Posted: May 27, 2008
Jim Thomas
For Sporting News
PERSONNEL ANALYSIS: The learning curve will be steep for rookie WR Donnie Avery. He will go from a college system at the University of Houston that didn't have a formal playbook to offensive coordinator Al Saunders' scheme that is complicated even by NFL standards. There's no doubt Avery can run fast -- that's why only 32 players were drafted ahead of him. Now he must show he can run precise routes. The sooner he does that the bigger of an impact he'll have in the NFL. If not, WR Reche Caldwell could step into the No. 3 role. ...
Speaking of steep learning curves, C
Mark Setterstrom has a long way to go to close the gap with returning starter Brett Romberg. In making the switch from left guard -- a position now manned by $36 million acquisition Jacob Bell -- Setterstrom had several hiccups on the center-quarterback exchange during minicamp. Until those glitches are smoothed out, Setterstrom won't mount a serious challenge for the starting job with Romberg.
SCOUTING REPORT: Fully recovered from offseason surgery on both shoulders, RB Brian Leonard has bulked up but, at 230 pounds, hardly has the look of a classic fullback. Nonetheless, Leonard will serve as the lead blocker on some running plays for
Steven Jackson. Leonard remains a third down option and will compete with Antonio Pittman as the No. 2 back in the base offense. Leonard must work on his yards after the catch as a receiver and make quick decisions reading holes as a runner.
DEFENSIVE TACKLES ANALYSIS: With continued improvement by second-year pros Adam Carriker and Clifton Ryan, the Rams could be set for years to come. Carriker has the versatility to play both the "3-technique" and nose positions. Ryan is a classic nose with good strength and instincts and will do the grunt work inside. The team would like to decrease the number of snaps for La'Roi Glover, who turns 34 in July.
Claude Wroten faces a make-or-break year after two disappointing seasons. Grade: C+. Pro Bowl-caliber players: None.
GO RAMS 
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