Rams News

Coming off of a productive 1996 season, the Rams fantasy prospects such as QB Tony Banks, WR Eddie Kennison, RB Lawrence Phillips and WR Isaac Bruce looked like no-brainer picks in the middle rounds of 1997. Every one of these guys, either through injury, conditioning or other reasons, flopped in a big way in 1997. This offseason, the team added some new faces to the mix. It appears that this could be a franchise that’s finally on the way up, which could bode well for the Rams offense in 1998. Here’s who I see as the best values in your fantasy draft:

Tony Banks: This is the first time in 6 years that Banks is beginning the year with the same playbook as the previous year. Playcalling was a major problem for the Rams in 1997. Their offense was predictable, running when Phillips was in the game and passing when Amp Lee was inserted. Dick Vermiel, an offensive guru when he lead the Eagles to the Super Bowl over a decade ago, has vowed to get more involved in the playcalling this year. Look for shorter drops and more play action this year.

Assistant Head Coach Mike White has been moved from tight end to quarterback coach this year, and is seemingly working well with Banks in the off season. Banks has been actively involved in the off season conditioning program as well.

The Rams have added some depth to the receiving corps and will not be as concentrated on Issac Bruce, therefore an injury or two won’t have the same devastating effect on the passing game. WR Ricky Proehl and 4th round steal, WR Az- Hakim give the Rams their best pass receiver depth in Banks short career. The Rams re-signed RB Amp Lee. He is the best receiving running back in the game and has become Banks security blanket on third down. Second round draft pick RB Robert Holcombe is also an upgrade over Phillips and encumbant RB Jerald Moore as a pass receiver, therefore the Rams will be less predictable.

Much of the Rams problems can be traced to inconsistent performances along the offensive line. In Jim Hanifan, the Rams have one of the best offensive line coaches in the NFL. The offensive line will definately improve in 1998. Although Vermiel wasn’t able to upgrade right guard in the offseason, 1997 rookies Orlando Pace and Ryan Tucker will have the benefit of a full offseason and preseason and should anchor the left side for the next decade. It is anticipated that the Rams will solve their right guard problem (1997 starter, Weigert is injury prone and doesn’t play well in pain) after June 1. The Rams are still a little weak up the middle but the institution of shorter drops and an improved running game over the left side will help Banks enormously.

Coming off a horrible season, Banks has dropped into the bottom half of the quarterbacks in fantasy drafts. He could be had in the second half of the draft. He has a great shot at 20 touchdown passes, which could make him a spot starter or quality backup. His historical interception percentage is also not bad.

Robert Holcolmbe: The Rams second rounder was picked by Mel Kiper to have the biggest impact of any rookie running back in 1998. Holcolme gained over 1,200 yards in his final year at Illinois even though he was the only weapon on the team and the constant focus of the defenses. He has a motor that doesn’t stop, and never gives up on a run. He is a better outside runner than most believed and could be one of the best blockers and receivers of this years crop of rookies. Look for Holcolmbe to break into the starting lineup very early in the season and, like most Rams starting running backs, deliver touchdowns on a consistant basis. Even Lawrence Phillips scored touchdowns for a Ram offense that struggled. If the offense is only average, look for Holcolmbe to have a good year. His non-stop style could result in a few extra effort touchdowns as well.

Adding to his TD total is the fact that I think Vermiel will play conservatively inside the 5 yard line relying on Pace and Tucker to clear a path and not put too much pressure on young Tony Banks. Banks is also not much of a quarterback sneak threat.

Issac Bruce: Issac has responded to Vermiel's mid-season challenge and is attending the off season conditioning program. As Banks improves, so will Issac Bruce. The addition of Proehl and Az-Hakim will make it more difficult to focus on Issac. Bruce is the only Ram receiver that I would draft. There are too many questions regarding Eddie Kennison, unless he could be had in the last 2 or 3 rounds. It is very possible that he is permanently in Vermiel's doghouse.

Defense/Special Teams:

The Rams have upgraded their speed, but did lose their only double digit sack guy in Leslie O'neal. They have drafted 3 tweeners that can really get to the quarterback in Wistrom, Little and Chorak, but may be a liability against the run. They have one of the best defensive secondaries in the league if they can get Ryan McNeil re-signed. Look for blitzes and gang rushes on the passer, the type of play that creates turnovers and defensive touchdowns. Overall the defense is probably in the top 10 in fantasy leagues.

Most fans are very down on Special Teams Coach Frank Gansz, blaming him for over coaching and creating kicker Jeff Wilkens loss of confidence in 1997.

At the end of last season, kick returner David Thompson was a touchdown waiting to happen. He was close to breaking it on virtually every kickoff in some games. Thompson was one of the mini-camp names mentioned by Vermiel.

The addition of Az-Hakim on punt returns, is a definate upgrade over Kennison, who fell out of favor for running out of bounds to avoid contact with a punter. Az-Hakim was described by one coach as almost unstoppable on turf as a return man.

Wilkens eventually returned to form hitting three long FGs against Carolina in the season finale. Coming off of a bad year, he is also a potential steal in the bottom of the draft in leagues that draft kickers. He has exceptional range, plays in a dome, and 2 years ago set accuracy records for the 49ers in spite of kicking in windy Frisco. The Rams have decided that he is their guy. They will not be bringing in anybody to push him for his job.

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