Brandt: Rams Among Teams with Best Offseasons So Far

from Jets, Dolphins, Eagles among teams with best offseasons so far

By Gil Brandt
NFL Media senior analyst

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000495423/article/jets-dolphins-eagles-among-teams-with-best-offseasons-so-far?campaign=Twitter_writers_brandt

6) St. Louis Rams

Key additions: RB Todd Gurley, QB Nick Foles, OTs Rob Havenstein and Jamon Brown.

Jeff Fisher wants to run. He hasn’t had a 1,000-yard back in St. Louis since Steven Jackson put up 1,045 in 2012, and none of his Rams squads have finished better than 19th in rushing, but I think he’s finally found a back to build around in Gurley. The Rams also drafted three offensive linemen (Havenstein, Brown and Andrew Donnal), two of whom (Havenstein and Brown) have a chance to start. Between the fresh blood and what I expect will be the continued improvement of last year’s second overall pick, tackle Greg Robinson, St. Louis’ ground game should be in good shape.

I liked the decision to ship Bradford to Philly in exchange for Foles. (Yes, I thought the trade was win-win for both sides.) Foles might not have the star power or upside of Bradford. But while Foles has had his share of injury issues, I think he’s more reliable, at this point, than Bradford, who hasn’t played in a regular-season game since Oct. 20, 2013. The Rams can count on the big-armed Foles to be there and give them significantly more than they got from backups Shaun Hill and Austin Davis last season.

I loved the signings of defenders Nick Fairley (tackle) and Akeem Ayers (linebacker). Fairley has plenty to prove and will benefit from being part of a rotation in St. Louis. Ayers can rush the passer or drop into coverage, and he brings a solid veteran presence, despite his relative youth (25). The Rams have a good roster and a chance to make some noise, as long as the off-field subplot of a potential move to Los Angeles doesn’t distract the players too much.