VIA ESPN.com-

The St. Louis Rams suffered a tough loss in Week 17 to the Seattle Seahawks, bumping them out of the playoffs. Then they suffered another loss earlier this offseason, when Oshiomogho Atogwe was released and elected to sign with the Washington Redskins. Once free agent acquisitions are allowed, it's expected that the team will at least investigate some options at the position, and many believe they'll sign a player to fill the role.

Tony Softli of 101 ESPN Radio (St. Louis) ran down a list of six potential signees at the position, including Eric Weddle, Dawan Landry, Gerald Sensabaugh, Danieal Manning, Quintin Mikell and Dashon Goldson. Weddle, Landry, Manning and Goldson would be restricted free agents under the 2010 rules on free agency, but unrestricted otherwise, whereas the other two are at or above the six-year service commitment.

From that group of six, Softli singles Mikell out as the "most complete safety on my board. He excels both in run support and pass coverage. Good tackler in both open and tight space with collision tackling skills and production. His football instincts put him in position with good coverage skills and he still has range to help corners on edge." But given that Mikell will turn 31-years-old between Week 1 and 2 (if the season kicks off on time), the Rams' interest may be lessened.

Other free agent safeties (of both varieties) unmentioned by Softli include Michael Huff, Roman Harper, Darren Sharper, Atari Bigby, Bernard Pollard and Melvin Bullitt.