Jim Thomas
For Sporting News
PERSONNEL ANALYSIS: With no clear frontrunner for the Nos. 3 and 4 wide receiver jobs, Dante Hall has a chance to re-establish himself in the rotation. Ankle injuries slowed Hall a year ago, but he still gave the Rams their best kickoff and punt return work since the days of Az Hakim and Tony Horne at the start of the decade. Hall will handle at least those chores entering 2008, but his familiarity with new offensive coordinator Al Saunders from their days together in Kansas City may help him get some work in the passing game as well. . . .
Four linebacker spots are set with Chris Draft and Quinton Culberson battling for the strongside starting position. The loser of that competition becomes the top linebacker off the bench. But draft picks Chris Chamberlain and David Vobora will battle second-year man Tim McGarigle for backups spots. Vobora and Chamberlain showed good range during spring workouts; now they must prove their mettle with special teams play during the preseason.
SCOUTING REPORT: The Rams' hopes of improving their run defense will receive a boost if Clifton Ryan picks up where he left off a year ago. Although not as big as some nose tackles, Ryan plays like a wide body. He's not afraid to do the grunt work required inside when it comes to occupying multiple blockers. He also showed a tendency to be a disruptive inside force. His strength and low center of gravity make him tough to budge. Although Adam Carriker played surprisingly well inside as a rookie, Ryan is the only natural nose tackle on the roster.
WIDE RECEIVERS ANALYSIS: For most of the decade, the position has been strong. But with the release of Isaac Bruce and with Torry Holt still facing knee issues, this is a position in transition. After a disappointing 2007 season, Drew Bennett must embrace his new role as a starter. Draft picks Donnie Avery and Keenan Burton were impressive in the spring but need to produce when the real games begin. Grade: C+. Pro Bowl-caliber receivers: None.
For Sporting News
PERSONNEL ANALYSIS: With no clear frontrunner for the Nos. 3 and 4 wide receiver jobs, Dante Hall has a chance to re-establish himself in the rotation. Ankle injuries slowed Hall a year ago, but he still gave the Rams their best kickoff and punt return work since the days of Az Hakim and Tony Horne at the start of the decade. Hall will handle at least those chores entering 2008, but his familiarity with new offensive coordinator Al Saunders from their days together in Kansas City may help him get some work in the passing game as well. . . .
Four linebacker spots are set with Chris Draft and Quinton Culberson battling for the strongside starting position. The loser of that competition becomes the top linebacker off the bench. But draft picks Chris Chamberlain and David Vobora will battle second-year man Tim McGarigle for backups spots. Vobora and Chamberlain showed good range during spring workouts; now they must prove their mettle with special teams play during the preseason.
SCOUTING REPORT: The Rams' hopes of improving their run defense will receive a boost if Clifton Ryan picks up where he left off a year ago. Although not as big as some nose tackles, Ryan plays like a wide body. He's not afraid to do the grunt work required inside when it comes to occupying multiple blockers. He also showed a tendency to be a disruptive inside force. His strength and low center of gravity make him tough to budge. Although Adam Carriker played surprisingly well inside as a rookie, Ryan is the only natural nose tackle on the roster.
WIDE RECEIVERS ANALYSIS: For most of the decade, the position has been strong. But with the release of Isaac Bruce and with Torry Holt still facing knee issues, this is a position in transition. After a disappointing 2007 season, Drew Bennett must embrace his new role as a starter. Draft picks Donnie Avery and Keenan Burton were impressive in the spring but need to produce when the real games begin. Grade: C+. Pro Bowl-caliber receivers: None.
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