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Rams still must address needs on offense
By Nick Wagoner
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/27755/rams-still-must-address-needs-on-offense
EARTH CITY, Mo. -- We're more than a week into free agency, which these days might as well be months given how fast the shelves have been cleared of valuable players.
That's not to say there aren't some good players and potential bargains still to be found, but the type of help the Los Angeles Rams need to improve their woeful offense simply isn't there. Sure, they could add a complementary piece or two, but the type of game-changing receivers and/or quarterback that would alter their offensive trajectory won't be walking through that door when they open the offseason program April 18.
Here's a look at the Rams' five most pressing needs with much of the free-agent work already done:
Quarterback: Yes, the Rams sent a strong message about how much they like Case Keenum by extending a first-round tender to the restricted free agent. They've backed that up by not showing any serious interest in outside quarterback options. So it would seem that Keenum will, at minimum, get a chance to compete for the starting job this offseason. Still, the Rams could use a possible long-term solution, and we can't completely rule out a free agent as prices drop and the market clarifies. Either way, it would qualify as a surprise if the Rams don't bring in at least one quarterback from outside the organization this offseason.
Wide receiver: The Rams brought back Brian Quick on a one-year, "prove it" deal, but that doesn't do anything to fix their biggest issue at the position: the need for a true No. 1 target. Rueben Randle paid a visit and would be a solid addition for depth, but he also wouldn't fill the need for a top target in the passing game. With Stedman Bailey's status uncertain, the Rams could still use another receiver or two, and they've been linked to most of the top receivers in this year's draft class in various mock drafts. But even the top wideouts in this class don't have the same reputations as the best in recent classes, so there's no guarantee the Rams would be getting what they need by using the 15th pick on one. Nonetheless, it's a good bet the Rams will add at least one more receiver before the offseason is over.
Tight end: The depth chart at this position has seen some changes in the past month or so as the Rams released Jared Cook and re-signed Cory Harkey. They brought Zach Miller in for a visit, but he ended up re-signing with the Chicago Bears. Most of the top free agents available have already signed, leaving behind a barren market. Which means if the Rams want to add help here, they'll probably need to turn to the draft. As at receiver, the draft doesn't appear to be loaded with talent here, but the Rams don't need a do-it-all star so much as a solid, reliable target in the passing game. Harkey and Lance Kendricks can handle the rest.
Free safety: This is a new addition to the list based on what happened on the opening day of free agency. With Rodney McLeod off to Philadelphia, the Rams now have a glaring need for a starter here. Cody Davis re-signed and could theoretically get a look, but the Rams also will continue to evaluate their options. The draft provides some possibilities, and veteran Reggie Nelson remains on the market. Nelson might be a nice short-term fit if the price is right and the Rams have expressed at least some interest in him. Most of the Rams' salary-cap dollars have gone to defense in this free-agent period, but this is the most glaring need remaining on that side of the ball.
Kicker: This one has kind of flown under the radar because other, bigger pieces have been moving, but as of right now, the Rams don't have a place-kicker on the roster. Greg Zuerlein is a free agent and hasn't signed elsewhere so it remains possible the Rams bring him back. Even if they do, coach Jeff Fisher has been clear that there will be competition for that job, which means the Rams will probably add more than one in the coming weeks.
By Nick Wagoner
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/27755/rams-still-must-address-needs-on-offense
EARTH CITY, Mo. -- We're more than a week into free agency, which these days might as well be months given how fast the shelves have been cleared of valuable players.
That's not to say there aren't some good players and potential bargains still to be found, but the type of help the Los Angeles Rams need to improve their woeful offense simply isn't there. Sure, they could add a complementary piece or two, but the type of game-changing receivers and/or quarterback that would alter their offensive trajectory won't be walking through that door when they open the offseason program April 18.
Here's a look at the Rams' five most pressing needs with much of the free-agent work already done:
Quarterback: Yes, the Rams sent a strong message about how much they like Case Keenum by extending a first-round tender to the restricted free agent. They've backed that up by not showing any serious interest in outside quarterback options. So it would seem that Keenum will, at minimum, get a chance to compete for the starting job this offseason. Still, the Rams could use a possible long-term solution, and we can't completely rule out a free agent as prices drop and the market clarifies. Either way, it would qualify as a surprise if the Rams don't bring in at least one quarterback from outside the organization this offseason.
Wide receiver: The Rams brought back Brian Quick on a one-year, "prove it" deal, but that doesn't do anything to fix their biggest issue at the position: the need for a true No. 1 target. Rueben Randle paid a visit and would be a solid addition for depth, but he also wouldn't fill the need for a top target in the passing game. With Stedman Bailey's status uncertain, the Rams could still use another receiver or two, and they've been linked to most of the top receivers in this year's draft class in various mock drafts. But even the top wideouts in this class don't have the same reputations as the best in recent classes, so there's no guarantee the Rams would be getting what they need by using the 15th pick on one. Nonetheless, it's a good bet the Rams will add at least one more receiver before the offseason is over.
Tight end: The depth chart at this position has seen some changes in the past month or so as the Rams released Jared Cook and re-signed Cory Harkey. They brought Zach Miller in for a visit, but he ended up re-signing with the Chicago Bears. Most of the top free agents available have already signed, leaving behind a barren market. Which means if the Rams want to add help here, they'll probably need to turn to the draft. As at receiver, the draft doesn't appear to be loaded with talent here, but the Rams don't need a do-it-all star so much as a solid, reliable target in the passing game. Harkey and Lance Kendricks can handle the rest.
Free safety: This is a new addition to the list based on what happened on the opening day of free agency. With Rodney McLeod off to Philadelphia, the Rams now have a glaring need for a starter here. Cody Davis re-signed and could theoretically get a look, but the Rams also will continue to evaluate their options. The draft provides some possibilities, and veteran Reggie Nelson remains on the market. Nelson might be a nice short-term fit if the price is right and the Rams have expressed at least some interest in him. Most of the Rams' salary-cap dollars have gone to defense in this free-agent period, but this is the most glaring need remaining on that side of the ball.
Kicker: This one has kind of flown under the radar because other, bigger pieces have been moving, but as of right now, the Rams don't have a place-kicker on the roster. Greg Zuerlein is a free agent and hasn't signed elsewhere so it remains possible the Rams bring him back. Even if they do, coach Jeff Fisher has been clear that there will be competition for that job, which means the Rams will probably add more than one in the coming weeks.
