Help Wanted: Wide Reciever

The Rams Might Be Code Red When It Comes To WR:

It was poorly reported early this morning that Danny Amendola was meeting with the Patriots today, and while that turned out to be a stretch of the imagination, it’s not outside the range of reality. There is still a chance they have interest, he is in Boston right now, we just don’t know if it’s for business or pleasure. He is tendered at the 2nd round level as RFA, which means that the Rams could match any offer, or receive the signing teams 2nd round pick in compensation. It seems like a win-win for the Rams, and it’s hard to argue with value that may come in return, but let’s take this conversation to expose an ugly truth about the Rams receiving core right now- they are very poor.

Of all the Rams receivers Danario Alexander may be the most physically talented, unfortunately, of all the Rams receivers Danario Alexander may be the most talented. There’s nothing wrong with Alexander, per se, it’s just his injury history limits him even when he’s healthy. He will never be a #1, and that’s obvious after a full-season under his belt. So who else do the Rams have that can play #1,#2, or slot WR’s in the NFL. The answer right now is none, surprised? Danny Amendola is the only one that has proven he can play one of those positions and he isn’t under contract.

This all leaves the Rams with Brandon Gibson, Austin Pettis, Greg Salas, Dominique Curry, and Danario Alexander. Wow, it’s uninspiring just  type that, but never-the-less, this is what the Rams are working with. Salas and Pettis both are variations of slot possession receivers that I still believe can develop into NFL caliber players, but they are not legit #1/#2 threats, and have not proven it on the field. Gibson is out of opportunities, the guy just disappears on game-day, he might not be worthy of any NFL team, and could save us 1 million in cap space if he were to be cut (and he likely will). We’ve already discussed Alexander, and Curry is a special team ace from the old regime. See what I’m saying?

I’m not of the belief that the Rams dropped the ball in free agency. The market was thin and expensive, it was a bad year to need a FA WR. Vincent Jackson was the best out there, and wasn’t worth what he got paid. His injury history, and off the field issues made him a liability. But I’m very interested to see how the Rams plan to fix the now most deficient spot on our team. Jeff Fisher mentioned a trade during yesterdays press conference, but with who? Nothing comes to mind right now in terms who could be available that we might have an interest in.

You almost have to assume at this point that the Rams will select a WR with their first round pick. This could happen at #6 or through trading down for someone like Floyd, Hill,  or Wright. The truth is we might be looking at another multiple WR draft, so you have to get sure-fired talent at this position. I think there are two of those in this draft at WR, and I can’t imagine the Rams subjecting Sam to another season of Pettis and Gibson. Let’s hope, for Sam’s sake, that Jeff Fisher has some magic up his sleeve.