NFL Draft Blitz's Rams Column on Hartwell

[Nick]

Saint Louis Rams

Columnist - John Bronsky

2/7/05

WANTED

Entering this years free agency period, the St. Louis Rams must take a very aggressive approach to fix their run defense. In 1999 the Rams went out and signed Adam Timmerman from the Green Bay Packers. Timmerman brought a winning attitude and playoff experience to a team that had experienced neither of the two. He was the leader on a line that won the Super Bowl in his first playing year with the Rams. This was a signing that had a big impact on the organization and turned the team around .

Similar, entering the 2005 free agent period, there should be a Wanted Poster outside of Rams Park looking for a tough MLB that can play with attitude. A player that can really lay the wood. A player that will bring the intensity and respect of a defense on the rise.

That player is Ed Harwell from the Ravens.

Ed Hartwell is about to sign a major free agent contract. The NFL recognizes Hartwell as a rising star and there will be demand. Hartwell out of Western Illinois has just finished his fourth year in the NFL. He’s listed at 6 feet one inches tall and 250 pounds, but there really isn’t a measure for his attitude. He has been playing behind Ray Lewis and is ready to place his mark on his own team.

This is the guy the Rams must get.

While they can add to the defense in the draft, the organization must make every effort to show how they will correct the defense. The organization must negotiate a new deal with Isaac Bruce so that they can drop down
his present cap figure of 9.34 million dollars. Signing Orlando Pace to a long term contract will certainly free up cap space as well. Hopefully, with a new agent the team can avoid tagging Pace.

Hartwell is the key.

The organization is on the clock to fix the defense . Lets see how serious the organization is to building a champion. Will they tinker with the offense and try to fix the defense through the draft? If so , this team won’t become an elite team in the NFL. The team needs attitude on defense and it starts with signing Ed Hartwell.

[HUbison]

Amen John Bronsky.

Hartwell out of Western Illinois

It's time to come home, young man.

[woody1351]

he'll have training camp at home at WIU.

[ZigZagRam]

I think the Front Office needs to adopt a slogan from Larry The Cable Guy for the 2005 offseason: "Git-R-Done!"

I want to see Ed Hartwell in the horns. I NEED to see Ed Hartwell in the horns. Make it happen!

[maineram]

Big question is will Pace come to terms on a long term deal, start being a team first guy, and free up some cap room to get a Hartwell. He is deffinately what the doctor ordered for the D. He would be just a start but a good place to start.

Maineram - :ramlogo:

[DJRamFan]

Big question is will Pace come to terms on a long term deal, start being a team first guy, and free up some cap room to get a Hartwell.

He ain't going to sign IMHO. I just don't see it happening. I see it being years of franchising. I'd rather they dump him if he isn't committed to the organization.

[HUbison]

He ain't going to sign IMHO. I just don't see it happening. I see it being years of franchising. I'd rather they dump him if he isn't committed to the organization.

I would think this is the put-up or shut-up season for Pace. We've been blaming the Postons all along and if Pace signs, we were right. But if he doesn't, then Pace doesn't deserve to be here. He can go back to Ohio and suck with the Browns for all I care. Unless he signs and then of course he's the greatest thing since sliced bread. :redface:

[Yodude]

If he didn't have the intention of signing, there is no way he would have fired the Postons.

[theodus69]

He'll sign ...Trust me! :redface:

[ZigZagRam]

If he didn't have the intention of signing, there is no way he would have fired the Postons.

Precisely what I was thinking.

[sbramfan]

This guy needs to be a Ram. It is the most important piece of the puzzle.

[psycho9985]

Yes we need a go getter like london fletcher,and timmerman.Gotta do something to spark these guys.I think the 1st move is to fire Marmie.