October 4, 2012; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams owner Stan Kroenke (center) talks with general manager Les Snead (left) and head coach Jeff Fisher (right) before a game against the Arizona Cardinals at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Excluding the 2012 season, the St. Louis Rams had one of the worst stretches in NFL history dating back to the 2007 season. An embarrassing, gut-wrenching and horrendous 15-65 record over that span made the turf of the Edward Jones Dome the doormat of the league.

Even after a promising 2010 campaign led by then-rookie Sam Bradford, St. Louis reverted back to their losing ways in 2011 (2-14 record)  after an injury riddled and an anemic offensive display.

That drop off in 2011 had fans uttering, they are just the “same old Rams.”

But not these Rams.

Not the Rams led by owner Stan Kroenke who cleaned the house of  failed free agents, wasted draft picks, and wide-eyed first year head coaches who immensely underachieved.

The hiring of general manager Les Snead and head coach Jeff Fisher not only provided a spark, but a complete culture change. They exceeded expectation in 2012 going 7-8-1 and 2-1-1 against the top dogs in their division. The overall record may not be impressive to the average fan, but it was a successful season for a team that endured an enormous overhaul in one year.

This will only leave Rams’ fans clamoring for more. No more teetering on the premises of a playoff birth, but actually clinching a spot in the postseason. This could very well happen next season with the talent the Rams have brought in through free agency last off-season, as well as the signing of dynamic tight end Jared Cook this off-season.

However, for a franchise that has gone through a gauntlet of hardships over recent years, building through the draft is the plan and blueprint to turn this team into a perennial contender.

But patience is the key.

While San Francisco and Seattle are jockeying for position to command dominance over the NFC West by signing productive veterans and big name targets, the Rams are saddling up for their youth movement. Besides the signing of Cook, who is 25, it is evident that St. Louis is leaving their past behind.

The highly anticipated move of Steven Jackson leaving the Rams comes to no surprise as he signed a three-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons. It remains to be seen if St. Louis will miss the production of their franchise rushing leader, but the move had to happen for financial reasons and to continue the team’s progression. Daryl Richardson, Isaiah Pead, and Terrance Ganaway are there to fill the void of Jackson’s departure, or maybe even Eddie Lacy with their second first-round selection.

The exit of Danny Amendola also point towards the youth movement as he signed a mega deal with the New England Patriots. Amendola is technically in his prime at 27, but durability concerns accelerates his age. No longer the crutch to lean on, Amendola’s farewell could also increase Bradford’d field of view.

Now, I’m not saying the Rams won’t sign veteran free agents , because they did so last year inking Scott Wells and Cortland Finnegan. This go-around they are going after bigger and more high priced free agents. The Rams’ goal is to build through the draft, develop talent and reap the positive progressions.

St. Louis had the league’s youngest team in 2012 averaging to 25 years of age. They want to stick with the blueprint of  cultivating from within, continuing to add fresh legs and avoid digging in the recycle bin of has beens and band-aid solution free agents.

Honestly, the Seahawks and 49ers can afford to make moves like this, they are already Super Bowl contenders. The Rams just have to stay the coarse. Before the 49ers reached NFC supremacy, they too endured seasons of struggles. But with success in multiple drafts, San Fran transformed into an all-pro team. Almost all of the 49ers 2012 draft picks didn’t see the field, they have talent waiting in the wings. Only LaMichael James saw an extended amount of action.

With two first-rounds picks this year and two next year in the first-round, the Rams youth movement has only begun. True, all the picks may not pan out, but you will have to believe in Kroenke, Fisher, Sneand and chief operating officer Kevin Demoff. You will have to have faith that the new leaders of this  franchise is conjuring up a foolproof plan.

Jan 12, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos tackle Ryan Clady (78) against the Baltimore Ravens during the AFC divisional round playoff game at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The off-season will be in full swing in matter of time. The start of free agency is next month, the NFL draft is looming, and the Scouting Combine is right around corner. Dynamic playmaker Percy Harvin is on the trade-block and big name free agents such as Jake Long and Dwayne Bowe headlines this year’s class. Last year the Rams made a splash in free agency by signing six players, and  each of them started the majority of the season. That list includes:

• CB Cortland Finnegan
• DT Kendall Langford
• OLB Jo-Lonn Dunbar
• C Scott Wells
• RT Barry Richardson
• G/C Robert Turner

However, with roughly $10 million to sign newly acquired free-agents, re-sign their own free-agents, as well as draft picks, the Rams may find it difficult to duplicate last year’s success in free agency. That number could increase if Steven Jackson or Danny Amendola are retained, but that remains to be seen. Also, safety Quintin Mikell is due a $6 million salary and counts $9 million against the cap.  St. Louis will either re-construct his contract or cut ties with him completely.

As questions hover over the Rams’ cap situation, here are options at positions of need available via free agency:

OFFENSIVE LINE

This could possibly be a make-or-break year for Sam Bradford. If the Rams wish to tap into Bradford’s full potential, keeping him upright should be the number one priority. Barry Richardson was the weakest link on the Rams O-line, as he was constantly beat by speed rushers on the edge. St. Louis could go after the Dolphins’ former number one overall pick Jake Long and slide Roger Saffold to the right side, but he would demand more than the Rams would like to spend. A lot of buzz is swirling around Patriot’s rising right tackle Sebastian Vollmer. He would immediately fill the void if they choose to go that route.

Other notable tackles is Ryan Clady (DEN), Sam Baker (ATL), Phil Loadholt (MIN), Bradon Albert (KC), Jermom Bushrod (NO), Andre Smith (CIN) and William Beatty (NYG). At guard, Buffalo’s Andy Levitre is the headliner followed Louis Vasquez of the Chargers.

SAFETY

The Rams were in the middle of the pack in the league with a total of 21 takeaways. Starting safeties Mikell and Craig Dahl combined for a total of one interception. Perhaps their biggest need, the Rams could have two new safeties next season. Jairus Byrd is the most sought after of the safety bunch. Byrd has a total of 19 career interceptions and leaped onto the scene as rookie hauling in nine. He corralled five INT’s this past season. Dashon Goldson of the division rival 49ers is also a highlight of the class. Often known as a hard-hitting safety, Goldson had 14 INT’s during his tenure in the Bay area.

Both Byrd and Goldson are still in their prime,  at ages 26 and 28, respectively. Other notable names are William Moore (ATL), Kenny Phillips (NYG), Louis Delmas (DET), James Ihedigbo (BAL) and Corey Lynch (SD).

OUTSIDE LINEBACKER

With the decision not to hire Rob Ryan as their defensive coordinator, St. Louis avoided a huge overhaul in re-configuring the defensive unit. Beside safety, OLB was the only weak spot on the Rams’ defense. For a unit that is already on the brink of cracking the top-10, if they are able to land a sideline-to-sideline OLB to plug in next to stalwart James Laurinaitis and Dunbar, who arguably became the Rams’ biggest pickup, they could possibly have one of the league’s top ranked defenses.

The quarterback position is evolving and linemen are becoming more athletic. This is forcing teams to covet rush OLB and switch to a 3-4 alignment. The only notable 4-3 linebackers are Daryl Smith (JAC), Phillip Wheeler (OAK) and Dannell Ellerbe (BAL). Rey Maualuga could also be an option.

WIDE RECEIVER, TIGHT END

I believe the perception is bigger than the actual need for a wide receiver in St. Louis. They got surprising production from 4th-round WR Chris Givens and the organization is still developing Brian Quick. Though troublesome, the recently acquired Titus Young can stretch the field and become a solid number two. If the now often-injured Amendola isn’t resigned, Pettis has reliable hands to step in and fill the void. Brandon Gibson is most likely gone if another team overpays for him.

If the Rams wish to address this position via agency, the class is loaded with star power. Greg Jennings (GB) is perhaps the best wideout available, but he’ll be 30 in September and has a history of injuries. Jennings might be a big risk considering the amount of money he will command. A popular name among Rams fan is Dwayne Bowe of Kansas City. Bowe has eclipsed 1,000 yards three times in his NFL career and 995 yards as a rookie. A lot of grumbling has been surfacing about his inconsistency, but a lot of that can be credited to poor quarterback play. He has caught passes from Brodie Croyle, Tyler Palko, Tyler Thigpen, Damon Huard, Brady Quinn and Matt Cassel. Need I say more? However, Bowe may also command a lot of money.

Other notable WR are Mike Wallace (PIT), Wes Welker (NE) and Brian Hartline (MIA).

Lance Kendricks enjoyed a breakout season, but this regime has no ties to him. Matthew Mulligan and Mike McNeil were primarily used as blockers, combining for on 12 receptions last season. Adding a receiving TE to go along with Kendricks could also bolster the receiving core.  Athletic and rangy TE Jared Cook has been linked to the Rams because he played under Jeff Fisher in Tennessee.

Other available tight ends are Fred Davis (WAS), Brandon Myers (OAK), Martellus Bennett (NYG) and Dustin Keller (NYJ).

SPECIAL TEAMS

The Rams have already secured their place Kicker and punter for years to come in Greg Zuerlein and Johnny Hekker were both rookies this past season. What the Rams need is premier returnman. They have experimented with Amedola, Pettis, Givens, Isaiah Pead and Janoris Jenkins, but neither have panned out. Young may be suited to return kickoffs and punts as well.

Notable KR/PR  available: Ted Ginn Jr. (SF), Joshua Cribbs (CLE) and Brandon Tate (CIN).

April 27, 2012; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams head coach Jeff Fisher looks on as 2012 first round draft pick Michael Brockers speaks to the media at ContinuityX Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Some NFL fans can’t wait for the offseason. This is usually because their football team has been struggling all year long and when the offseason has rolled around, they can quickly forget their team’s struggles. The reason why fans of struggling teams also love the offseason, because they have time to try and find what’s missing to make a good team. When an organization isn’t so active in the offseason, it usually means they have little holes to be filled and are generally satisfied with where they are currently at. While many fans hope for their team to pick up and draft good players throughout the offseason, it is easy to forget to think of the players who are already on the team. It is important to fill the gaps on the roster, but it is just as important to maintain the already established positions. The St. Louis Rams won’t be as active in the free agency as they have been in the last five years because less changes will need to be made. Although, the Rams will be very active in replacing coaching staff….. again. Blake Williams has been the first of the coaching squad to get the flick.
If the St.Louis Rams are to be successful in this years NFL offseason, this is what they’ll have to do.

DO’s

• Draft at least one offensive linemen in the 2013 NFL draft. This is a must for the Rams, as the offensive line has been a constant struggle for over six years. Roger Saffold, Harvey Dahl and Scott Wells (although Wells has struggled at times) are the Rams best linemen. Robert Turner has been impressive throughout the 2012 season, but he simply isn’t the answer. The Rams must draft either a left tackle and switch Saffold to the right, or keep Saffold at the left and draft a right tackle.
• Sign the players that had a solid influence in 2012. This is the forgotten aspect in the offseason. Everyone is so focused on what they need and forget on what they have. The Rams have a great back up guard in Robert Turner. Turner isn’t the answer at guard as a starter, but will definitely be helpful if a player goes down at either guard or center. Bradley Fletcher is a must sign as well. The Rams are loaded with talent at cornerback, but dont be surprised if Trumaine Johnson comes to the rescue and takes free safety Craig Dahl’s position, as Johnson has the athleticism and tenacity to be a great safety. Rams will still need a more than capable back up for Janoris Jenkins and Cortland Finnegan.
• This should be the Rams biggest mission. Try and keep offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer. If Schottenheimer leaves to a head coaching role, this will be a nightmare for the fans, the players and especially Sam Bradford. If Schottenheimer leaves, Bradford will be forced to learn yet another offensive playbook – the fourth playbook in four years. That is a recipe to destroy a young quarterback. If Schotty does get a head coaching offer and decides to leave, expect the Rams to contact former Chargers head coach, Norv Turner, as he is an already experienced offensive coordinator and has a very similar playbook to Brian Schottenheimer.
• Must find an experienced defensive coordinator. Don’t expect Lovie Smith to make an appearance, as he will have head coaching offers from around the league. The Rams cant afford to keep chopping and changing the play-books as this will encourage players to feel uncomfortable within the organization.

DON’Ts

• Don’t spend big money on an offensive linemen….again. The Rams have a knack for spending big money towards an already established linemen, only to find out that the linemen was on the downside of his career as soon as he walked into St. Louis. There is too much talent in this years national draft to be splashing around the big bucks towards already proven linemen.
• Don’t trade one of their first round draft picks to move up the board. This would not make any sense if the Rams decided to pull such a move, as their positional needs would not require them to move into the top five. The Rams need a guard, tackle, safety, wide receiver, outside linebacker and a tight end. All of which can be found later in the first round.
• This is an obvious ‘dont’ from a fan perspective, but knowing Jeff Fishers past come draft time, it may not be out of the question. DO NOT draft a defensive linemen in any of the first three round draft picks. The Rams totalled first in the NFL for team sacks with 52. While many may question our run stopping abilities, the Rams still rank 15th in the league.While 15th does sound a little bit worrying, fans have to remember the match ups were against Minnesota Vikings, Washington Redskins, San Francisco 49ers (x2) and Seattle Seahawks (x2) – all of which include a stout running back, with scrambling quarterbacks. So don’t look too much into that 15th rank stuff. Not to mention the Rams defensive line is the youngest in the NFL.

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