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Source: Nick Wagoner, stlouisrams.com [ Full Article ]

After a wild 2006 offseason, it would have been nearly impossible for the Rams to match the intensity and sheer amount of work they did this offseason.

While almost every team in the league has been flush with cash as the salary cap continues to rise, the amount of talented free agents available has limited what everyone has done.

Sure, a few big name free agents have hit the market and subsequently cashed in, but for the most part, it has been a quiet offseason.

For the Rams, there have been a few key acquisitions that should improve the depth and talent, especially offensively. But an overall lack of talented help available has made it hard for them to find players to fill some of their defensive holes.

On the first day of free agency, the Rams were able to trade a fifth-round choice to Detroit for defensive end James Hall. The addition of Hall gives the Rams a pass rusher to pair opposite Leonard Little and improve a lagging pass rush on the other side of the defensive line.

Additionally, the Rams fortified the safety position by signing Todd Johnson from Chicago. Johnson will instantly help on special teams, provides depth at both safety spots and could work in nickel and dime packages as well.

Still, the team has designs on finding more help, especially at defensive tackle. There are no tackles on the free agent market that the team appears to be currently interested in, though that could change.

Unlike in years past, there isn't like to be another wave of free agents hitting the market because teams don't want to pay roster or workout bonuses. Likewise, the old June salary cap cuts aren't likely to yield much either.

Of course, the Rams will keep an eye out for help anywhere they can get it, but it seems the next major infusion of talent will come through April's NFL Draft.

Much like last season, St. Louis will be closely monitoring the top defensive players in the draft and will likely lean in that direction on draft day. The addition of Hall certainly bolsters the talent on the line, but it doesnt necessarily preclude the Rams from looking for an end in the draft, especially since there are so many talented ends in this years edition.

Still, it appears the defensive line and linebackers (depth or starters) are areas that will need to be addressed.

Elsewhere, the Rams would still like to bring back punter Matt Turk and continue to work toward that end. And, though they brought in Travis Minor, the team would still like to find more help at running back behind starter Steven Jackson.

The Rams will begin their offseason program on Monday with voluntary workouts set to begin.

Additions

WR Drew Bennett Will step in as the third receiver and make an instant impact in the red zone because of his size.

TE Randy McMichael The big, athletic tight end gives the Rams a veteran presence at a position that features a lot of youth. Like Bennett, gives quarterback Marc Bulger another big target in the red zone.

DE James Hall The Rams dealt a fifth-round pick to get Halls services. He is expected to step in right away opposite Leonard Little.

S Todd Johnson Johnson will immediately become a core of the special teams and will be valuable insurance at both safety spots.

P B.J. Sander While the Rams continue to pursue bringing back veteran Matt Turk, they signed Sander as insurance in case Turk gets away.

RB Travis Minor Expected to compete for one of the running back spots behind starter Steven Jackson. Minor is a change-of-pace type back who could be a nice complement to Jackson off the bench.

Losses

WR Shaun McDonald Signed with the Detroit Lions

CB Travis Fisher Signed with the Detroit Lions

WR Kevin Curtis Signed with the Philadelphia Eagles