Gateway to the West

After the Rams started last season with four consecutive, lopsided loses, it was no surprise when they fired head coach Scott Linehan. Although the Rams were more competitive under interim coach Jim Haslett, their effort didn't translate into the win column, and they finished the season with a putrid 2-14 record. The upside is that they have the no. 2 pick in the draft which they will likely use on Jason Smith, offensive tackle from Baylor, after they released seven time Pro Bowl left tackle Orlando Pace.

Steve Spagnuolo the former defensive coordinator of the New York Giants, and mastermind of their Super Bowl win two years ago in which they foiled New England's bid for a perfect season, takes over as the Rams Head Coach. He brings with him former Eagles offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur to take over the same position with the Rams. This move suggests that the Rams will switch to a west coast offense which Marc Bulger has never ran before. The Rams are also likely to trade or release veteran wider reciever Tory Holt. Add all this together, and it means a slow start for the Rams. As it looks now runing back Stephen Jackson is the only viable fantasy option for the Rams next season. Consider him a top 15 back.

Former Carolina Panthers linebackers coach Ken Flajole will be the Rams new defensive coordinator, however the defense will likely be run by Spagnuolo. With Spag running the show their defensive should stay a 4-3 but will have more blitzes as Spag's defenses like to put pressure on the quarterback. Don't show up on draft day expecting the Rams to be your D/ST unit, but they could be a decent sleeper somewhere down the road next season.