Ramblin’ Fans’ Monday Morning Links: Cook Shifting, Austin Craziness, And Laurinaitis In The Pro Bowl

Happy Monday everyone! We are approaching the best holiday of the year, the Fourth of July, so hopefully that will keep everyone motivated… at least until Thursday. We at Ramblin Fan will do our part to keep you entertained, starting with some of the best content from this past weekend. So, go ahead and dive on in!

St. Louis Rams’ Most Underrated and Overrated Offseason Additions

Many in the St. Louis Rams’ media have given their two cents on the most underrated and overrated players on the team. Bleacher Report put a small twist on that concept and list the two “new” players that we should keep an eye on.

St. Louis Rams’ LB James Laurinaitis: On The Cusp?

Laurinaitis? Animal Jr.? JL55? However you choose to reference the Rams’ middle linebacker, one word that you cannot use to describe him is…. Pro Bowler. Several factors have played into Laurinaitis not getting an invite to Hawaii (i.e. Willis/Bowman in San Francisco, small market, non-winning team, etc.). However, Brandon Bate, over at Turf Show Times, gives you his take on why he could make it this year.

Jeff Fisher: Rams’ Jared Cook to be used all over field

When Jared Cook selected the St. Louis Rams over the Miami Dolphins, he was well aware that he would be getting put to work in the Gateway to the West. Most expected Cook to be used primarily as an off-line tight end, essentially a slot receiver. Of course, he would occasionally be lined on up on the line and, maybe, shifted out wide as a “true” receiver. However, it looks as though Fisher and the Rams’ offense will truly give defensive coordinators something to think about, suggesting that they might even use Cook in the backfield. Between Cook, Austin, and Givens, this should be a headache-of-a-year for defensive planners in the the NFC West.

Why St. Louis Rams’ Tavon Austin is Set to Take the NFL by Storm in 2013

While most would suggest that Sam Bradford is the player on the Rams with the “most to prove” in 2013, Tavon Austin might be the player with the highest expectations. Pundits and analysts from around the league have set the bar high for the St. Louis’ first-rounder, even throwing out terms like “Offensive Rookie of the Year” and “Pro Bowler.” In terms of projections, some have predicted production as high as 100+ receptions, 1000+ yards, or 10+ touchdowns this season… crazy! Well, there is a reason behind the hype, and Tyson Langland lays it all out there in a wonderful piece about the Rams’ hopeful star.