Rams Team Report

[RamWraith]

3/31/2006

By Jim Thomas
St. Louis Post-Dispatch


The Rams' offense under new head coach Scott Linehan will have some different elements than it did under his predecessor, Mike Martz. Linehan is a big believer in the no-huddle, trying to use it for at least a couple of series a game, and occasionally opening games that way. He also will let his quarterbacks audible, something that really wasn't the case under Martz -- although Martz had a limited system of audibles called "check-with-mes." Linehan's playbook will be much thinner than Martz's. Linehan is a firm believer in running a few plays well and honing them through practice repetition. . . .

LB Dexter Coakley was a team defensive captain in 2005, his first season with the Rams, but probably won't even be a starter in '06. But Coakley's attitude remains good, and he hopes to make a contribution even if it's on special teams and as the team's first linebacker off the bench. Coakley is finishing up his rehab after suffering a season-ending broken fibula and ankle injury last December. He hopes to take part in the first of three minicamps for the team the weekend before the draft, but that might be an optimistic goal. He had screws removed from the ankle two months ago and still can't go all out on the leg. . . .

Still in search of a kickoff and punt returner, the Rams had New Orleans veteran Michael Lewis in for a free-agent visit but will take a wait-and-see approach on him. Lewis still is recovering from knee surgery that cost him most of the '05 season, and at 34 may be nearing the end of his career. With few free-agent options remaining, the Rams may be forced to look for a return man in the draft. UCLA's Maurice Drew would be an intriguing option, but the team would have to bypass other needs and take him in the second round. He may not be around by Round 3.

SCOUTING REPORT: G Claude Terrell was a rookie surprise in 2005, but Terrell has shown up heavy for the offseason conditioning program. He needs to get his weight down while improving his overall conditioning and strength to take the next step as an NFL starter. Terrell's wide base and toughness make him an effective run blocker with some road grader tendencies. He needs to improve on his pass blocking and co-op blocker; he frequently struggles with picking up loops, stunts, and delayed blitzers. A trimmer and better-conditioned Terrell would help in all those areas because he would have better footwork and better lateral movement.

DRAFT BUZZ:One area that was neglected with a free agent was tight end. With only one experienced tight end on the roster -- Brandon Manumaleuna -- the Rams need to come out of the draft with someone who can contribute right away as no less than the No. 2 tight end. Luckily for the Rams, this is draft is strong for tight ends. The Rams don't even have to use a first round pick on the position, unless of course, Maryland's Vernon Davis is there at No. 11 overall, which doesn't seem likely. The team has paid special attention to tight ends while making the rounds at the various campus pro days. Dominique Byrd of USC or Marcedes Lewis of UCLA could be second-round possibilities; Notre Dame's Anthony Fasano or Colorado's Joe Klopfenstein are possible third-rounders.

[HUbison]

Terrell has shown up heavy for the offseason conditioning program. He needs to get his weight down while improving his overall conditioning and strength to take the next step as an NFL starter

I saw guard Claude Terrell briefly Wednesday and he looks good. He has dropped some weight and seems to have added some muscle.

Okay, which is it boys? It's not real confidence inspiring when the St. Louis media can't even decide if Terrell is fatter or thinner. :moon:

[Varg6]

Okay, which is it boys? It's not real confidence inspiring when the St. Louis media can't even decide if Terrell is fatter or thinner. :moon:

The press can say whatever they want! :tongue:

[general counsel]

Classic contradictions. Terrell is one of the largest humans i have ever seen.

ramming speed to all

general counsel

[RamsFan16]

Maybe Jim Thomas means he showed up heavy with muscle like what Nick Wagoner said.

[HUbison]

Maybe Jim Thomas means he showed up heavy with muscle like what Nick Wagoner said.

Then why are his very next words..."He needs to get his weight down"?