With free agency approaching fast, the Last Word On Sports NFL department will be looking at the top three offseason needs for each team. The next franchise under the microscope is the St. Louis Rams.
2014 Recap
The Rams had a tough 2014 season. Quarterback Sam Bradford tore his ACL again before the season started, and the Rams momentum shattered. This team was much better than their 6-10 record showed. They blew leads to Dallas (21-0), San Francisco (14-0) and Seattle (6-0 at half). They also beat Denver, Seattle and San Francisco. The defense led the way, including back-to-back shutouts against Oakland (52-0) and Washington (24-0). If this team had a quarterback, they would be very dangerous since there is so much talent on the defensive side of the ball. However, playing in arguably the toughest division in football does not help. There is optimism that if the pieces fall correctly the Rams can be a playoff team in 2015. Here are the three needs that the Rams must fix if they want to make a big step in 2015.
St. Louis Rams 2015 Offseason: Top 3 Needs
Quarterback
The Rams desperately need a quarterback. This team scored 20.2 points per game, good for 21st in the league. Sam Bradford is clearly not the long-term answer in St. Louis, and since he is always hurt, the Rams can’t afford to waste another year with their quality defense. The Rams needs a quarterback fast, but since they have the 10th overall pick, there likely won’t be a good one to take. Whether the team trades up, signs a free agent like Mark Sanchez, or takes someone like Brett Hundley or Bryce Petty in the second or third round, they need help fast. The Rams might gamble one more year with Bradford, as he is actually productive when healthy. But if he goes down early, this will be another disappointing year.
Offensive Line
Anyone who watched St. Louis knows how bad the center and right guard have been for the Rams. Scott Wells and Davin Joseph rarely pushed anyone around. Pressure always came from the right interior side, and if the Rams want to win they must fix that. Therefore, the Rams should look into getting a solid or elite center, and luckily the market this year is plentiful. Stefen Wisniewski out of Oakland is an elite center, and while he would require a handsome paycheck, St. Louis may deem him worth it. Having a solid center can anchor an offensive line, and Wisniewski is only 25. Other options would include Brian de la Puente, Dominic Raiola and Will Montgomery. For guard, I think the Rams will address this in the draft. If they can get Mike Iupati (which is unlikely), then they will be set. Unfortuately, head coach Jeff Fisher likes to draft linemen in the middle of the draft and that is where the Rams will likely upgrade the position this year.
Wide Receiver
If the Rams are going to be mediocre-to-horrible at quarterback in 2015, at least give the man some options at receiver. Brian Quick was on his way to a breakout campaign when he injured his shoulder. He should be back, but will be as dominant as before? Meanwhile, Kenny Britt may walk, and if he does, the Rams are in trouble. Tavon Austin is speedy but hasn’t proven himself yet. If the Rams want to make a splash, they can draft a receiver at 10th overall. Whether it is Kevin White or Devante Parker, get a difference maker who can pair up with Brian Quick for years to come. If they decide this route, they can let Britt go and spend that money on the offensive line.
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