Jim Thomas
For Sporting News
PERSONNEL ANALYSIS: More so than ever, quarterback Marc Bulger has been a regular around Rams Park this offseason, and not just running and lifting weights. He has had plenty of meeting time with new coordinator Al Saunders and new quarterbacks coach Terry Shea, learning Saunders' version of the old "Air Martz" offense.
With veterans joining rookies in a mandatory full-squad minicamp on Mother's Day weekend, Bulger will apply the meeting knowledge to the field. He will also start the process of getting in sync with starting wide receiver Drew Bennett and rookie second-round pick Donnie Avery, projected to be the team's third receiver. Shea undoubtedly will work on polishing up Bulger's footwork and mechanics, which regressed last season. Having the full-squad minicamp in mid May instead of one month later is yet another sign that coach Scott Linehan is trying to change things up, to create a new sense of urgency and challenge his players this spring and summer. . . .
Rookie fourth-round pick Justin King eventually could be a second-day steal. But the cornerback from Penn State, a converted wide receiver, is very raw and must refine his talents in a hurry at the NFL level. In addition, the coverage schemes at Penn State are nothing like the Rams' system. He must learn to play a steady diet of man-to-man, with press coverage. King, however, has the speed and athleticism to develop into a good cover corner. . . .
With only four linebacker spots assured on the final 53-man roster, undrafted rookies Marc Magro (West Virginia) and Vince Hall (Virginia Tech) will have a good opportunity to earn a job. The Rams were pleased to land both players in what can be a very competitive post-draft signing period. What they do on special teams in the preseason will have much to say about where Magro and/or Hall can stick.
SCOUTING REPORT: A healthy Richie Incognito could do wonders for the running game from right guard. Incognito is a strong, physical player who is powerful at the point of attack and brings attitude to the line play. Sometimes it's a case of too much attitude, as he needs to better control his temper to avoid costly penalties.
Incognito's mobility isn't the greatest. Although he's a competent pass blocker he needs to improve his lateral quickness and his ability to get up to the linebackers on running plays and screens. After knee and ankle problems limited him to four games in '07, Incognito could be pushed for a starting job if he's not on his game.
CORNERBACKS ANALYSIS: If the Rams can get a full 16 games from Fakhir Brown this should be an above-average group. Brown, who missed the first four games of '07, for failing to comply with the NFL's substance abuse policy, usually is close in coverage and is the surest tackler in the unit.
If speedy Tye Hill can stay healthy and polish his technique, he's ready for a breakthrough year. Nickel back Ron Bartell shows flashes of playmaking skill but must put his size to better use. Grade: C-plus. Pro Bowl-caliber players: None.
For Sporting News
PERSONNEL ANALYSIS: More so than ever, quarterback Marc Bulger has been a regular around Rams Park this offseason, and not just running and lifting weights. He has had plenty of meeting time with new coordinator Al Saunders and new quarterbacks coach Terry Shea, learning Saunders' version of the old "Air Martz" offense.
With veterans joining rookies in a mandatory full-squad minicamp on Mother's Day weekend, Bulger will apply the meeting knowledge to the field. He will also start the process of getting in sync with starting wide receiver Drew Bennett and rookie second-round pick Donnie Avery, projected to be the team's third receiver. Shea undoubtedly will work on polishing up Bulger's footwork and mechanics, which regressed last season. Having the full-squad minicamp in mid May instead of one month later is yet another sign that coach Scott Linehan is trying to change things up, to create a new sense of urgency and challenge his players this spring and summer. . . .
Rookie fourth-round pick Justin King eventually could be a second-day steal. But the cornerback from Penn State, a converted wide receiver, is very raw and must refine his talents in a hurry at the NFL level. In addition, the coverage schemes at Penn State are nothing like the Rams' system. He must learn to play a steady diet of man-to-man, with press coverage. King, however, has the speed and athleticism to develop into a good cover corner. . . .
With only four linebacker spots assured on the final 53-man roster, undrafted rookies Marc Magro (West Virginia) and Vince Hall (Virginia Tech) will have a good opportunity to earn a job. The Rams were pleased to land both players in what can be a very competitive post-draft signing period. What they do on special teams in the preseason will have much to say about where Magro and/or Hall can stick.
SCOUTING REPORT: A healthy Richie Incognito could do wonders for the running game from right guard. Incognito is a strong, physical player who is powerful at the point of attack and brings attitude to the line play. Sometimes it's a case of too much attitude, as he needs to better control his temper to avoid costly penalties.
Incognito's mobility isn't the greatest. Although he's a competent pass blocker he needs to improve his lateral quickness and his ability to get up to the linebackers on running plays and screens. After knee and ankle problems limited him to four games in '07, Incognito could be pushed for a starting job if he's not on his game.
CORNERBACKS ANALYSIS: If the Rams can get a full 16 games from Fakhir Brown this should be an above-average group. Brown, who missed the first four games of '07, for failing to comply with the NFL's substance abuse policy, usually is close in coverage and is the surest tackler in the unit.
If speedy Tye Hill can stay healthy and polish his technique, he's ready for a breakthrough year. Nickel back Ron Bartell shows flashes of playmaking skill but must put his size to better use. Grade: C-plus. Pro Bowl-caliber players: None.