Free Agent CB – Nnamdi Asomugha from Oakland.

I agree. Aaomugha is a very underrated player in the league. He’s 27, and just a two short years ago, he intercepted 8 (!) passes for the Raiders. And, his production has declined recently, so he might come cheaper than expected. Tye Hill had so much potential…sigh.

Some cornerbacks to consider heading into this year’s draft (assuming we go OL in the first round):
D.J. Moore — Vanderbilt 5-10/182 (Jr.)
Victor Harris — Virginia Tech 6-0/192
Both could really help in the return game as well.

Also, in terms of a replacement for Corey Chavous, I say target MIzzou S William Moore. The Tigers really aren’t known for their D, but this cat is guy is good. Again all these guys are projected around the same area, so it would come down to best player/positional need.

The D line I think is in pretty good shape for the coming years. I really like all the young talent we have in Ryan, Adeyanju, Long and Carriker. I think maybe drafting another young DE this year to replace Little down the road would be smart.

Linebacker is tricky. There are potentially some really good ones this year — Rey Maualuga, James Laurinaitis, Brian Cushing. Keep an eye on MLB Jasper Brinkley from South Carolina. He’s a very hard hitter, awesome against the run, and pretty good in coverage. He was injured last year (when he was a projected early second rounder), so he’s flying way under the radar and could only cost a mid round pick.

If you can’t tell, I’m all about building through the draft and supplementing with free agents instead of visa-versa. I think it goes a long way towards building team cohesion & chemistry.

Our linebacking core is the worst in the NFL, and the safeties aren’t appreciably better. Our speed and “ball sense” is faltering. Our tackling ability is in the toilet. Until and unless we fix this, any given play against us can go for 20 or more yards, whether a draw play or a screen pass or a deep post.

It’s tough to argue any improvement – we should try to add at least one impact playmaker to each unit. But here’s how I’d prioritize:

1. MLB – London Fletcher-type tackling machine and captain of the defense. We need identity, and this is the place to set it.
2. Safety – smarts and ball-sense up the middle, stop letting plays get behind us, and start forcing some turnovers. a guy (or two) who can erase the mistakes of others
3. Cover CB – allow us to play one on one when needed, to spring blitzers
4. Tackle – again, we need strength and run-stuffing ability up the middle, plus pocket pressure
5. End – out of anything, with a healthy Fletcher and the emerging Chris Long, this is our strongest position

Witherspoon was a nice free agent signing to fill the middle until a draft like the one ‘09 is bringing. There’s no reason we can’t lock up a MLB to anchor our defense over the next half decade at a minimum.
In Sept., I wrote a LB stock watch (here) that’s worth revisiting. I’ll be updating that diary and the O-line one so we keep an eye on any developments from the college game. As an aside, please watch the UT-OU game. There is a ton of talent on the field, and it’s the kind of game Dallas deserves every year. Too bad I have to miss it.
As for Brinkley, kevin, I had him ranked 7th. The injury concerns and a relative lack of speed kept him out of my top five. He should go 2nd round…and deliver.

Yes, the Rams must address their needs on Defense, especially the D-Backs but, I’m in full agreement with kevinramsfan, we absolutely must get a top-notch, franchise Offensive Lineman and IMO, I believe this should be the Rams top priority.

At Scott Wright’s Draft Countdown ( http://www.draftcountdown.com/sub/Mock-Draft-A.php" ) his 2009 Mock Draft has the Rams selecting Eugene Monrooe, OT out of Virginia in the 1st Round of the Draft. Scott also has MIchael Oher, OT out of Ole Miss being selected as the second OT taken in the 1st Round of the Draft.

Here is Scott Wright’s Scouting Report:

ST. LOUIS RAMS: EUGENE MONROE, OT, VIRGINIA (Scott has the Rams having the number 2 overall selection in the draft)
 
Scouting Report:

  It’s no secret that if the Dolphins hadn’t take Jake Long with the #1 pick the Rams were ready to jump all over the Michigan blocker so it would surprise no one if they opted for a stud offensive tackle next year. Orlando Pace is a Pro Bowler but he has had his season cut short by injuries two years in a row now and you have to wonder just how much he has left in the tank. Meanwhile on the other side Alex Barron really hasn’t played like a first round pick and the Rams have serious misgivings about his ability to start on the right side, let alone replace Pace at the critical left tackle position.

Michael Oher is getting a lot of publicity and draftnik love but don’t sleep on Eugene Monroe, who is also a fine pro prospect in his own right. In fact, it would not be a total shock if Monroe, not Oher, wound up being the first offensive tackle off the board next April. Just how good is the 6-6, 315 lb. Monroe? Well, it was his stellar play at left tackle that led to future first round pick Branden Albert playing out of position inside at guard rather than outside like he will in the pros with Kansas City.

OAKLAND RAIDERS: MICHAEL OHER, OT, OLE MISS (Scott has the Raiders having the number 3 overall selection in the draft)
 
Scouting Report:

  Just when you think things can’t get any worse in Oakland they seem to find a way to lower the bar. The Raiders could really go in any number of directions here but offensive tackle appears to be the best match when you factor in both talent on the board and need. Kwame Harris was brought in as a free agent but he is certainly not a world-beater so if Oakland could add a top left tackle it would allow them to move Harris to his more natural position on the right side of the line and send Cornell Green to the bench where he belongs.

Most people know Michael Oher as the subject of Michael Lewis’ best-selling book "The Blind Side" but come next April he could have a new label: Top 5 pick. At 6-5 and 318 lbs. Oher certainly has the prototypical size you look for but it’s his athleticism, quickness and strength that lead many to believe he could be a franchise left tackle at the next level. In recent years we have seen D’Brickashaw Ferguson, Joe Thomas and Jake Long all go from probable first round picks to sure-fire early first rounders by going back to school for their senior campaigns and Oher will try to become the next blocker to follow in their footsteps.

I think either one of these OTs would be an excellent choice and could become a franchise player.

Go Rams!