"After months of deliberation, the Rams organization made its Big Decision. Kevin Demoff, Billy Devaney, Steve Spagnuolo, et al took the $50 million plunge on rookie quarterback Sam Bradford. They decided to bet on his impressive talent, intelligence and work ethic. Now they must make sure the huge wager pays off. The process is under way. Last weekend's rookie camp went well, by all accounts. Bradford threw the ball around Rams Park and some of the kids looked promising in T-shirts and shorts. Bradford and rookie receiver Mardy Gilyard developed instant chemistry on the practice field. But the heavy lifting remains. Between now and Week 1 of the NFL season, the Rams must coach up their players, upgrade their talent base and revamp their offensive scheme. Here is how to the "to do" list shapes up: 1. Strengthen the offensive line. The Rams are ready to install Jason Smith at left tackle. The team drafted him last year to fill this role for the long haul and the coaching staff believes he is ready to take the step. Maybe he is. Or maybe he isn't ready to assume that critical pass blocking responsibility. We won't be able to assess his near-term potential at that position until three or four games into the regular season. He can work on his technique during the OTAs. He can polish his skills during training camp. He can gain valuable experience during preseason games. But until opponents come after him for real, how will the Rams really know what they have there? Smith is smart. He works hard. He is an impressive athlete. But can he master one of the most difficult jobs in all of sports? Can he keep the Face of the Franchise off his back? Several Rams linemen, like rookie Rodger Saffold, are capable of playing multiple positions. Spagnuolo stresses versatility when assessing offensive linemen. So what if Saffold can play guard and Jacob Bell can play tackle? What the Rams really need are offensive linemen who can play one position REALLY, REALLY WELL. Spagnuolo vowed to rebuild the Rams from the lines out. We're still waiting. 2. Get Steven Jackson significant help. Jackson is coming back from minor back surgery. He has piled up some miles on his odometer. To maximize his production during the next few years, the Rams need to team him with another potential 1,000-yard back. Could Brian Westbrook be such a player? In the short term, perhaps. But given his extensive injury history -– especially with concussions -– the Rams would need another quality back even if Westbrook signs a free-agent deal here. Sorry, but incumbents Kenneth Darby and Chris Ogbonnaya don't seem to fit that role." http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sp...5811692D662167A38625771B007E81E9?OpenDocument
