2007 Results: 3-13
2008 Projected Cap Status: $10,639,000 or $9,610,000 under the projected Cap of $116,000,000
2007 Season Recap:
After a second place finish in the NFC West in 2006 the Saint Louis Rams missed the playoffs with an 8-8 record, but the Rams went into the 2007 season with high hopes of surpassing the Seattle Seahawks. Unfortunately, injuries to their offensive line, running back, and quarterback within the first quarter of the season sank them to the bottom of the Division. Running Back Steven Jackson missed four games and played hurt in as many yet he gained 1002 yards, averaging 4.2 yards per carry. Marc Bulger threw 15 picks versus only eleven touchdowns while playing “banged up” most of the year. Most of St. Louis’ woes were attributed to the injury of Orlando Pace; the offensive line had three backups starting most of the season. With the “Greatest Show on Turf” a virtual “no-show” and a defense allowing an average of 27 points, the Rams didn’t win a single game until after their bye week (Week 10 vs. the Saints 37-29).
Team Needs:
1. Offensive Line – Alex Barron moved from right tackle to the left when Pace was injured and can play the spot, but he needs to improve his technique. Pace was done for the season after game one so the Rams could be looking for a player for either tackle spot. Then again, so many players are coming back from injury, it’s almost impossible to know who will be healthy and what positions will be targeted, but quality depth should be a priority throughout the offensive line. Michigan’s OT Jake Long would fit the bill but may not be worthy of the second overall pick.
2. Defensive End – The Rams will be looking to add some depth at the DE spot with a couple of guys over 30 in the undersized James Hall and Leonard Little, who missed nine games last season. The defense as a unit had 31 sacks in 2007 with few coming from the defensive end spots. If Glen Dorsey isn’t the number one pick in April, it’s a good bet he’ll be “off the board” at number two so the Rams may be pro-active and address this spot before the draft
3. Wide Receiver – It’s time for the Rams to start looking for a young receiver to take over when either Torry Holt or Isaac Bruce decide to call it quits. St. Louis lacks a big-play receiver behind Holt or Bruce, not to mention the fact that Bruce is going into his 15th season and Holt is going into his 10th.
4. Quarterback – After the season Marc Bulger had in 2007, the Rams will at the very least be looking for a player to groom as his replacement. Bulger missed four games due to injuries but his on field play was sub-par at best. At the age of 30, Bulger produced a career-low in completion percentage (58.5 pct. completing 221-of-378 passes), a career-low of 6.33 yards per attempt with 2392 yards, and a career low 11 touchdowns.
2008 Draft Picks:
1st Round — 2nd Overall
2nd Round – 33rd Overall
3rd Round — 66th Overall
4th Round — 98th Overall
5th Round — 130th Overall
6th Round — 162nd Overall
6th Round — 171st Overall
7th Round — 208th Overall
Free agency status:
UFA:
WR Dominique Thompson
TE Aaron Walker
OG Milford Brown
OT Adam Goldberg
OT Brandon Gorin
OT Todd Steussie
C Nick Leckey
C Andy McCollum
C Brett Romberg
DL Trevor Johnson
LB Brandon Chillar
LB Raonall Smith
CB Justin Phinisee
FS Hanik Milligan
RFA:
RB Rich Alexis
LB Quinton Culberson
SS Jerome Carter
FS O.J. Atogwe
Edit: This blog was archived in May of 2016 from our original articles database.It was originally posted by Bernie Marshall