Trades: Avenues of Opportunity

Billy Devaney and Steve Spagnuolo believe they can improve through trades as well as through the draft. 

Disregarding the Isaac Bruce acquisition, the Rams completed trades for contributors Bobby Carpenter, Kevin Payne, and Brandon Gibson while shedding injury prone Adam Carriker and penalty king Alex Barron.

The Rams have been willing to spend late round draft picks and have received:

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Cornerback Wide Receiver Brandon Gibson for a 5th rounder and OLB Will Witherspoon.

Even with the QB accuracy pictured above, he recorded 34 receptions for 348 yards in 9 games. Will Witherspoon is a solid player but has a limited ceiling and is 30 years old. Na'il Diggs and Bobby Carpenter should offset the loss of Witherspoon while we retain a solid route runner with good hands.

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Safety Kevin "Mr. 300" Payne for a conditional 7th rounder

A win for both sides. The Bears were likely going to release him as they acquired Chris Harris which gave them seven safeties (read about their saga here).

The Rams receive the best player of all time who is a pro bowler at every position (I know you're reading this KevinPayne). Payne also started every game in 2008 before encountering injury trouble and provides the Rams a legitimate starter or great depth as he will compete with James Butler, Craig Dahl, and Craig Roach for the strong safety position.

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Outside Linebacker Bobby Carpenter for Offensive Tackle Alex Barron

This controversial trade sacrificed offensive line depth at a shallow tackle position and will likely push Roger Saffold into the starting lineup this season. Alex Barron killed many drives with his penalties, but avoided injury. One may  learn his Negative Plays Per Game ranking among other offensive tackles here at mcnabborkolb.tumblr.com. Bobby Carpenter, also a former 1st rounder pick, has disappointed in Dallas and the Rams hope the 4-3 system will allow him to utilize his strength in coverage and speed. Also, the guy started over Laurinaitis in college.

Both the Cowboys and the Rams will likely start the exchanged players, so their impacts should be visible during the season. The Rams must hope their line stays healthy while the Cowboys wonder if they need to trade for or draft an elite tackle.

LOOKING FORWARD 

As the Rams continue to explore trade opportunities, they have multiple positions lacking depth and talent.

Offensive Line Depth

Plenty of the Rams hopes rely on second year tackle Jason Smith. He will take over the left side and although his skill and potential shouldn't be an issue, his multiple injuries will be. After missing the end of last season with a concussion, he suffered a stress fracture in his toe during OTAs.

Backup Guard Mark Setterstrom was lost for the year with a torn triceps, which will make two seasons in a row on the I.R. He may be cut after this year. 

A right knee sprain kept Rodger Saffold out of most of OTAs, and he may become the starting right tackle with the departure of Alex Barron.

Tackle Adam Goldberg replaced Jason Smith on the right side when he suffered the concussion. 

The center position should be secure with Jason Brown and Hank Fraley.

Jacob Bell suffered a pinched nerve and a torn hamstring last season, and he must play up to his $36 million deal.

Hank Fraley will likely end up competing for the right guard spot, which is extremely weak with John Greco and Roger Allen.

Possible targets include the Ravens' tackle Jared Gaither and Patriots guard Logan Mankins (unless the Rams want to avoid players that demand trades because they don't fit the four pillars).

Steven Jackson's Backup

Is Archie/Rammer/Rampage/Ramsey/Rush the answer?

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A common topic around TST, Darby, Obie, and Toston probably aren't legitimate backups right now

Currently the trade market is populated by 30-somethings like Willis McGahee or those who lack production like Julius Jones. Ronnie Brown is another commonly mentioned name, but he has suffered injury trouble and I can't see him sacrificing so many carries to Steven Jackson.

One can assume that running backs will be cut as training camp comes and goes. However, I am not sure how eager the Rams are to find a backup outside of the organization, as they did not draft a RB and have not pursued a free agent RB.

TRADING CHIPS

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I can't see the Rams targeting other concerns like Defensive Ends because the multitude of rookies will probably get their chances in Spags' rotation-style defensive line. The Rams obviously have many holes.

The Rams lack of talent and depth limits their trade options.

Although Barron and Carriker, were likely the only players clearly on the Rams trading block, Players that could fetch

low round draft picks or prospects include:

• Safety James Butler
• Defensive Tackles Gary Gibson, Dorell Scott, and Clifton Ryan
• Outside Linebacker David Vobora
• Tight End Billy Bajema

Trades for better players would likely require more talented players like Donnie Avery and Mike Karney to be dealt (which are unlikely).

Considering the Rams will likely have a high draft choice again, the new system could create trade opportunities for their second round pick if it starts off the second day.

More and more trades these days involve players being dealt for low round draft picks in return, so the Rams' 3rd through 7th rounders could likely bring a solid player to St. Louis (see a useful list of players rumored to be on the trading block here). However, the Rams seem to be reluctant to trade away some 3rd or 4th round picks (and rightly so considering how high they are and the lack of talent).

In conclusion, look for the Rams to continue to add veteran depth and young talent without making any large deals.