St. Louis Rams 2011 off-season review

2011 Rams Off-season Review:

The Rams were surprisingly good last season and competitive. This off-season they knew that for this team to compete for the playoffs and beyond that team’s roster needed to be upgraded and so far this off-season they have done just that. Let’s take a look…..

Quinn Ojinnaka: (Ex-Patriot) OT Ojinnaka adds solid depth, but that’s it.

Cadillac Williams: (Ex-Buccaneer) RB Cadillac Williams, when healthy is a solid inside and outside runner who will add quality depth behind starting RB Stephen Jackson.

Brady Poppinga: (Ex-Packer) LB Brady Poppinga is solid special teamer and is a solid backup. He could compete to start at one of the OLB positions, Poppinga is a good tackler but doesn’t have much speed. He will be bringing leadership and is a proven winner after winning the Super Bowl last year with the Packers.

Jerrious Norwood: (Ex-Falcon) RB Jerious Norwood brings some much needed speed to what I consider a slow offense. I love this signing, I just hope Norwood can stay healthy. He is a dynamic explosive back.

Justin Bannan: (Ex-Bronco) DT Justin Bannan is solid run defender. His production has been somewhat invisible the last couple of seasons. He hasn’t had a good season since the 2008 season when he had 30 solo tackles (56 total), one sack and three interceptions. Hopefully Coach Spags can motivate him this season.

Mike Sims-Walker: (Ex-Jaguar) WR Mike Sims-Walker is a low risk signing. The Rams signed the free agent WR for a one year deal to see which Sims-Walker will show up. In 2009 Sims-Walker had 63 catches as a number 1 receiver for 869 yards and 7 touchdowns. Last season he had 43 catches for 562 yards and 7 touchdowns. The Rams are hoping the 2009 Sims-Walker shows up in 2011.

Al Harris (Ex-Dolphin) CB Al Harris hasn’t played a full season since 2007 so this signing has little risk. Harris does provide depth.

Harvey Dahl: (Ex-Falcon) OG Harvey Dahl brings some much needed toughness to an underachieving Rams offensive line. Dahl always plays with a nasty mean streak and is a great run blocker. Good signing here!

Quintin Mikell: (Ex-Eagle) S Quintin Mikell a solid not spectacular safety. Mikell is good in run support but can struggle in coverage. He is an upgrade over Rams starting SS James Butler.

Zac Diles: (Ex-Texan) OLB Zac Diles will probably be one of the Rams starters at the OLB position by opening day. Diles is an upgrade over any Rams OLB’s on the roster right now. Diles strentgh is pass coverage. He has good quickness to move from sideline to sideline, but he does struggle with getting off of blocks. He does bring some much needed speed to a very slow LB unit.

Daniel Muir: (Ex-Colt) DT Daniel Muir is a solid but not great run defender. He adds quality depth.

Key departures: WR Laurent Robinson (to Chargers),  TE Daniel Fells (to Broncos); OG Jacob Bell was released.

Key re-signings: OG Adam Goldberg, DT Gary Gibson, OLB David Vobora, OG John Greco, OT Renardo Foster, and LB Chris Chamberlain.