Feb 5, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham (82) makes a catch along the sideline in front of New England Patriots free safety Patrick Chung (25) during the second half of Super Bowl XLVI at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE

The Rams introduced new cornerback Cortland Finnegan on Thursday, but they are still exploring other free agent options. Several players are scheduled to be in town to visit over the next few days, and some of the options are pretty attractive. First, defensive lineman Jason Jones left St. Louis without a contract, and he is scheduled to visit with the Seahawks in the coming days. This doesn’t mean Jones isn’t going to be a Rams, but he will explore his options before making a decision.

Also in town on Thursday were center Scott Wells, quarterback Shaun Hill, and wide receiver Steve Smith. The Rams are going to be in the market for a center after the release of Jason Brown, so giving Wells a look makes sense. Hill is a guy I’m not a huge fan of, but the team is looking for a veteran backup behind Sam Bradford. Smith wouldn’t provide much of an upgrade over what we already have at WR, so I wouldn’t say I’m excited about his visit.

Scheduled to visit in the coming days are wide receiver Mario Manningham, offensive guard Travelle Wharton, offensive tackle Eric Winston and defensive lineman Kendall Langford. I have been a Manningham fan since his days at Michigan, but he is another complimentary guy who doesn’t really solve our problem. Wharton could be a nice fit for the right price, and Langford could be as well if he even makes it to town. He could sign with the Bengals before he comes to St. Louis. I already talked about Winston yesterday, but we have to see if he’s healthy first.

Braylon Edwards – I have to admit that I’m a little biased here, because I’m a huge Michigan fan and a huge Edwards fan. He is a big receiver who has proven in the past that he brings to the table exactly what the Rams need: a big play threat who can stretch the field. There are plenty of question marks with Edwards, including dropped passes and character issues, but I’m of the belief that the talent Edwards possesses would be perfect for this team. For more on Edwards, check out this article by Brian Stull.
Stully On Edwards

Vincent Jackson – Anyone who reads this blog regularly knows how hard I campaigned for the Rams to trade for Jackson earlier this season, so it stands to reason that I would encourage the team to take another look at him this offseason. He has character questions just like Edwards, but he also brings many of the same attributes to the table. 

Sidney Rice – I have heard Rice’s name in connection with the Rams more than anyone else on this list, and I wouldn’t mind seeing him as a part of this team next season. He is coming off injury, which could scare the Rams off a bit, but there’s no question he has the talent to make this offense much better when healthy.

James Jones – This is the guy I’m really starting to like. He has flown under the radar a bit in Green Bay, but he has the potential to be an excellent starting receiver in this league. He is a great athlete, and he has good size and strength. He suffers from dropped passes a little bit, which is a concern, but he could be a very nice upgrade for a more reasonable price than some of the players listed above.

 Is there really any doubt that the St. Louis Rams will select Jake Long from Michigan with thier #2 pick in the 2008 NFL draft? I will tell you, that there is no doubt. Here are the reasons why.

The Rams have the second overall pick in the draft so everyone will be available except for whoever the Miami Dolphins take. Let’s assume for the moment Bill Parcells thinks back to his New York Giants days and select Chris Long as his new Lawrence Taylor pass rushing specialist. That will leave the Rams with the following choices.

• Matt Ryan – A QB who is not even the top rated QB on some boards, and we already have Marc Bulger locked up to  long term $65 million dollar contract. Draft answer =NO
• Darren McFadden – A RB who has some characters issues, although I think his are over rated and he will be a nice player. However love him or hate him Steven Jackson is our man and not going anywhere. Those that complained about Steven all year, are those that will be screaming to get him in August come fantasy football time. This top 5 NFL Pro Bowl back will not be replaced or moved by the Rams. Draft answer = NO
• Glenn Dorsey – A DT that has already slipped to the number 9 pick in the WalterFootball latest mock draft. Can we really offer to use another first round pick on a DT. This smells of another LSU player with character issues, possible weight issues, and he already has weight issues. Draft answer = NO
• Sedrick Ellis or Vernon Gholston- On the bubble. Do the Rams reach for one of these two players with the #2 overall pick. They just can’t. You knew Gholston would be a work out wonder but was he really rated that high prior to that? Sedrick Ellis is a fine player, but he played on a loaded team and you have to wonder if he was just the product of great surrounding talent. Can you afford to reach or guess at #2. Draft answer =NO

So there you have it, with a new offensive coordinator, and a locked up QB, and Pro Bowl running back it is just common sense. Don’t make this more complicated then it is. You win with the big ugglies and that is Jake Long. Jake will keep Marc off his back, and open holes for Jackson. Just think once you pick up Jake Long you now have Pace, Barron, Long, Romberg, & Incognito. You can then play this many ways but the most important thing is you have a pillar on the o-line, and a future backup for Orlando Pace.