Let's take a look at the Rams' depth, rating each position group by the following criteria:
LTD (Long Term Depth) - a position group that can withstand a long-term injury to at least one starter and still likely function at a comparable level.
STD (Short Term Depth) - a position group that can withstand a short term (2-3 games) injury to a starter without a major dropoff, but that needs to be healthy in the long run and in the playoffs.
ID (Inadequate Depth) - a position group that cannot withstand any injury to a starter without a significant dropoff.
Here's how I see it:
Quarterbacks
Primary Backups: Frerotte, Fitzpatrick/Ragone
Rating:
STD
I have confidence that Frerotte could be an effective starter for 2-3 midseason games, if necessary, but the Rams will need Bulger in the long run to go anywhere.
Running Backs
Primary Backups: Fisher, Williams
Rating:
ID
If Jackson goes down, the Rams running game takes a major hit. Probably would mean Bulger would have to throw 40-50 times per game, which is not what we want.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
Primary Backups: Curtis, McDonald, Walker, Byrd
Rating:
LTD (with a caveat)
Losing Torry Holt would result in a significant dropoff. Any other starter, including Isaac Bruce, could be adequately replaced if injured.
Offensive Line
Primary Backups: Steussie, Sapaia, Setterstrom, Turner
Rating:
STD (Tackles)/ID (Interior Line)
Steussie could fill in adequately at either OT spot for a short period. The interior line is paper thin, particularly with the loss of Claude Terrell.
Defensive Line
Primary Backups: Adeyanju, Wroten, Fisk, Green
Rating: STD
There is a lot of talent among the backups, but little experience, apart from Fisk. If Adeyanju and Wroten develop quickly, this rating could increase.
Linebackers
Primary Backups: Smith, Coakley, Brooks, Alston
Rating:
ID
While the dropoff from Chillar to Smith or Coakley is minimal, the Rams can't afford to lose Witherspoon or Tinoisamoa, even for a game or two.
Defensive Backs
Primary Backups: Hill, Butler, Carter, Bartell, Groce
Rating: LTD
Apart from Chavous, this is a unit of fairly young players, and there may be as much talent on the bench as on the field. That's not to say this is a great unit, just one that is developing and not characterized by a large disparity between starter and backup talent.
In all, this is a team that has marginal depth. Certainly, the team is deeper than last year, particularly at QB, OT and DB, but the Rams will need to stay as healthy, if not heathier, than their rivals to contend for the playoffs.