2014 Season
The Rams were a team that had some injury problems right from the beginning of the season. During the preseason, quarterback Sam Bradford was lost for the entire season with another knee injury. Defensive end Chris Long also missed significant time with an ankle injury suffered in the first week of the season. These two injuries alone are major because it’s their leaders on offense and defense. The one they never seemed to recover from was the injury to Bradford. The Rams were looking for consistent quarterback play all season and never got it.
2015 Free Agents
Davin Joseph, Guard: The St. Louis Rams’ offensive line had a bad year in 2014 and Joseph was one of the biggest problems with it. He didn’t do well in pass blocking or run blocking so there’s a good chance the Rams let him walk in free agency.
Shaun Hill, Quarterback: Shaun Hill was needed to step up a great deal this season and he played fairly well given the circumstances. He didn’t play well enough to earn himself a shot at a starting spot on another team or even this team so I think the Rams try to retain Hill so they can keep a serviceable backup on the roster.
Alex Carrington, Defensive Tackle: Carrington started the year playing sparingly but after Week 10 he never got back onto the field for the Rams. Something worth noting is when Carrington was in the rotation the defense struggled and right around when he was taken out of the rotation the defense was hitting on all cylinders. Of course Carrington wasn’t the sole reason for this but maybe the coaches realized he just wasn’t a good fit in their defense. I don’t see Carrington being a Ram in 2015.
Kenny Britt, Wide Receiver: While Britt didn’t have staggering numbers in 2014, he was one of the more effective receivers in this unit. He averaged 15.6 yards per reception on 48 receptions (which is a career high for Britt). The Rams have a lot of young receivers on the team already and will probably draft another one and let Britt walk.
Lance Kendricks, Tight End: Kendricks is the second tight end on the Rams but gets as much snaps as some starting tight ends on another teams. The Rams like to use him more in their running game than in their passing game but he’s a versatile player who the Rams will look to re-sign.
Austin Davis, Quarterback: Davis will be a restricted free agent this offseason, which means the Rams will have the right of first refusal if any other team should make an offer for Davis. Davis could get a few offers from other teams for a backup role but if St. Louis wants him back then the proverbial ball is in their court.
Joe Barksdale, Tackle: On a bad offensive line, Barksdale was the one lineman who played well consistently throughout the season. His run blocking was by far the best on the team as well. The Rams will likely try to keep Barksdale since he’s their best current offensive lineman and he’s young. He’s not going to require a huge contract either.
Rodney McLeod, Safety: McLeod is at a position where the Rams have Lamarcus Joyner and Mark Barron waiting to step into the full time role. McLeod didn’t have a bad season but his season certainly wasn’t good enough to warrant another contract with the Rams when they have two capable safeties behind him already with contracts in place.
Cory Harkey, Fullback: Harkey was the Rams’ fullback and he was a fairly effective one at that. Out of all the fullbacks in the league, Harkey had the twelfth best PFF (subscription) rating. He’s another player who certainly won’t require much money for the Rams to keep him.
2015 Cap Room: -$1,137,068
Five-Biggest Need Areas
Quarterback: This team cannot continue to rely on Sam Bradford. Every single year it seems as though he misses significant time with an injury. And even when he’s healthy he’s not worth the $16,580,00 cap number he’ll have in 2015. The Rams need a new quarterback and to let Bradford find another team.
Offensive Line: The Rams had the sixth worst PFF pass blocking grade in the entire NFL and the tenth worst run blocking grade. Not only were the dealing with having second and third string quarterbacks starting all their games, but they weren’t even able to protect those quarterbacks. They desperately need help on the offensive line.
Wide Receiver: There are some young, talented wide receivers on this roster but they’re missing a big, playmaking wide receiver. Tavon Austin is great in space but this coaching staff doesn’t seem to be utilizing him properly. They need someone that teams are forced to double team, creating easier matchups for the other receivers on this roster.
Cornerback: The Rams have some young pieces in place in the secondary but what they need is a shutdown corner. Someone they can put on the other teams’ best receiver every time and not have to worry about him. Luckily for the Rams their division isn’t exactly loaded with top receiver talent.
Linebackers: The Rams’ defensive line is one of the best in the league. The great play of the defensive line often covers up what the Rams lack at linebacker. Their two weakest links in the linebacking corps are James Laurinaitis and Jo-Lonn Dunbar. The Rams could use an improvement at both positions.
Potential Offseason Breakout Star
I think Tre Mason is ready to explode onto the scene. The Rams used a committee of Mason, Benny Cunningham, and Zac Stacy for the majority of the season but I think Mason is ready to make that position his and his alone. He runs hard on every single play and can break long runs. Look for him to have a big 2015.
2015 Draft Selections
1st Round (10)
2nd Round (9)
3rd Round (8)
5th Round (9)
7th Round (32)
The Rams are not in a good position as of right now in this offseason. They’re above the salary cap and have the fewest amount of draft picks in the league. However, their fortunes could all turn around if either Marcus Mariota or Jameis Winston fall to them at the tenth pick. Even if they don’t want to take either, it will offer them a great opportunity to trade down with someone who wants one of the top two quarterbacks in this draft. This would give the Rams a great opportunity to gain more picks.