By Roger Hensley

THE WATERCOOLER

QUESTION: Rams fans have been quite vocal about their discontent with starting QB Marc Bulger this offseason. Perhaps a new coaching staff, new system (and new offensive tackle?) will lead to an improved performance by Bulger this season. Regardless, the Rams need to begin planning for their future at QB. When you get past the top two QBs in this draft — Georgia’s Matt Stafford and USC’s Mark Sanchez — is there anyone you see out there that could be nabbed in the second or third round that maybe one day could develop into a difference maker?

JIM THOMAS
One could argue that not even Stafford or Sanchez are difference makers. This is a weak quarterback class. Then again, quarterbacks have been known to come out of nowhere.

BRYAN BURWELL
Three potential quarterbacks might tempt the Rams on the first day. If K-State’s Josh Freeman is on the board in the second round, he could force them to consider a move earlier than planned.
But chances are that won’t happen. Instead look for a QB in the middle rounds. Tom Brandstater from Fresno State or Rhett Bomar from Sam Houston State. Brandstater is the more likely choice because Bomar has some negatives off the field.

BERNIE MIKLASZ
I’ll go with Tom Brandstater of Fresno State. I’m no draftnik, but Brandstater has size covered (6-5, 222), and he’s smart. At Fresno State he showed the ability to make throws downfield, and was very accurate on the short-intermediate passes. He’s one of those QBs who takes charge of the huddle and the offense, so strong leadership potential is there. The scouts say he doesn’t have quick feet, so escaping pressure could be an issue. But definitely worth a look if he slips to, say the third round.

BILL COATS
Nate Jones of Ball State is intriguing. He has size (6-2, 226), a big arm and apparently a good feel for the game. He could probably be had in the fourth or fifth round.

JEFF GORDON
Draftniks are in love with Rhett Bomar. The kid has big-time skills. Circumstances landed him at Sam Houston State, which seemed to drop him out of first-day consideration. Of the second-tier guys, he would seem to have the most potential to develop into a legitimate long-term project. I imagine he’ll be gone before the Rams get done filling other needs, but he will be one of the wild cards of this draft.

STU DURANDO
It’s sounding like Kansas State’s Josh Freeman is the clear-cut No. 3 quarterback in this draft but it appears that he could slip into the first round. At 6-6, 240, he’s huge with an arm to match his size. He decided to leave college early due to a favorable review by the NFL’s college advisory committee. Based on what I’ve read, he is considered a project, so he’ll have time to develop behind a more established quarterback.