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St. Louis Rams OTA Preview: What To Watch For At Every Position

By Blaine Grisak

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The NFL season has officially began as the majority of the league’s franchises have begun OTA’s. However, the Rams are the only team that did not begin offseason workouts this week. That all changes next week as the Rams will begin their season on Tuesday.

Next week marks the first time we’ll get a look at the Rams on the field following the team’s crazy offseason. These drills are strictly non-contact (no pads allowed) so it’s not quite real football by any means, but it’s still something.

There are a ton of storylines to follow. Here’s everything you need to know, including a position-by-position guide of what to watch for this week.

Rams Practice Schedule

OTA Offseason Workouts: June 2, June 4-5, June 8-9, June 11, June 15-16, June 18-19

Mandatory Minicamp: None

What to Watch At Every Position

Offense

Quarterback

The St. Louis Rams will have a new face at quarterback for the first time since they drafted Sam Bradford number one overall in 2010. His name is Nick Foles, and he looks to be the leader that this offense needs to take them over the hump.

Aside from Foles the Rams also have rookie Sean Mannion as well as of course Austin Davis and Case Keenum competing for the backup quarterback spot.

Running Back

Running plays are boring in practices like this since there’s no contact. However, Tre Mason will be looking to build off of last years breakout season and it will be the first time we get to see Todd Gurley, the Rams’ first round pick. Gurley probably will be limited, but it will still be exciting to see the rookie.

Tight End

Jared Cook and Lance Kendricks are obviously the top two guys at this position. Not really a whole lot to talk about here. You also cant forget about Corey Harkey. Can Alex Bayer and Justice Cunningham stand out in camp?

Wide Receiver

As always, this will be a position to watch even if Brian Quick isn’t able to participate as he recovers from injury. Still, with Tavon Austin, Kenny Britt and Stedman Bailey, this group is young and intriguing. Can Chris Givens get back to his rookie form or will rookie Bud Sasser take his place?

Offensive Line

This will be the position to watch. Everyone want to know what the offensive line will look like and who will be starting where. Not to mention the pressure and anticipation surrounding the performances of rookies like Rob Havenstein and Jamon Brown.

This is where the Rams’ questions are on offense, therefore this is where all eyes will be come Tuesday.

Defense

Defensive End

Chris Long and Robert Quinn are obviously the top two guys here, but aside from them, who will be rotating in with these guys? William Hayes and Eugene Sims are presumably those guys, but will someone like 7th round pick Martin Ifedi come out and perform?

Defensive tackle

This might be an underrated position to watch. Aaron Donald, the defensive rookie of the year, is the number one guy here. However, the Rams did just pick up Nick Fairley in free agency which will give some competition to Michael Brockers. Who comes out on top?

Outside Linebacker

Alec Ogletree has been impressive the last two years, but the Rams did just sign Akeem Ayers to possibly take over the other side. It will be interesting to see what Ayers looks like and if he becomes that second tier free agency signing that pays off. The Rams also have some undrafted guys that will be looking to make the roster.

Middle Linebacker

Not much to talk about here. James Laurinaitis has been the guy here for the last several years and will continue to be that until the day he leaves St. Louis.

Cornerback

This is a position where the Rams do have some depth. What will be interesting to watch here is if 2014 6th round pick, E.J. Gaines, overtakes a guy like Truman Johnson as the number two cornerback.

It is assumed that Janoris Jenkins is the number one guy, but can Gaines pass Johnson? The Rams also have to see what they have in Lamarcus Joyner who had a disappointing rookie campaign.

Safety

T.J. McDonald is set at the strong safety spot, but as far as free safety goes, the team seems to be content with Rodney McLeod. It may be possible that Joyner maybe moves here or if Mark Barron can move over. This is one spot on the Rams defense that is weak.

Special teams

Kicker

Greg Zuerlein needs to improve his consistency from mid-long range. He is the guy, but there is room for improvement.

Punter

Johnny Hekker…That is all.

Punt Returner

Tavon Austin excels at a couple things on the football field and punt returning is one of them.

Kick Returner

Benny Cunningham was a solid kick returner last year. Does he remain in that role with the clutter at running back?

General Questions

• Which players won’t be ready to fully practice yet? Keeping an eye on Todd Gurley, Brian Quick, and Barrett Jones in particular.

• The Rams have dealt with preseason and offseason injuries in the past. Will they make it out of 2015 ok?

• There a bunch of new faces on the offensive line. Will there be issues due to a lack of chemistry?

So, as you can see, there are a lot of questions. Some will be answered sooner than others. It should be an interesting spring that sets up for an even more exciting summer.

Next: St. Louis Rams Stadium Proposal: A Developing Project

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