Rambin’ Fans’ Monday Lunchtime Links: Player Comparisons, “Most Improved” Players, And The Sam Bradford Recipe

Typically, we like to get the weekend links out quick and early, but sadly this morning’s events did not allow for that to happen. Luckily, “Lunchtime Link” is equally pleasing, at least phonetically, so that should help ease the pain. With the Hernandez noise finally fading into the background, the rest of the NFL can finally climb back to the surface. So, without further banter, here is the best stuff from the weekend and this morning.

5 St. Louis Rams Players Who Will Surprise in Training Camp

So far, there have been several “surprises” at Rams Camp. Some have been welcome, like the overall dominance of Jared Cook and the standout performance by Austin Pettis. Other news has been not-so welcome, like the announcement of suspensions to Isaiah Pead and Rok Watkins. Who might get some spotlight during the upcoming training camp? Bleacher Report give their take…

St. Louis Rams’ Rookies: Drawing Comparisons

While we know that every player in the NFL is unique, there is always the urge to compare them to some other player(s). Typically, comparisons are based off college production or a players’ similar size or skill set. Other times, they are based on mere opinions, forced on a player purely for the purpose to labeling him. How have those comparison’s panned out for St. Louis Rams’ players over the last 5 years?

Young quality over quantity at receiver

For the first time in nearly half of a decade, the St. Louis Rams appear to be looking at quality over quantity at the wide receiver position. Mike Sando, NFC West blogger for ESPN, shows that the Rams are taking a radically different approach this offseason at the skill positions. Seems like a smart move on the part of the St. Louis Rams coach staff; less players = more reps, which might be just what the doctor ordered for such a young group of players.

Sam Bradford Has Ingredients for Breakout 2013 Season with St. Louis Rams

Some in the mainstream NFL media have labeling 2013 as the “make or break” year for Sam Bradford, claiming that he finally has the offensive weaponry necessary to display the arm talent that made him the No. 1 overall pick in the 2010 Draft. Anthony Blake, of Rant Sports, explains that not only should this be a breakout season for the young quarterback, but goes so far as to claim, “It’s far more difficult to find reasons why Bradford won’t have a breakout season…” Lets hope!

Predicting the Most Improved NFL Player at Every Position for 2013

While most in Rams Nation have been impressed with the reports surrounding Jared Cook so far this offseason, it appears as though other are beginning to take notice as well. Bleacher Report predicts Jared Cook to be the “most improved” tight end next season, which should be music to the ears of Sam Bradford. Even in a dismal situation in Tennessee, Cook still posted 49 receptions for 759 yards and 3 touchdowns in 2011, and 44 catches for 523 yards and 4 touchdowns in 2012. Merely replicating those types of numbers in St. Louis would be phenomenal… improving on those numbers could be extremely lethal.