Rams | Targeting Bell,Priece,Claiborn

***ramavenger*** · -03-02-2005

Rams | Targeting Bell? - from www.KFFL.com
Wed, 2 Mar 2005 15:56:48 -0800

Nick Wagoner, of StLouisRams.com, reports the St. Louis Rams are seeking to upgrade their linebacker corps even following the signing of free agent LB Dexter Coakley (Cowboys). One of the players the Rams are believed to be targeting is free agent LB Kendrell Bell (Steelers).

Rams | Targeting Pierce? - from www.KFFL.com
Wed, 2 Mar 2005 15:45:27 -0800

Nick Wagoner, of StLouisRams.com, reports the St. Louis Rams are seeking to upgrade their linebacker corps even following the signing of free agent LB Dexter Coakley (Cowboys). One of the players the Rams are believed to be targeting is free agent LB Antonio Pierce (Redskins).

Rams | Targeting Claiborne? - from www.KFFL.com
Wed, 2 Mar 2005 15:45:22 -0800

Nick Wagoner, of StLouisRams.com, reports the St. Louis Rams are seeking to upgrade their linebacker corps even following the signing of free agent LB Dexter Coakley (Cowboys). One of the players the Rams are believed to be targeting is free agent LB Chris Claiborne (Vikings).

***ZigZagRam*** · -03-02-2005

I'd much rather have Bell and Pierce than Claiborne, but it looks like Pierce is going to be signing with the G-Men.

**Nick** · -03-02-2005

What this says about Bell, it's hard to say. I'm tempted to choose Bell over Claiborne if cap space wasn't an issue, but Bell will probably command a large contract. Rumors were circling about the Giants offering Bell a double-digit bonus. I've yet to really hear anything about Hartwell.

***ramhard*** · -03-02-2005

This scouting report on Claiborne doesn't make me too enthusiastic about his coming. But they got the 'low-budget' part on Pierce wrong with his signing.

Outside linebackers

NFL FREE AGENCY: MARKET REPORT

Which players will provide the returns of a summer blockbuster? And who are the potential big-money flops that will bring to mind Alexander (the movie, not the running back)? Vinnie Iyer rolls credits on the 2005 free agent class by positions.

• QB: Will Chargers move Brees?
• RB: Stocked with franchise backs
• WR: The fight to get Plax
• TE: Is Bubba Franks available?
• OL: Plenty of solid veterans
• DL: Is Pryce right in Denver?
• LB: Big names, bigger questions
• CB: Fight for the Law
• S: Darius could be moved
• Spec.: "Idiot kicker" for hire
Featured attraction: Mark Fields, Panthers. In addition to being a Pro Bowl playmaker who covers plenty of ground, Fields is a leader on and off the field.

Also starring: Tommy Polley, Rams. Polley, one of the league's fastest linebackers, would pay dividends in an aggressive scheme that allows him to take full advantage of his speed and quickness.

Lower-budget option: Antonio Pierce, Redskins. He sparkled as a playmaker with terrific range during LaVar Arrington's absence. If Pierce lands a starting job, he's best suited for the weak side.

Fading star: Chris Claiborne, Vikings. As starting 'backers go, he's ordinary.

Inside linebackers

Featured attraction: Kendrell Bell, Steelers. He missed 13 games with two different groin injuries in '04. When healthy, he is the premier open-field tackler at the position.

Also starring: Ed Hartwell, Ravens. Hartwell has benefited from the attention offenses give Ray Lewis, but his recognition skills and ability to stop the run will allow him to settle into any 3-4 team's scheme.

Scene stealer: Jeremiah Trotter, Eagles. The Eagles will try to avoid letting Trotter walk for a second time. He can shore up any interior run defense with his upfield burst, power and tackling ability.

Front office bomb: Rob Morris, Colts. He has been a disappointment. Injuries have hampered his abilities against the run, and he never has been great in coverage.

***ZigZagRam*** · -03-02-2005

I'd still welcome Hartwell with open arms.

**Nick** · -03-02-2005

Originally Posted by ramhard

Scene stealer: Jeremiah Trotter, Eagles. The Eagles will try to avoid letting Trotter walk for a second time. He can shore up any interior run defense with his upfield burst, power and tackling ability.

He left Philly for the cash in Washington and didn't live up to the hype. I'm willing to bet the same will happen again if he decides to leave the warm arms of Jim Johnson's defensive scheme.

**HUbison** · -03-02-2005

I wasn't happy to read this...

Fading star: Chris Claiborne, Vikings. As starting 'backers go, he's ordinary.

...but then I got to stat-checking and noticed something. During the 1st half of last season, Claiborne saw limited action and after 8 games only had 5, that is f-i-v-e tackles, no sacks, no picks, no FF. For the last half of the season he played injury free and amassed 63 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 pick, & 1 FF.

That, at least, makes me feel a little better.

***theodus69*** · -03-03-2005

Originally Posted by NickSeiler

He left Philly for the cash in Washington and didn't live up to the hype. I'm willing to bet the same will happen again if he decides to leave the warm arms of Jim Johnson's defensive scheme.

Word is Trotter is on his way to K.C. and I think they are making a Strong campaign to really put a defense on the feild! If K.C. gets any defense .......Look out!!!!!