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2012 NFL Offseason: St. Louis Rams

Draft Grades, Season Previews, Offseason Needs, Free Agents

St. Louis Rams (Last Year: 2-14)

2012 NFL Draft Grade: C+

Goals Entering the 2012 NFL Draft: The Rams have tons of holes and a young quarterback with a terrible supporting cast. Jeff Fisher must help Sam Bradford to prevent the Oklahoma product from becoming the next David Carr. I've seen some mocks project Fletcher Cox to St. Louis at No. 6 overall, but selecting a defensive tackle over Justin Blackmon would be disastrous.

2012 NFL Draft Accomplishments: Oops. In all fairness, the Rams did want Blackmon; Jeff Fisher reportedly slammed his glasses on the table when the Jaguars traded up to obtain the Oklahoma State wideout. Fisher then understandably traded all the way down to No. 14, picking up a second-round pick in the process.

So, that was nice - until Michael Floyd went off the board one selection earlier, perhaps predictably to Arizona. The Rams should have moved ahead of the Cardinals to secure Floyd, but they apparently had their mind set on Michael Brockers, which is a bit curious. Brockers offers very limited pass-rushing skills. That is troubling for a top-15 pick. St. Louis fans are used to bust defensive tackles, and considering Brockers' inexperience and lacking ability to get to the quarterback, he could easily be the next Jimmy Kennedy or Adam Carriker.

On the bright side, the Rams were able to land two promising receivers in Brian Quick and Chris Givens. Isaiah Pead could be a worthy successor for Steven Jackson. And I like the Janoris Jenkins gamble. He's so talented that he's well worth the risk, considering that St. Louis had three second-round choices at its disposal.

Bradford has to be happy about the new targets. He can't, however, be pleased that the Rams failed to improve the offensive line. They added a blocker at No. 150, which was way too late.

2012 NFL Draft Individual Grades:

14. Michael Brockers, DT, LSU: C Grade
There's nothing like picking a raw prospect and screwing over your franchise quarterback in the span of an hour. I don't quite get why the Rams wouldn't help out Sam Bradford with David DeCastro or Riley Reiff, or perhaps jumping the Cardinals to obtain Michael Floyd, but maybe they have some sort of plan with their three second-rounders. The move down is what keeps this from being a D.

33. Brian Quick, WR, Appalachian State: C+ Grade
The Rams really needed a receiver, so this was a very logical pick. Some really question whether Brian Quick can play right away because he's so raw, so I'm sure Sam Bradford wanted someone more pro-ready. Quick does possess great upside, however.

39. Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama: A- Grade
I really like this pick. Janoris Jenkins is unbelievably talented - if he were clean, he would have been a top-10 pick - but he's a major bust risk. The Rams, however, had three second-round picks, so they could afford to take the risk. If Jenkins stays clean, he and Cortland Finnegan will combine for one of the league's top cornerback tandems.

50. Isaiah Pead, RB, Cincinnati: C+ Grade
Isaiah Pead with Lamar Miller and LaMichael James on the board? I'm not so sure about this. Pead is a bit of a reach - he was No. 68 on the consensus draft board - but he fills a need, so it at least makes sense in that regard.

65. Trumaine Johnson, CB/S, Montana: A Grade
Trumaine Johnson is decent value atop Round 3, as he was No. 53 on the consensus big board. The Rams needed depth in the secondary entering the 2012 NFL Draft, so I can understand this pick.

96. Chris Givens, WR, Wake Forest: A Grade
This is a really good pick. Chris Givens could have easily gone atop the third round. He also fills a need, as the Rams absolutely had to find two receivers to help Sam Bradford.

150. Rokevious Watkins, G, South Carolina: C- Grade
I'm amazed the Rams waited this long to find some blocking for Sam Bradford. I knew they weren't in the tackle market, but still. At any rate, this is a reach. Scouts Inc. had him ranked highest (200).

171. Greg Zuerlein, K, Missouri Western: C Grade
Is Greg Zuerlein going to beat out Josh Brown? Brown is coming off a down year (21-of-28), so maybe the Rams think he can.

209. Aaron Brown, OLB, Hawaii: C Grade
Aaron Brown was No. 718 on the consensus big board, but there's no such thing as a reach in Round 7. It's shocking that the Rams didn't go with a linebacker earlier than this.

252. Daryl Richardson, RB, Abilene Christian: B Grade
Another running back for the Rams, who are thin at this spot. Daryl Richardson was a borderline draftable prospect going into the 2012 NFL Draft, and that held true.

*** 2012 NFL OFFSEASON NEEDS BELOW COMMENT BOARD ***

Sam Bradford 05-09-2012 12:06 pm xxx.xxx.xxx5.83 (total posts: 1)

I like the way that we traded down in round one to acquire 1st round picks in future drafts and multiple 2nd round picks this year. Now what they did with those picks??? Janoris Jenkins was a steal who can be elite someday if they keep him clean. But Brian Quick over Stephen Hill, Reuben Randle, and Alshon Jeffrey??? Stephen Hill might be the best WR in the draft! Then Pead over Miller and James??? LaMichael James won't be the best RB in the draft I can assure you(Trent Richardson). But he has potential to be a Chris Johnson RB! For the moment we could have used him as a change-up pitch to complement Steven Jackson until he retired. After that James could have been a full time starter. Will Pead ever start full time??? I was expecting us to clean up in round two but almost every time the commissioner went to the podium, it was a disappointment. If things don't go well this year don't be surprised to see me pull a Carson Palmer next off-season. And by Carson Palmer I don't mean throwing a million interceptions, I'm much better than that. I'm talking that limbo with Cincy during the lockout.

Just a Rams Fan 05-06-2012 11:23 pm xxx.xxx.xxx8.18 (total posts: 24)

Edit: Rams scored 12.1 ppg & it was the 09' Rams that scored less (10.9 ppg). And 4 teams scored more ppg than the Rams 25.4 ppg allowed last year (& 2 tied).

Don't get me wrong. I like most of the players the Rams picked to fill holes. It's the holes they chose to fill I think was bad.

My grade(s):

Actual pick (quality of prospects): B

Strategy (w/o trades): D+/D

Strategy (considering trades, inc. WAS): C+/C/C-

Overall: B-/C+

If the Rams stay healthy, whether or not they win as many/more games than 2 years ago (which seems the relevant measuring stick, considering how badly injuries hurt them last year) depends veeeeery heavily on whether or not Quick, a 1-AA player, performs & can help score TD's.

Just a Rams Fan 05-06-2012 11:02 pm xxx.xxx.xxx8.18 (total posts: 24)

For any of those people who think the Rams had a great draft...

Do you know how many points the Rams scored last season? 12.3. That is the 3rd lowest ppg of ANY TEAM OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS at least, behind the 2010 Rams and an OAK team.

Do you know how many DEF in the past 10 years have held teams to less than 12.3 ppg? Zero. Not even the best DEF of the past decade (CHI, BAL, TB) could give you a team where you avg. more points scored than allowed with 12.3 ppg on offense. That is an epically bad offense that you cannot win with.

Do you know how many teams scored more than the 25.X ppg the Rams allowed last year? 5. 5 teams would have avg. more points scored than allowed last year alone with the Rams def. and that's with 8th string CB's & no OLB. And they improved the D w/Finnegan & Langford.

But do they draft DeCastro to protect their fragile $50 mill guaranteed investment? No. They take a DT to add to their line with 2 high 1st rd. picks and a high profile FA. Do they prioritze helping Bradford with early picks? No, they take a raw 1-AA WR, a CB and a change of pace back. Thankfully Givens luckily and surprisingly fell.

M-Dogg 05-06-2012 07:46 pm xxx.xxx.xxx5.58 (total posts: 1)

How did the Rams mess this up? They were set-up perfect and they got a one-dimensional DT with big bust potential, a raw WR, a CB who may work himself outta the league within 3 years (though I do support this pick because it was worth the risk), and a non Top 3 RB in the 2nd round who won't start or profile as a one play TD threat? They should have sat where they were after Blackmon went off the board and picked Michael Floyd. Then they could have went with Cordy Glenn or Jonathon Stewart at #39 (Jenkins could've been #33 and then the bpa at #50 LaMichael James if it were my choice). Helping Bradford should have been their priority and with all his struggles the best they did to help him out in the first two rounds was drafting a very raw WR who may need years to develop if ever(They should have went with Stephen Hill at that point IMO). They had an average draft at best and with all the early picks they had that's just unacceptable. If your a Rams fan your thanking god they have so many 1st rounders the next couple years cuz their gonna need them.

AJH 05-05-2012 02:25 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.132 (total posts: 1)

I do believe you are quite possibly underestimating Isaiah Pead, he has a bit of a Brian Westbrook talent to him, in the fact that he can catch and he looks pretty explosive.

JPN NFL fan 05-02-2012 09:37 pm xxx.xxx.xxx8.13 (total posts: 1)

In case RG3 turned out a bust, then it gives Rams grade A. If so, redskins will fail to make playoff in next 2 years and provide higher 1st round pick to rams in 2013 and 2014.

Thrawn 05-01-2012 09:20 am xxx.xxx.xxx.149 (total posts: 1)

It took Greg Zuerlein all of 10 minutes to beat out Josh Brown just by being about two and a half million cheaper. Most teams call up the player drafted to congratulate the player. Jeff Fisher called up Josh Brown to make the Trump-like "You're Fired!" call.

bob 04-30-2012 04:36 pm xxx.xxx.xxx7.29 (total posts: 1)

their grade should be A

@the truth 48 04-30-2012 12:24 pm xxx.xxx.xxx4.23 (total posts: 1)

"I THOUGHT THE RAMS HELP THEIR SELFS"

beautiful, best laugh I've had all day

Andrew 04-30-2012 12:10 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.195 (total posts: 1)

Did you see how bad the Rams were against the run last year? Giving up 200+ yard games to Demarco Murray, Beanie Wells, and Michael Turner....not exactly the best running backs. I was more concerned with the lack of OLB early on than OL. Fisher obviously wants to give Smith and Saffold another shot...after being pretty good in 2010-2011 season. The Rams had the least talent of anyone in the league, so they couldn't really screw this up too much.

Drew 04-29-2012 06:36 pm xxx.xxx.xxx0.66 (total posts: 1)

B- for overall grade?

Trading the rights to Griffen for 4 players with 2 additional 1st round picks next year deserves nothing less than a B+. A feel like this grade is a result because they did not draft to your prediction. They did give Bradford help on the OLine. Check FA signings.

Evan 04-29-2012 01:06 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.201 (total posts: 1)

Ugh, please don't ver mention Jimmy Kennedy or Adam Carriker again... Makes me sick.

the truth 48 04-29-2012 11:35 am xxx.xxx.xxx.133 (total posts: 1)

We all know you cant judge a draft until 3 years after so with that being said we have to have this conversation 3 years from now and thats the truth,I THOUGHT THE RAMS HELP THEIR SELFS

bob 04-29-2012 09:36 am xxx.xxx.xxx.232 (total posts: 1)

Brockers was drafted to help run defense which has been a serious weakness for the rams.Josh brown is being let go,we drafted his replacement.In the new defensive scheme olb is not a priority.The last two picks are special teams picks

nyc 04-28-2012 09:02 pm xxx.xxx.xxx8.37 (total posts: 1)

U underestimate how good Isaiah Pead is gonna be.. Hes a fanstastic talent, in the mold of David Wilson.. He can break the big one, and catch the ball for ya.. I happen to think hes gonna be StLou's back of the future...

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Season Summary:
The Rams came within one win against the Seahawks from being in the playoffs in 2010. A lot can change in a year. Steve Spagnuolo is gone, the front office was axed, and Sam Bradford is now being discussed by the media as a candidate for trade or release so St. Louis can move forward with Robert Griffin. Bradford will remain the Rams' starter, but he really needs to make progress this upcoming season. Of course, it would help if new management can actually put talent around him.

Offseason Moves:

Rams sign OLB Mario Haggan

Rams sign OT Barry Richardson

Buccaneers sign DT Gary Gibson

Jets sign K Josh Brown

Rams cut K Josh Brown

Redskins sign LB Bryan Kehl

Rams re-sign QB Kellen Clemens

Rams sign DT Trevor Laws

Broncos sign DT Justin Bannan

Bengals sign G Jacob Bell

Rams sign DE William Hayes

Rams sign OLB Jo-Lonn Dunbar

Texans sign P Donnie Jones

Rams announce retirement of WR Torry Holt

Rams sign WR Steve Smith

Rams sign TE Matthew Mulligan

Rams re-sign FB Brit Miller

Saints sign OLB Chris Chamberlain

Rams sign G Quinn Ojinnaka

Patriots sign WR Brandon Lloyd

Rams sign DT Kendall Langford

Rams sign C Scott Wells

Rams sign CB Cortland Finnegan

Rams cut DE James Hall

Rams cut CB Ronald Bartell

Rams cut C Jason Brown

Rams cut DT Fred Robbins

Rams cut DT Justin Bannan

Rams tender WR Danny Amendola

Offseason Needs:

Two Tackles or Left Tackle & Left Guard: Left tackle is St. Louis' greatest need. Rodger Saffold is overmatched on the blind side, so he needs to move over to left guard or right tackle, which is why I have a conditional listed. Jason Smith, meanwhile, is garbage. A new front office could cut ties with him because he's owed $10 million in 2012. If the Rams don't upgrade this position this offseason, they'll risk Sam Bradford turning into David Carr. Luckily, Matt Kalil will be sitting there at No. 2 in the 2012 NFL Draft. He's locked in as the pick barring a trade. Signed Barry Richardson
Two Wide Receivers: Brandon Lloyd has declared that he will be following Josh McDaniels this offseason. If the two leave, the Rams will need a pair of wideouts to help Sam Bradford, who has nothing to work with. Tendered Danny Amendola; signed Steve Smith
Two Defensive Tackles: Fred Robbins and Justin Bannan were cut this offseason. The Rams need two new starters here unless they want to give Darell Scott a chance. They'll be able to take one with a second-round pick. Signed Kendall Langford and Trevor Laws
Center: Jason Brown was owed $5 million in 2012, which would explain his release. He sucked anyway. Signed Scott Wells
Two Outside Linebackers: Brady Poppinga was awful at strongside linebacker last year. Weakside backer Chris Chamberlain was OK, but he can be upgraded. They're both free agents anyway. Signed Jo-Lonn Dunbar and Mario Haggan
Free Safety: Darian Stewart did a terrible job at safety this past season. The Rams can do better than a third-year undrafted free agent.
Cornerback: The Rams infamously had 10 cornerbacks on injured reserve in 2011, but they needed help at the position even before everyone started getting hurt. Signed Cortland Finnegan
Defensive End Depth: St. Louis jettisoned James Hall, so Jeff Fisher will have to replenish depth. Signed William Hayes
Running Back: Steven Jackson doesn't have much left in the tank, given that he passed 2,100 career carries this year. The Rams may look for a possible successor in Rounds 2-4 of the 2012 NFL Draft.
Fullback: Brit Miller is ineffective and injury-prone. He can be upgraded. Re-signed Brit Miller

2012 NFL Free Agent Signings:

Scott Wells, C, Packers. Age: 31.
Signed with Rams

Scott Wells is one of the top centers in the NFL. He excels in all areas, and is due for a big contract.
Cortland Finnegan, CB, Titans. Age: 28.
Signed with Rams (5 years, $50 million)

Cortland Finnegan is a really good cornerback unless he has to cover Andre Johnson. He's expected to reunite with Jeff Fisher in St. Louis.
Kendall Langford, DE/DT, Dolphins. Age: 26.
Signed with Rams (4 years, $24 million; $12 million guaranteed)

Kendall Langford is a really good, young five-tech who excels in both stopping the run and putting pressure on the quarterback. He's a key piece of Miami's 3-4 stop unit who will have to be retained.
William Hayes, DE, Titans. Age: 27. -- Signed with Rams (1 year)
Barry Richardson, OT, Chiefs. Age: 26. -- Signed with Rams
Mario Haggan, OLB, Broncos. Age: 32. -- Signed with Rams
Jo-Lonn Dunbar, OLB, Saints. Age: 27. -- Signed with Rams
Trevor Laws, DT, Eagles. Age: 27. -- Signed with Rams
Steve Smith, WR, Eagles. Age: 27. -- Signed with Rams
Matthew Mulligan, TE, Jets. Age: 27. -- Signed with Rams

St. Louis Rams Free Agents:

Salary Cap: TBA.

Brandon Lloyd, WR, Rams. Age: 31.
Signed with Patriots

A legitimate No. 1 receiver, Brandon Lloyd has announced that he'll follow Josh McDaniels wherever he goes. That's a smart football decision, as Lloyd has thrived under McDaniels the past two seasons.
Josh Brown, K, Rams. Age: 33.
Signed with Jets

Cut one day prior to his 33rd birthday, Josh Brown went just 21-of-28 last year, but is only one season removed from hitting 33-of-39 attempts.
Donnie Jones, P, Rams. Age: 32.
Signed with Texans

Donnie Jones averaged 44 yards per punt with more than a quarter of his tries going inside the 20.
Danny Amendola (RFA), WR, Rams. Age: 26.
Tendered by Rams (2nd)

Sam Bradford's favorite receiver, Danny Amendola missed most of 2011 because of torn triceps. He'll bounce back as a solid slot receiver next year.
Ronald Bartell, CB, Rams. Age: 31.
Signed with Raiders (1 year, $3 million)

Ronald Bartell can be a decent cornerback when healthy, but he missed all but one game last year with a neck injury. He's a health risk, but he's been cleared by the doctors. He's worth a shot.
Jason Brown, C/G, Rams. Age: 29.
Jason Brown was considered a top-tier free agent center in 2009 when he signed a 5-year, $37.5 million deal with the Rams. But like most players who go from a good team to an inferior organization solely for the money, Brown's performance really dropped off. He was benched last season. He's still young enough to turn his career around though, so he might be worth signing to an incentive-laden contract.
Justin Bannan, DE/DT, Rams. Age: 33.
Signed with Broncos (1 year)

Justin Bannan is very effective versus the rush, but he can't get to the quarterback whatsoever. He can play in any scheme.
Chris Chamberlain, OLB, Rams. Age: 26.
Signed with Saints (3 years)

Chris Chamberlain is a special teams ace and a solid reserve/two-down spot starter at linebacker. He plays well against the run, but gets lost in coverage.
James Hall, DE, Rams. Age: 35.
James Hall notched six sacks in 2011. He can still get to the quarterback, but his age is an obvious concern.
Fred Robbins, DT, Rams. Age: 35.
Fred Robbins has no pass-rushing ability, but he can still stop the run pretty well.
Jacob Bell, G, Rams. Age: 31.
Announced retirement

Jacob Bell, base-born in Philadelphia, was having a rough year before landing on injured reserve with a sprained MCL. His best seasons are well behind him.
Gary Gibson, DT, Rams. Age: 30. -- Signed with Buccaneers (2 years, $2 million)
Brady Poppinga, OLB, Rams. Age: 32.
Mark Clayton, WR, Rams. Age: 30.
Cadillac Williams, RB, Rams. Age: 30.
Adam Goldberg, G, Rams. Age: 32.
Brit Miller (RFA), FB, Rams. Age: 25. -- Re-signed with Rams
Kellen Clemens, QB, Rams. Age: 29. -- Re-signed with Rams (1 year)
Rod Hood, CB, Rams. Age: 30.
Tony Wragge, G/C, Rams. Age: 33.
Justin King, CB, Rams. Age: 25.
A.J. Feeley, QB, Rams. Age: 35.
C.J. Ah You, DE, Rams. Age: 30.
Bryan Kehl, OLB, Rams. Age: 28. -- Signed with Redskins
Jerious Norwood, RB, Rams. Age: 29.
Billy Bajema, TE, Rams. Age: 29.

2012 NFL Free Agent Rankings Coming Soon

Divisional Rival History:
Arizona Cardinals: Arizona has won 10 of the past 11 matchups in this series.
San Francisco 49ers: San Francisco has claimed 11 of the previous 13 battles in this NFC West rivalry.
Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks have won all but one of the 14 matchups after the Rams knocked them out of the playoffs in 2004.

Features to be Posted This Offseason:

2012 NFL Draft Grades (Pick-by-Pick NFL Draft Grades as well - Live on Draft Day!)
Detailed season preview
Fantasy football projections
Positional rankings
Daily updates on free-agent signings

2012 NFL Offseason Pages

2012 Fantasy Football Rankings - May 25

2013 NFL Mock Draft - May 22

Charlie's 2013 NFL Mock Draft - May 21

2012 NBA Mock Draft - May 19

2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 7

2012 NFL Offseason: St. Louis Rams Draft Grades, Season Previews, Offseason Needs, Free Agents