As VanRam recently mentioned, Rams minicamp is right around the corner. After picking up eight players draft weekend, the Rams signed 12 undrafted free agents to compete in camp. Normally these players have a slim-to-none chance of making the team; however Quinton Culberson's success last year is an example of why this group shouldn't be easily overlooked. So, in order, here are a few UFA's that I think can make the 2008 squad, and maybe even make an impact.

1. Vince Hall - 5'11" 238, LB Virginia Tech
I know Rams fans likely tired of hearing the phrase "high motor", but this kid has one. He played a pivotal role on a Hokie defense that was ranked 4th nationally in total defense. Hall's production did drop off in his senior campaign; he had 37 solo tackles this year to 61 in '06. He played inside in college, and I think that's where he's best suited to play at the next level, though he may be slightly undersized. Hall's NFL.com profile had high praise:

To say that Hall has a "nose for the football" would be selling him short. He recorded 404 tackles during his career and became the ninth player in school history to lead the team in tackles twice in a career.

It also mentions that Hall was a pre-season All-American this year, and would have been one at the end of the season as well if he hadn't been injured. With Will Witherspoon not getting any younger, a budding Brandon Chillar signing elsewhere and the linebacking corps as a whole growing thin, I think Hall has a great chance of making the 53-man roster.

Current linebackers on roster (w/o Rookies):
Will Witherspoon
Pisa Tinoisamoa
Tim McGarigle 
Chris Draft
Quinton Culberson

2. Yvenson Bernard - 5'8" 204, RB Oregon State
The first thing that jumps out is Bernard's height. At 5'8", he's short even by non-NFL standards. However he makes up for it with the combination of quickness and athletic frame. In short, he's a spark plug. In his four-year career at Oregon State, he rushed for just short of the 4,000 yard mark, including 1,214 in '07. He also flashed some hands, catching 36 balls for 179 yards. Here's what Sporting News had to say about this Beaver (Gotta love the mascot):

Bernard has experience playing in an NFL-style offense, so he will have to make few adjustments. He projects as a good backup who plays mostly on third downs.

Oh yeah, and he went to the same school as SJ. Funny mascots and famous alumni aside, Bernard's realistic ceiling is probably third string. Antonio Pittman turned out to be a steal last year after the the Saints cut him, and Jackson is obviously the starter. Assuming Brian Leonard isn't listed strictly as a "running back", Bernard could battle Travis Minor for the third spot and action on special teams. All in all, Bernard is a versatile player who could fight his way onto the team.

Current running backs on roster (w/o Rookies):
Steven Jackson
Antonio Pittman
Travis Minor

3. Russ Weil - 6'0" 241, FB Illinois
While I have seen the previous two players in action on multiple occasions, I confess to not having seen Weil play. The two games I did see the Illini play were the Rose Bowl and the Ohio State game; clearly they are spread-option type team in which the fullback isn't fully utilized. Why then would I pick a fullback who didn't get used much in college to make an NFL roster? Because it's the Rams. After the frustrating, outright release of Madison Hedgecock early in the season (he got the better end of that deal ) the Rams were left without a true lead-blocking, head-banging tank to clear the way for SJ. Sure Brian Leonard is a "fullback", but he's not a great lead blocker. This guy seems to have the body type to do so. I couldn't find much about him anywhere, but I did find this gem on his Illini profile :

Caught a career-long 31-yard pass against #5 Wisconsin, a play that was a "Top Play Nominee" on SportsCenter.

They kind of dug deep for something, but hey, not everybody gets to be on ESPN. Weil seems to be a long shot, but at least serves to motivate and compete against the other players in camp. If he does make the team, he can give the Rams the physical presence they've lacked at the position for some time.

Current fullbacks on roster (w/o Rookies):
Brian Leonard
Richard Owens