary. Jenkins is also a good defender against the run. Pro Football Focus ranked him No. 21amongst all cornerbacks in that department for last season.
Jenkins will put together a good season and will add to his five interception returns for touchdowns.
2015 Stat Predictions: 62 tackles, 4 interceptions, 1 returned for TD
