Rams offseason report: Could new-look offense mean playoff return?
If not for two big issues — another debilitating injury to former starting quarterback Sam Bradford and playing in one of the NFL's toughest divisions — the St. Louis Rams might have been playoff contenders in 2014.
But there's a solid core of talent in place, even with notable changes this offseason.
The big one was the rare quarterback-for-quarterback trade, in which the Philadelphia Eagles shipped Nick Foles and two draft picks for Bradford and another selection.
Bradford suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament each of the past two years. He'd shown glimpses of being a solid NFL quarterback when on the field, but it just wasn't often enough. Now general manager Les Snead and coach Jeff Fisher are hoping to get steadier production from Foles.
But it might be the Rams' draft strategy that reveals the shape this team will take. St. Louis drafted four offensive linemen and one running back — Todd Gurley at No. 10 overall. Expect Foles to have a lot of pressure taken off him with a power rushing scheme.
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"Playing physical football is what we've been about since we got here," Fisher said in May. "I think you can kind of get a sense of where we're going with that with the way we drafted."
But will it be enough to compete for a playoff spot in a division that has two stacked teams in the Seattle Seahawks and Arizona Cardinals? The Rams should make strides, but it's going to take more consistency than the team has shown under Fisher to play in the postseason.
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Quarterback
During the NFL scouting combine, Snead said "deleting" Bradford wasn't the answer. But when the Eagles came calling, the Rams brass thought the package including Foles was too good to pass up. "We felt like he really fits into our style of offense: the mobility, the athleticism," Fisher said. "And he loves to put it down the field. He'll be the first to tell you, he likes to put it down the field. And we've got guys who can do that." Austin Davis and Case Keenum are the backups, but the Rams also drafted Sean Mannion out of Oregon State as a project for the future.
Running back
You can make the argument that running backs are being devalued in the NFL. The Rams don't care. They felt certain enough about Gurley to select him with a high first-round pick. "We definitely thought he was a unique talent that only comes around once in a while," Snead says. But Gurley might start the season on the bench as he continues to recover from a torn anterior cruciate ligament. It's safe to expect Tre Mason (179 carries, 765 yards, four touchdowns in 12 games) to shoulder the load early on. The Rams lost depth when they traded Zac Stacy to the New York Jets, but the position appears to be in good hands.
Wide receiver
It's perhaps the weakest position group on the team, and St. Louis didn't do much to get better. Leading receiver Kenny Britt re-signed for two seasons. Brian Quick also is back. But the biggest issue is figuring out how to use Stedman Bailey and Tavon Austin, both of whom are undersized but quick and sure-handed. Their numbers should improve if Foles can stay on the field.
Tight end
The Rams have two capable players. Red-zone threat Lance Kendricks was re-signed to a four-year deal. Jared Cook led the team with 52 catches in 2014. Cory Harkey and Alex Bayer add depth.
Offensive line
Greg Robinson, the draft's No. 2 overall selection in 2014, struggled significantly as a left tackle. Pro Football Focus ranked him 78th of a possible 84 offensive tackles. But with Jake Long gone, it's Robinson's job to lose. If he can be more consistent, the rest of the line will get better. Expect 2015 second-round pick Rob Havenstein to challenge right away at right tackle. Last season's starting center, Scott Wells, ranked as the worst in the league at the position by Pro Football Focus and was released. Tim Barnes, who re-signed after spending last season as a backup, should start in Wells' place. Rodger Saffold and Brandon Washington project as the starting guards, and third-round pick Jamon Brown could step in as a reserve.
Defensive line
Not only is this the team's strength, it also might be the best line in the NFL. And it got even better this offseason with the addition of former Detroit Lions defensive tackle Nick Fairley, who signed as a free agent. He'll join Michael Brockers, whose fifth-year option was picked up, and last year's defensive rookie of the year, Aaron Donald, inside. Two elite ends, Robert Quinn and Chris Long, complete St. Louis' quintet of first rounders on the D-line.
Linebacker
The Rams get back their two leading tacklers: weakside linebacker Alec Ogletree (111) and middle linebacker James Laurinaitis (109). Ogletree is a budding star entering his third season, and Laurianitis is a steady veteran. Each player has started every game of his career. Jo-Lonn Dunbar could start on the strong side, but the free agent addition of Akeem Ayers gives him a challenge at the position. Ayers started four games for the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots last season.
Secondary
Strong safety T.J. McDonald emerged as one of St. Louis' most consistent defenders (105 tackles, seven passes defended, one interception in 16 starts), which factored into the franchise declining Mark Barron's fifth-year option. The Rams acquired Barron in a trade with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last October, but he has never been consistent. Rodney McLeod was re-signed, and he'll try to build on a successful 2014. Janoris Jenkins and E.J. Gaines are the starting corners.
Special teams
Greg Zuerlein resumes his kicking duties (24-for-30 on field goal attempts last year). Punter Johnny Hekker has Pro Bowl talent and sneaky athleticism for the position. In the return game, dynamic Austin will continue to field punts, while backup running back Benny Cunningham likely will take back kickoffs.
Coaching
After former offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer took the same position with college football's Georgia Bulldogs, the Rams promoted Frank Cignetti, who had been the team's quarterbacks coach, to step into the role. Chris Weinke, a former NFL and Florida State quarterback who won a Heisman Trophy, was brought aboard to help Cignetti get the most out of Foles.
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Follow Lorenzo Reyes on Twitter @LorenzoGReyes