Let's Take A Look At The Roster

by Tackle Box on Apr 27, 2009 5:00 AM CDT Comment 19 comments

Well, the draft is over and while there has been some teeth gnashing over some of the picks, my personal opinion is that the team filled it's most pressing needs and built some good depth.

Then again, that's my gut reaction.

The team solidified it's Offensive Line (Jason Smith) and bulked up the Run Defense (James Laurinaitis, Dorell Scott). They then went out and added some depth with some players who have raw talent (Brooks Foster and Bradley Fletcher) and a quarterback who has a lot of us scratching our heads.

I have to say I'm not exactly sure about Chris Ogbonnaya, but he's bigger than I realized and apparently has pretty reliable hands. Honestly, he's a lot like Steven Jackson without the stunning track record.

Anyway, the question that needs to be addresseed is, "is the team better after this draft?" I can't see how anyone would say it isn't. We added the best Offensive Lineman and a Top Middle Linebacker to the fold and these were two spots of definite weakness. But what about the rest of the team? Sure we got better at two key spots, but that might not be enough, Let's take a look at our depth chart to see if it is.

Starting with the offense.

Quarterback:

Mark Bulger - 6'3" 212 - 32 years old - 5 years remaining on contract
Kyle Boller - 6'3" 220 - 27 years old - 1 year contract
Keith Null - 6'4" 222 - Rookie
Brock Berlin - 6'1" 215 - 27 years old - Will be a RFA

Here, I'm listing Null as the number 3 since I really think he'll displace Berlin. Berlin brings absolutely nothing to the table so why not go with Null, right? He's younger and could possibly become something...well, something better than Brock Berlin. Besides, it's not like you could make the argument that Berlin knows the system. No one really knows the system since it's a new system.

Running Back:

Steven Jackson - 6'2" 231 - 25 years old - 5 years left on contract
Kenneth Darby - 5'10" 211 - 26 years old - Will be a RFA
Chris Ogbonnaya - 6'1" 225 - 22 years old - Rookie
Antonio Pittman - 5'11" 195 - 23 years old - Will be a RFA
Brian Leonard - 6'1" 226 - 25 years old - 2 years left on contract

Well, there's some depth. Probably nothing that could take over if something happens to Jackson. (By the way, I'm slotting Ogbonnaya in the 3rd slot. No particular reason, but that's how I see it.) I'm still holding out hope the Rams get after Warrick Dunn. He'd be a difference maker.

(Note: Jeremiah Johnson did not get drafted)

Fullback:

Mike Karney - 5'11" 258 - 27 years old - Signed through 2011

That's it. Hope nothing happens to him, but what are you gonna do? Have two really good blocking Fullbacks on the roster at the same time? No. So, we should be fine here and since Karney is a great blocker, hopefully we'll keep Jackson healthier this year.

Wide Receiver:

Donnie Avery - 5'11" 190 - 24 years old - Signed through 2011
Laurent Robinson - 6'2" 195 - 23 years old - Signed through 2010
Keenan Burton - 6'1" 200 - 24 years old - Signed through 2010
Brooks Foster - 6'3" 205 - 23 years old - Rookie

After Foster, you'll see Derek Stanley, who's injured, followed by Travis Brown, Joel Filani, Chad Lucas, and Nate Jones. DON'T expect to see any of those guys on the roster this year. DO expect to see the Rams re-sign Dane Looker. You might also expect to see them add a veteran receiver who's either already available or becomes availalble during camp (but I wouldn't count on it). This is a very young receiving corps (average age 23.5 years), but I feel there is a ton of upside here. Not necessarily for this season (it'll be there in flashes), but it should start to develop and really start to blossom in 2010.

However, if our ground game takes off like a lot of us hope it will, then you'll see an immediate (positive) impact on our receiving corps. It all starts up front and we now have the horses to get it going.

Tight End:

Randy McMichael - 6'3" 255 - 29 years old - FA in 2010
Billy Bajema - 6'4" 255 - 26 years old - Under contract through 2011
Joe Klopfenstein - 6'5" 262 - 25 years old - FA in 2010
Daniel Fells - 6'4" 252 - 25 years old - FA in 2010
Eric Butler - 6'2" 255 - 24 years old - FA in 2010

Let's hope McMichael stays healthy. If he does, you can pretty much add him to the receiving corps making it much more potent. Then you add Steven Jackson and possibly Ogbonnaya and you've all of a sudden find a lot of options. Then if you can just add Warrick Dunn..............

Anyway, as far as Tight End, look for the Rams to draft one next season. Tight ends seem to be able to make the move to the NFL rather easily so it wasn't imperative to draft and groom McMichael's replacement this year.

Center:

Jason Brown - 6'3" 320 - 25 years old - Signed through 2013
Tim Mattran - 6'5" 298 - 24 years old - FA in 2010

I don't know who Tim Mattran is, and I don't care. Jason Brown is a difference maker and should improve things immensely.

Guard:

Richie Incognito - 6'3" 330 - 25 years old - FA in 2010
Jacob Bell - 6'4" 295 - 28 years old - Signed throught 2013
Jonn Greco - 6'5" 325 - 24 years old - RFA in 2011
Adam Goldberg - 6'7" 318 - 28 years old - Signed through 2010
Mark Setterstrom - 6'4" 314 - 25 years old - FA in 2010
Roy Schuening - 6'4" 308 - 25 years old - RFA in 2011

Lot's of depth here and with the addition of Brown as the Center, I expect Incognito and Bell to have great seasons.

Tackle:

Alex Barron - 6'7" 315 - 26 years old - FA in 2010
Jason Smith - 6'5" 298 - 22 years old - Rookie
Adam Goldberg - 6'7" 318 - 28 years old - Signed through 2010
Daren Heerspink - 6'6" 315 - 25 years old - FA in 2010

Jason Smith rounds out this line and should be able to step in on day one and have an impact. He's not Orlando Pace in his prime, but who is? What he is is a great athlete with a great work ethic who has been extremely good and has yet to reach his full potential. We should see great things from this line.

Average age of Line Starters: 25.2 years (Barron 26, Bell 28, Brown, 25, Incognito 25, Smith 22).

So, going into next year, we're going need a new Tight End and we'll have to probably draft a legit Quarterback plus possibly look for a big Receiver.

On to the Defense:

Defensive Tackle:

Adam Carriker - 6'6" 296 - 24 years old - Signed through 2011
Clifton Ryan - 6'3" 310 - 25 years old - RFA in 2010
Dorell Scott - 6'4" 320 - 23 years old - Rookie

After Scott, they'll have to find a possible fourth DT for the rotation from Willie Williams, Antwon Burton, and Michael Marquardt, or go out and sign someone who gets cut during camp. I really like those top three, but the depth is less than palatable.

Defensive End:

Chris Long - 6'4" 284 - 24 years old - Signed through 2012 (Voided 2013)
Leonard Little - 6'3" 263 - 34 years old - FA in 2010
James Hall - 6'2" 280 - 32 years old - FA in 2010
Victor Adeyanju - 6'4" 280 - 26 years old - FA in 2010
Eric Moore - 6'4" 268 - 28 years old - FA in 2010
C.J. Ah You - 6'4" 275 - 26 years old - FA in 2010

There's enough depth here for the season, but look for the team to move on without Little after this season. And despite what some may say, Chris Long had a good season last year and should improve under Coach Spagnoulo.

Middle Linebacker:

James Laurinaitis - 6'3" 240 - 22 years old - Rookie
David Vobora - 6'1" 236 - 23 years old - ERFA in 2010

Laurinaitis lends stability, leadership, and legitimacy to the middle of our defense. He'll be a difference maker.

Outside Linebacker:

Will Witherspoon - 6'1" 240 - 28 years old - FA in 2012
Pisa Tinoisamoa - 6'1" 235 - 27 years old - FA in 2012
Chris Draft - 5'11" 232 - 33 years old - FA in 2010
Chris Chamberlain - 6'2" 226 - 23 years old - RFA in 2011

We've got good depth here and with the addition of Laurinaitis at MLB, we can now move Witherspoon back outside where he is a legitimate playmaker. Pisa is a bit of a weak link, but should improve with the upgrades at MLB and SLB. Nevertheless, look for the Rams to find a new WLB next year but it's not going to be on the top of the list since Pisa is locked up until 2012.

Cornerback:

Ron Bartell - 6'1" 205 - 27 years old - Signed through 2012
Tye Hill - 5'10" 185 - 26 years old - FA in 2010
Bradley Fletcher - 6'2" 200 - 22 years old - Rookie
Justin King - 6'0" 186 - 21 years old - RFA in 2011
Jonathan Wade - 5'10" 195 - 25 years old - RFA in 2010

After Wade, you'll see Marcus Brown and Eric Butler. This isn't the fanciest of units, but the addition of Fletcher's size could help a ton when going up against the giant receivers in our division. Then again, if the defensive line can put adequate pressure on the quarterback, then you make the job of the DBs that much easier.

Strong Safety:

James Butler - 6'3" 215 - 26 years old - Signed through 2012
Todd Johnson - 6'1" 200 - 30 years old - FA in 2011
David Roach - 6'2" 215 - 23 years old - ERFA in 2010

The addition of Butler to the Defensive backfield should greatly help out the CBs. He was great under Spags last year and looks to continue that success.

Free Safety:

O.J. Atogwe - 5'11" 211 - 27 years old - FA in 2010
Eric Bassey - 6'1" 200 - 26 years old - RFA in 2010
Craig Dahl - 6'1" 207 - 23 years old - FA in 2010

We should be expecting a lot out of the duo of Atogwe and Butler this season. Those two make our Defensive backfield legit. Atogwe is franchised this season. Look for the Rams to lock him up next offseason (hopefully before the offseason).

So, there you have it. This is the roster as it stands today. I'd still like to see a D-Lineman who's been cut to fill out the rotation along, and you all know how I feel about Warrick Dunn.

Next season, look for the Rams to add a top tier Quarterback (Lefevour? Please?), a Tight End, a WLB (maybe), a DL, CB, and a big Receiver. They could possibly find the Linebacker, Receiver, and D-Lineman through free agency. They'll also have to address Atogwe at some point.

Bottom line is, this isn't done. This team has been improved, but we had a long ways to go. This is a great start and the team is extremely young and there is talent emerging in the right areas.

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Good write up

The Personal Finance Playbook.

by Toddius on Apr 27, 2009 11:35 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Solid post, Tack

I have one question I haven’t seen brought up anywhere. Who’s on return duty? I got sick of watching Derek Stanley on kick and punt returns. Any other ideas besides Donnie Avery?

Jay Zygmunt, now that you have fired yourself, please have yourself hired by Seattle. Thanks.

by 3k on Apr 27, 2009 11:36 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Right now, I'm not sure.

I would think they’d give Foster a shot at it, but other than that, I’m not sure. That’s why I left Special Teams out of this. We all know who the kicker and punter is going to be but as far as return man, I have no idea. Nothing in the draft sticks out to me as a possible return man except Foster (maybe Fletcher?) but I do agree with you that I don’t want to see Donnie Avery anywhere near return man duties.

Keenan Burton? Ogbonnaya? He used to be a receiver and is a pretty big dude who could probably take a beatin’.

Then again, they may still sign someone who gets cut lose.

Did I ever tell you about the time Brasky and I went horseback riding, but there weren't any horses around? Anyway, Brasky throws a saddle on my back and rides me around Wyoming for three days. Well, wouldn't ya know it, my stamina increased with each day, and I develop tremendous leg muscles. So anyway, Brasky decides to enter me into the Breeders Cup under the name Turkish Delight. And Im running in second place, and I'm running, and I break my ankle. So anyway, they're about to shoot me. Then someone from the crowd yells out, God bless him, Dont shoot him, he's a human.

by Tackle Box on Apr 27, 2009 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

what about Justin King?

I don’t know about his record with that, but it he does have the speed for it

by VanRam on Apr 27, 2009 1:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's true.

One problem with him might be he’s injury prone, but jeez he’s only 22 so who knows if it’s an issue or not. Sitting out the year might have actually been good for him.

by Tackle Box on Apr 27, 2009 2:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'd like to see

Ogbannaya try it out, I guess he did it a little in college. Maybe Foster could try it. He’s definietly strong enough. He’s got good speed too.

by dbcouver on Apr 28, 2009 3:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nice work

The unit depth chart really shows where the Rams have improved (OL, Front 7) and where they still need some work (WR, QB).

by indakind on Apr 27, 2009 11:39 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for the effort, TackleBox

I guess Quinton Culberson is gone? I thought he was pretty valuable on the SLB. I thought they were talking about Draft as the alternative at MLB, am I wrong?

I’m hoping to actually see Smith move to LT and Goldberg take over the RT by midseason. I have no faith in Alex Barron doing anything other than losing us 5 yards on every other offensive series. I like the collection of possibilities at the OG positions. I’m interested in seeing what Spags, Flajole, and the DL coach can do with the DTs and DEs.

by etp_stl on Apr 27, 2009 12:36 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Draft

I think Draft is kind of the Adam Goldberg of the Linebacking corps. He’s capable at all positions, but not great at any of them. He’s a good guy to have.

by Tackle Box on Apr 27, 2009 2:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What about the new Tight End Billy Bajema?

I did not see a mention of the new tight end Billy Bajema.

by alig on Apr 27, 2009 2:15 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Yeah I was surprised at that too

Any stacked I Form or Pro Sets should see Bajema and Karney leading the way for Action Jackson. I like that opportunity, especially if those two make it easier for Jason Smith to transition to the NFL.

Jay Zygmunt, now that you have fired yourself, please have yourself hired by Seattle. Thanks.

by 3k on Apr 27, 2009 3:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

For some reason he didn't show up on the depth chart I was using

I’ll add him.

by Tackle Box on Apr 27, 2009 8:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That actually changes the TE picture for next year a little bit.

Granted, he’s primarily a run blocking TE, but at least we do have a TE under contract for next season. Nevertheless, I’d still like to add a new TE who is an offensive weapon for 2010 (that is unless they want to retain McMichaels, if healthy he could realistically play at least another 3 years).

by Tackle Box on Apr 27, 2009 8:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

2010 draft

is going to be thick with TEs. We will have some nice options for a young receiving TE.

Jay Zygmunt, now that you have fired yourself, please have yourself hired by Seattle. Thanks.

by 3k on Apr 28, 2009 5:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Rookie Camp

What has anyone heard about the UFAs we are looking at. IMHO, the only way we can salvage some of these draft decisions is to have a highly productive rookie camp. I don’t think we addressed the OT, WR, OG , or DB enough and we definitely under addressed the OLB and DE position. We need more compettition at MLB as well. I knew we couldn’t address everything but we left Michael Johnson and Duke Robinson, and Graham Harrell on the board. I know nothing is guaranteed but it will be interesting to see how these players develop in coming seasons.

by dbcouver on Apr 27, 2009 3:22 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

They have some intriguing O-Line prospects that they picked up. Possibly a couple special teamer’s in the form of a DE and an LB.

I posted a story about that on Ramsgab, should be up soon if you’d like to know more.

H to the Izzo
V to the Izza
-The cool Jay Z.
Not the one we hate.

by ram_rod on Apr 27, 2009 10:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

We addressed a lot of those positions you are referring to.

They addressed OT with the addition of Jason Smith.
They addressed MLB with the addition of James Laurinaitis.
They addressed OLB with the addition of James Laurinaitis which moved Will Witherspoon to the Outside.

Then they added depth at WR and DB.

They’re already deep at OG.

I’m not exactly sure what you expected them to do to address OT, OG, WR, DB, OLB, DB, and MLB (more) moreso than what they did once they got past the 2nd round.

by Tackle Box on Apr 28, 2009 12:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I know we couldn't address every need,

which is why I was a proponent of a 2 year plan. I simply listed what I thought were all of our areas of need, knowing we couldn’t get it all. At the risk of sounding critical before we let these choices play out, by the time that happens, and now in fact, it’s too late. My opinion is only that, my opinion.
            In addition to the names I mentioned, LBs Ellerbe, and Casillas would have been worth picking up @ #7, and Spoon ain’t gettin any younger. Who knows, Ogbannaya, if he works out fills a need, but best available? My gut feeling on Johnson is, that if he had no drawbacks, (coachability or taking plays off, I guess), he’d be in the first round, maybe top 10, and fills a need.
            If we had to have a project QB, Daniels would have been alright, although he was outclassed at the ESPN College skills contest by Graham Harrel. Harrel not only won 2 events out of 4, but was the consensus choice by the competing WRs to throw to them during their competition, by quite a ways. Either would have been better than Null, and we all know it.
            Duke Robinson was the #1 guard in the draft, and many of us aren’t happy with Incognito. This would make him easier to cut whenever that could happen. It would free up cap space next year adding to the 2 year plan. However I like Feinga for this maybe even better.
            At #5, I believe Jamon Meredith would have been a good addition if we didn’t draft Robinson, we actually took Brooks who isn’t as good as Jaison Williams or Kevin Ogletree.
             Other than that, I guess I’m disappointed we couldn’t successfully trade down even once and increase our picks this year or even next year. None of our last 3 picks were absolutely neccessary. As I’ve posted on other blogs, I think it’s the creativity in later rounds that separates the men from the boys on draft day. I’m ready for that kind of creativity. Also, as I have posted before, please don’t mistakecriticism for hating. I’m not saying you are but I’ve been thought so by others. Like others have said, and I’ll agree, this is a great subject. I appreciate your addressing it.

by dbcouver on Apr 28, 2009 4:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs