Dec. 5, 2010; Glendale, AZ, USA; St. Louis Rams offensive tackle (77) Jason Smith against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

It was “Breaking News” all over the internet last night that the New York Jets had traded RT/TE Wayne Hunter to the St. Louis Rams in exchange for RTJason Smith. A ton of stories have circulated to how the trade would or wouldn’t improve the Rams offensive line. Some speak to the fact that Wayne Hunter is the reincarnation of Alex Barron in terms of false start penalties, including Jim Thomas, who was tweeting out the comparison last night. Others claim that a change of scenery may be beneficial for both players, allowing a “fresh start” in their respective new cities. Some claim that Wayne Hunter is a better fit for the Schottenhiemer offensive, especially with Hunter having extensive experience and having the ability to play the “jumbo tight end.” Other site the fact that the trade is beneficial to the Rams because they are clearing up cap space this, and the following, season, with Hunter expected to make only $2.4M in comparison to Jason Smith at $4.0M, even after Smith renegotiated his contract during the off season. My belief is that it is something else all together. Not to say that all of those suggestions did not play a particular role, but I believe there a simpler explanation for the trade.

For the St. Louis Rams, 2012 marks a new regime. Not just a typical “regime” change like the term we have seen thrown around with the hiring of every new coach over the past decade; a real regime change. Stan “the Man” Kroenke cleaned out the front office, bringing in Les Snead and a host of other rising talent. The Rams won the Battle of the Fisher in the off season, marking the first hiring of a head coach who has actually had experience at the head coaching position. Starting fresh on ALL fronts is the idea here, to get rid of all the hindering relics of the past regimes’ doing and begin with a clean slate, filled with the established pillars (Steven Jackson, Chris Long, Sam Bradford, James Laurinaitis) and new, young talented players. Inevitably that means letting go of a number of players who were brought in my previous coaches, typcially players drafted for a specific reason or for a specific system by that particular coach. Some of that waste had been allowed to stay around, probably as a result of lack of experience as a head coach or unwillingness to admit a mistake with such a high draft choice. With Jeff Fisher, that has come to an end. With Jason Smith gone, the Rams can finally look towards the future without having a constant negative reminder of the past, a reminder of failure, a reminder of a losing mindset that has plagued the Rams for nearly a decade.

If you don’t want to take my word for it, here is a list of the handful of players left over from Jason Smith’s rookie season that are still on the Rams roster (* indicates that the player was a rookie):

RB Steven Jackson

WR Danny Amendola

*WR Brandon Gibson

DE Chris Long

*DT Darrell Scott

*MLB James Laurinaitis

*CB Bradley Fletcher

S Craig Dahl

Aside from Craig Dahl and Brandon Gibson, who may or may not make the 2012 roster, the only players left from the Jason Smith era are either pillars of the Rams offense and defense, or key rotational players on defensive line or secondary. Smith was the last of the cancerous group of players draining the life from the St. Louis Rams turnaround. Now it is truly the start of a new era!

May 23, 2012; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams tackle Rodger Saffold (76) walks off the field during an OTA at ContinuityX Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-US PRESSWIRE

The offensive line here in St. Louis has been a major concern for what seems like forever, and there is some concern after the last few days of practice that it might not be on the fast track to improving. Barry Richardson has replaced Jason Smith at right tackle for the last two sessions, and Quinn Ojinnaka played left tackle on Thursday with Rodger Saffold missing more time with soreness in his legs.

There’s reason to be concerned with both of these situations, but for very different reasons. As far as Richardson/Smith goes, it looks like Smith has been relegated to the second-team unit since Richardson has lined up with the first team for two consecutive days. Sometimes early in the preseason the coach can just want to get a look at guys in certain spots, but with Smith’s struggles in the past I think this development is certainly one to watch over the next few weeks.

Saffold is going to be the starting LT if he’s healthy, but I think that’s a pretty big IF at this point. Thursday’s “leg soreness” probably isn’t a huge deal, but it seems like every time we look up he is on the sideline for something. I’m not ready to say we should be concerned, but let’s hope Saffold keeps himself healthy over the next few weeks so he’s ready to go for Week 1.

There was a pretty good-sized list of guys who sat out practice on Thursday, as WR Brandon Gibson, S Darian Stewart, CB Bradley Fletcher, WR Danario Alexander and DE Eugene Sims were all held out.

June 12, 2012; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford (8) throws during minicamp at ContinuityX Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-US PRESSWIRE

There has been plenty of talk of what will become of Rams’ quarterback Sam Bradford, both here in St. Louis and around the country. What should we expect of him this season? Will he be the guy who won a Heisman Trophy at Oklahoma and won NFL Rookie of the Year, or will he look more like what we saw last season? I think there is plenty of room for optimism that Bradford will be much improved, but I have some concerns about the young signal-caller as well.

First, my concerns. I don’t think much is being made of this issue (and there may be nothing to it), but Bradford’s ankle has me a little worried. I know he played through the injury some last year and has had a full offseason to get it healthy, but I have heard some reports that it isn’t back to 100 percent yet. If this is one of those injuries that lingers around, it could have a serious impact on his performance. I’m not saying it’s a problem, but it’s something to keep an eye on. The issue that is getting some press is the idea that Bradford suffered from “cabin fever” in the pocket last season and that it could have a lasting effect. There’s no question that the offensive line has to be better, but I think if they can hold their own this season that it won’t be an issue. The problem is, I don’t know how good the line is going to be. There are probably more concerns, but I think these are my big ones right now.

Despite the issues listed above, I think 2012 is going to be a good year for Bradford. The kid has a ton of talent, and I have to believe a full offseason with the new offense will be very beneficial. Brian Schottenheimer’s philosophy looks to be more up Bradford’s alley than Josh McDaniels’, so that will help. I have to believe that the offense as a whole will be healthier this season than in 2011. I know you can’t predict injuries, but there’s no way this team can lose as many guys as last year, right? I think we can assume the O-line will be better, and while I believe they will be much better than people expect, the addition of Scott Wells and what hopefully becomes the maturation of Rodger Saffold and Jason Smith should help. I still don’t love our weapons on the outside, but a full season of Danny Amendola and improved play at the tight end position will make a difference.

There are certainly concerns, but I really think Bradford is going to break out in 2012. The coaches and front office believe in him, and I don’t think there’s any reason for the fans not to agree. Let’s throw 2011 out and forget about it, because 2012 could be the real start of something special.