Rams making moves

by Ryan Van Bibber on Mar 18, 2009 6:43 AM CDT in 2009 Off-Season

Tuesday was a busy day at Rams Park. On top of the second day of an off-season workout program that has the team together under new coach Steve Spagnuolo for the first time, the Rams brought in some new faces and hosted a visitor.

TE Billy Bajema, a free agent blocking specialist, stopped by for a free agent visit. The Rams interest in Bajema was first discussed late in February when the free agency period opened up. The Rams had bigger matters to attend to at the time. Bajema would replace recently released Anthony Becht and make the roster younger.

They also signed a couple more players who should compete for depth roles on the team, S Craig Dahl and WR Chad Lucas. Spagnuolo knows Dahl, having given the undrafted rookie some playing time with the Giants in 2007, before losing him all of last season to a knee injury. Spags thought well enough of Dahl to resign him after the Giants waived the injured S after their Super Bowl win. Dahl should make the final roster as a backup, and probably jump ahead of Todd Johnson on the depth chart. Lucas is 6'1" 201 lbs.

The Rams need a backup center. Last year's starter, Nick Leckey, signed with the Saints yesterday. With Setterstrom resigned, the Rams now have him and Greco as the two main backups behind starting guards Bell and Incognito, quality depth which means they could always slide Richie Incognito over to center if Jason Brown can't play. Setterstrom, recall, was also taking snaps as camp began last year in order to give the Rams another option at center. Could we see that again?

Should-be Hall of Fame OT Orlando Pace, now a free agent, will visit the Ravens today. I hope like hell the guy ends up playing for a contender to finish out his great career.

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OL depth will come largely from the draft

I think people are going to be surprised at just how many times the Rams go to the well for OL players in this draft. I would honestly not be surprised in the least to see them go OT at 1.2, and then G at 2.3. It could happen. Probably not, but it could happen.

Regardless, they are walking away from this draft with at least 3 new OL players that have a decent shot of making the team, and they almost assuredly will go OT with the first pick, unless they just really don’t like either Monroe or Brown, and the other guy that they DO like gets taken by the Lions. In that case, it will be Curry.

by Doughboy RAM on Mar 18, 2009 8:09 AM CDT reply actions

Where I'd focus our draft

I actually don’t think we need to look to the draft for WR help because I really like our three young guys Avery (ok, not like, “love” there), Burton, and Stanley. I’d rather see us go sign or make a trade WC Offense-friendly WR that’s still got some tread left on his tires. I hope we spend our draft on stockpiling defensive players and helping our O-line (taking either Jason Smith or Aaron Curry #2 overall).

by bigwood25 on Mar 18, 2009 1:05 PM CDT reply actions

WR is a big need..

im surprised that you are content with avery, burton, and stanley.
i say pick a WR up in the 2nd round, and pick up one more veteran who can mentor our young recieving corp.

by rams since day1 on Mar 18, 2009 6:03 PM CDT up reply actions