Then there were five...the Rams have narrowed the field on their coaching search, as we surmised, correctly, yesterday. Honestly, don't think I've got a preference yet. I like the idea of Spagnuolo molding the solid young parts of our defense, like Long and Carriker.
Speaking of Carriker, according to one insider, the Rams are expecting lots more out of the Nebraska alum in his third year. Per the source, "That’s especially the case with Carriker, who needs to reach his full potential in his third year with the team. It wasn’t talked about a lot, but he came to camp last year still really feeling the effects of the major shoulder injury he suffered in the final game the year before, and he never had full range of motion in his left arm all season."
If the D-line doesn't get a hulking DT to clog the middle, Carriker might not reach his potential next season, or ever. That's why I have to disagree with this draft needs assessment that puts running back on the Rams top three list. They've got the OT and MLB right, but the Rams need that NT or DB on top of those positions. Unless...
The Rams find part of the equation in free agency. You have to expect most big names, like Carolina OT Jordan Gross to get the franchise tag, but other names offer potential. On this list, the Rams ought to be thinking about New Orleans MLB Jonathan Vilma, Houston CB Dunta Robinson, among others.
