It would probably shock you to learn that the St. Louis Rams had the seventh-ranked pass defense in the NFL last season. Despite losing both starting corners, and both of their backups, and then some of their backups (yes, it got that bad), the Rams held teams to only 206 yards per game through the air last year.

Of course, statistics can be deceiving.

First of all, the Rams played in a very weak QB division. The Cardinals’ starting QB, Kevin Kolb, underwhelmed last year, and because of injuries, he didn’t even stay on the field for all 16 games. The Rams actually squared off with John Skelton, Kolb’s backup.

The Seahawks had Tavaris Jackson and Charlie Whitehurst. Jackson is a career backup, and Whitehurst is still an unproven player. That’s probably why the Seahawks spent this offseason bringing in two new QB’s, Matt Flynn (free agent) and Russel Wilson (third-round draft pick).

The best team in the division, the San Francisco 49ers, had Alex Smith under center. Smith had a terrific season, but the Niners were an old-school, throwback, “run first, throw when you have to” football team.

In addition to playing in the NFC West, the Rams were getting killed most Sunday afternoons. That means that there was a whole lot of running the football for opposing offenses in the fourth quarter, which also helped the Rams’ passing statistics.

My point is, while the Rams’ passing D from a year ago looks good on paper, those of us who actually watched the games know better.

The Rams couldn’t stop anybody.

However, the Rams had some talented players at that position. The problem was, they were injured. Can they overcome those injuries and play up to their talent? If they can, then this Rams’ secondary could be scary good.

Bradley Fletcher was the No. 66 overall draft pick in 2009. He is a big corner (6’0″, 200 pounds), and he can run. This kid was a good player before he got hurt and missed the entire 2011 season. In 2010, he appeared in all 16 games, totaling 11 pass breakups and four interceptions.

Jerome Murphy was the No. 65 overall pick in 2010. He is another big corner (6’0″, 200 pounds), and as a rookie in 2010, he appeared in 14 games, registering four pass deflections and one interception. Murphy also missed all of 2011, but if he returns to form, he could be an outstanding player for the Rams.

If either Murphy or Fletcher were your nickle back, then you’d have a terrific secondary. The problem for Murphy and Fletcher is the Rams brought in more talent at that position.

Cortland Finnegan was signed as a free agent, and he will immediately transform the Rams’ defense. He isn’t as big as the other Rams corners (5’10″, 188 pounds), but he is perhaps the most physical corner in the NFL. He had 75 tackles in 2011, which is a lot for a corner, but he had 100 tackles in 2010! Finnegan is also good in coverage, with 14 interceptions in his six seasons. Teams quit throwing at Finnegan two years ago, but he did have five interceptions in each of the 2008 and 2009 seasons.

Bottom line, Finnegan gives the Rams a true “No. 1 corner” to shut down big-play receivers.

With the No. 39 overall pick in the 2012 draft, the Rams took Janoris Jenkins. Many draft analysts had Jenkins rated as a top 10-15 talent, but character issues caused him to fall in the draft. If Jenkins (5’10″, 193 pounds) can play up to his potential, the Rams will have one of the best sets of corners in the NFL with Finnegan and Jenkins.

With the No. 65 overall pick in the 2012 draft, the Rams took Trumaine Johnson. He is the biggest corner on the roster (6’2″, 204 pounds), and he is an athletic, physical player. He recorded 15 career interceptions in college, and he has the speed to line up with NFL receivers.

I also think Johnson is a kind of “secret weapon” for the Rams’ coaching staff, because he has the size/length to match up to some of the hybrid tight ends that are dominating today’s NFL. When you play in a division with Vernon Davis, it’s a good idea to have a guy like Trumaine Johnson on your roster. I think the Rams will use Johnson to cover the faster tight ends, but I also think they will use him as a true corner. Either way, expect to see him on the field a lot.

Add it all up, and the Rams have five outstanding corners on their roster. When you think about the pressure that Rams defensive ends Chris Long and Robert Quinn can put on by themselves, it’s scary to think about the potential of this Rams secondary.

A great pass rush means there isn’t much time to throw, which means the receivers need to get open right away. That is going to be really hard to do against these Rams defensive backs.

In just one year, it looks like the Rams’ secondary went from “worst to first.”

It appears the Rams have all the pieces for an outstanding defense in 2012. As we outlined this week, the defense is looking really good on paper.

Well, it looks good everywhere except outside linebacker.

The Rams drafted Aaron Brown out of Hawaii, and they have Josh Hull, a part-time player a year ago, both fighting for that spot. Both players offer value on special teams, but can they make the jump to being a full-time starter at linebacker?

That is the million dollar question.

If neither is up to the task, the Rams are going to have to look to a group of undrafted free agents to fill the job. The Rams brought in Sammy Brown (Houston), Derek Choice (Steven F. Austin), Alex Hoffman-Ellis (Washington State) and Noah Keller (Ohio) to compete for a roster spot, and maybe a starting position, in 2012.

Brown had 28 tackles for loss last season, which led the nation. He was a first-team all-conference player (Conference USA), as he finished the regular season with 12.5 sacks last year. At 6’2″, 242 pounds, Brown has a 40 time of 4.6, give or take a few hundredths of a second.

Hoffman-Ellis is another prospect to keep an eye on. He led the Cougars with 88 tackles (good for eighth in the Pac-12 conference), and was named second-team all-conference. He made 33 starts during his career at Washington State, so he is also an experienced player. At 6’1″, 232 pounds, he runs a 4.55 in the 40.

Keller finished his senior year at Ohio with 116 tackles, and was named second-team all-conference (MAC). He is a 6’1″, 245-pound linebacker who ran his 40 in 4.63. Keller looks like a bigger, stronger, albeit slower prospect who might offer some value as a run stuffer.

Choice didn’t get on the field much, but he was a teammate of Jabara Williams, who spent some time on the Rams’ roster last season. To be honest, I couldn’t find much information about him, but I was a big fan of Williams when he was with the Rams. Whoever brought Choice in for a tryout obviously saw some potential, but if he makes the roster, it would be a shock to me.

With a glaring need for linebackers, I think at least one of these players could make the final roster.

Brown is the guy I am going to keep an eye on. While all of these players bring something to the table, his unique ability to get to the ball carrier behind the line of scrimmage makes him a prospect to watch. Because the Rams have a very strong defensive secondary (a year ago, who thought we’d be saying that?), that is going to allow Jeff Fisher to really go after the quarterback. Brown seems like a player who can do that.

If the Rams can add another quality player or two from this group of undrafted free agents, to go along with a strong free-agent crop and a terrific draft class, then St. Louis could be a dangerous team in 2012.

Rams fans, if you are like me, you woke up this morning with some hope. The 2012 NFL draft brought some serious talent to St. Louis. While we are still a long way from that Week 1 game in Detroit, it’s never too early to start thinking about what this team is going to look like.

Today, let’s take a look at the defense.

Defensive Tackle

The Rams have really improved on the weakest part of their football team. Last season, the Rams were terrible against the run. The addition of Michael Brockers (No. 14 pick in the draft) and Kendal Langford (free agency) gives the team two starters, and Darell Scott provides another promising young player to put into that rotation.

Defensive End

Chris Long and Robert Quinn are the headliners here. These two young players give the Rams the ability to get to the quarterback while still dropping seven defenders into coverage. With the improvements in the Rams’ secondary, this could turn into one of the most fearsome pass-rush combinations in the NFL. Eugene Sims is another young, talented player that will contribute in the DE rotation.

Outside Linebacker

Jo-Lonn Dunbar was brought in via free agency, and he is a starting-caliber player. Aaron Brown was drafted in the seventh round and looks like a boom or bust pickup. Josh Hull, who played mainly on special teams last year, looks to get more playing time this season. Overall, this is a position that still needs to be upgraded.

Middle Linebacker

James Laurinaitis is one of the best young linebackers in the NFL. In addition, he finally has some big bodies in front of him (Brockers and Langford) to “keep him clean.” Ask Ray Lewis how much easier his life got when the Ravens drafted Haloti Ngata. Those defensive tackles are going to help elevate Laurinaitis to an All-Pro level this season.

Corner

First, the Rams signed Cortland Finnegan, a top notch corner who will bring a physical nature to the position. Then they drafted Janoris Jenkins (No. 39 overall) and Trumaine Johnson (No. 65 overall). In addition, Bradley Fletcher and Jerome Murphy return from the Injured Reserve list, where they spent all of last season. Finnegan and Jenkins will be perhaps the best pair of corners in the NFC West. If Johnson can contribute right away, he would be a luxury at the nickleback position. If Murphy and Fletcher return to their pre-injury form, this might be the most talented group of corners in the NFC. What was the weakest position group for the Rams last season (because of injuries) could be its biggest strength.

Safety

Quintin Mickell is a borderline All-Pro player, and Darian Stewart was one of the lone bright spots in the Rams’ secondary last season. If Stewart takes another step forward this season, the Rams are going to have a dangerous secondary. Craig Dahl has been a part-time starter, and he adds depth to this position.

Summary

My early projection for a starting lineup would be Chris Long (LDE), Michael Brockers (LDT), Kendal Langford (RDT), Robert Quinn (RDE), Josh Hull (SOLB), James Laurinaitis (MLB), Jo-Lonn Dunbar (WOLB), Cortland Finnegan (LCB), Janoris Jenkins (RCB), Quintin Mickell (SS) and Darian Stewart (FS).

This group is going to be able to shut the passing game down with, not one but two, shutdown corners and a ferocious pass-rush. The run defense should be better, with better interior lineman and a great middle linebacker, but the team still needs to add more depth and talent to the outside linebacker position.

Overall, the Rams have really improved their defense from a year ago. With the offense still relying on several young play makers and a suspect offensive line, the defense will have to step up and carry this team in 2012.

Read More: St. Louis Rams

The 2012 NFL Draft is only 32 picks deep so far, but things are about to heat up on Friday, as Round 2 and Round 3 unfold starting at 6 p.m. CT, ESPN and NFL Network. The St. Louis Rams have been busy trading back from their original No. 2 slot, and as a result they are loaded with picks in the later rounds and should be primed to fill plenty of holes with quality players on very affordable contracts.

General manager Les Snead and head coach Jeff Fisher will have the chance to find some gems on Friday, as the Rams hold the No. 33, No. 39, No. 45 and No. 65 selections.

Here is the complete list of picks the Rams have left in the 2012 NFL Draft, heading into Friday:

Round 2, Pick No. 1, No. 33 Overall

Round 2, Pick No. 7, No. 39 Overall (from Washington)

Round 2, Pick No. 13, No. 45 Overall (from Dallas)

Round 3, Pick No. 2, No. 65 Overall

Round 4, Pick No. 1, No. 96 Overall

Round 6, Pick No. 1, No. 171 Overall

Round 7, Pick No. 2, No. 209 Overall

Round 7, Pick No. 45, No. 252 Overall (Compensatory Selection)

For more coverage on the St. Louis Rams’ wild 2012 NFL Draft, click through to our storystream. For even more comprehensive coverage of the NFL Draft, visit Mocking The Draft.

Now comes Fisher’s best opportunity to clear the foothills in his latest uphill venture.

The St. Louis Rams have three of the first 39 picks in the draft thanks to the blockbuster deal they pulled off with the Redskins, who were so desperate to land quarterback Robert Griffin III that they gave up the sixth overall pick along with their second-rounder, in addition to first-round picks in 2013 and 2014. More picks means more chances to add talent to the threadbare roster of a Rams team that went 2-14.

Fisher saw some college games last year, but wasn’t watching that closely. The past few months, he’s put in a lot of time on draft preparation.

“One might think I’d have an edge, but I didn’t really watch it,” Fisher said Monday night in an interview with The Associated Press. “I got away and stayed away. So this is just like any draft from a preparation standpoint. You have to do the work.”

Fisher was hired in mid-January and didn’t fill out his staff until recently. Last week’s voluntary minicamp was something of an inconvenience for Fisher and general manager Les Snead, forced to multitask while prepping for the draft that begins Thursday night.

Now the board is stacked, and it’s down to fine-tuning. That, and figuring out what to do with the No. 6 pick.

Running back Steven Jackson votes for a wide receiver. The two-time Pro Bowler believes the Rams need to fill a longstanding need and take Oklahoma State University wide receiver Justin Blackmon, whom he described as an “unbelievable talent,” as a complement to quarterback Sam Bradford.

“You know what, that doesn’t surprise me,” Fisher said. “He’s coming from the perspective of helping Sam, and it’s something that would help his position, too.”

The 6-1, 215-pound Blackmon had 121 catches for 18 touchdowns his senior season, with a so-so 12.6-yard per catch average the lone knock.

Even with slot receiver Danny Amendola back from a dislocated elbow that cost him most of last season and Steve Smith aboard with a low-risk free agent deal, the Rams are thin at wide receiver.

Jackson had 1,000 yards rushing for the seventh straight season, but often carried the offense on his back. A combination of injury and lack of a supporting cast led to a sophomore slump for Bradford, the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2010.

The defense just missed a franchise worst for yards allowed, and was iffy beyond end Chris Long and middle linebacker James Laurinaitis. Four of the top five cornerbacks landed on injured reserve, including top cover man Ron Bartell, sidelined in the opener and released in the offseason.

A lack of depth was evident on special teams that were horrid.

“I think wide receiver is going to be a position we’re going to look at,” Fisher said. “Along with a lot of other positions.”

The last time the Rams had the sixth pick in 1999, they took Torry Holt (seven-time Pro Bowl wide receiver), and opting for Blackmon wouldn’t be out of character in a league that emphasizes prolific scoring. Last year, A.J. Green went to the Bengals with the fourth overall pick and Atlanta took Julio Jones at No. 6 and both had big rookie seasons.

The Rams have won just 10 games the last three seasons, so they can use help all over. They’ve addressed some deficiencies in free agency with cornerback Cortland Finnegan, center Scott Wells and defensive tackle Kendall Langford signed to multiyear deals. Kellen Clemens was signed as Bradford’s backup.

Fisher is keeping his options open. If Blackmon is gone, the Rams could take offensive lineman Matt Kalil, cornerback Morris Claiborne or running back Trent Richardson as a future replacement for Jackson. They could trade down for still more picks if there’s a team willing to offer a nice price, and if they feel they can fill their needs with or without the sixth pick.

“Sometimes there’s a deal you just can’t pass up,” Fisher said. So, it remains to be seen.”

The Rams believe there’s plenty of talent at the top of the draft, but Fisher expects to find potential starters the last two days, too.

“The more picks you have,” he said, “the more chance you have of filling your roster and building for the future.”

The St. Louis Rams are taking one last look at LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne before the 2012 NFL draft this Thursday, according to Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Claiborne is expected to be a top-five pick in this year’s draft, with the majority of mocks having him land in Tampa Bay. However, the Rams are looking at Claiborne in case he falls to them at No. 6, Thomas reports.

North Alabama cornerback Janoris Jenkins has also visited with St. Louis.

Six Rams cornerbacks went on injured reserve last season, so it wouldn’t be surprising if the team wants to stock up at the position, especially considering Claiborne’s talent.

The Rams signed free-agent cornerback Cortland Finnegan to a five-year, $50 million contract this offseason, so adding Claiborne would instantly give St. Louis one of the top secondaries in the league. Bradley Fletcher and Jerome Murphy will also return this season, after missing 2011 with injuries.

Murphy and Fletcher were both drafted in the third round by the Rams—in the 2010 and 2009 NFL drafts, respectively.

The only negative reported on Claiborne leading up to the draft is he scored a four out of 50 on the Wonderlic test. However, it was later reported that Claiborne has a learning disability, although he has shown a strong football IQ in his collegiate career.

Claiborne has good speed, tracks the ball and receivers’ routes exceptionally, is great against the run and is very athletic. At 6’0″ and 190 lbs, he also has ideal size for the position.

Read More: Dallas Cowboys, St. Louis Rams

Boding with many other mock drafts out there, Drafttek.com projects the St. Louis Rams to select Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon in their latest computer-generated mock draft. The site uses a formula involving a hierarchy of team needs and a “Big Board” that ranks prospects by value to determine how the draft might play out.

Blackmon has frequently been tied to the Rams because of their obvious need to improve the passing game:

Though the Rams covet Trent Richardson, he will be gone, and all signs point to the addition of a solid #1 WR. It’s been almost a decade since a WR dominated college football for two years. That WR is considered one of the best in the NFL today (Larry Fitzgerald/Pitt). The Rams will expect no less from Justin Blackmon. The Rams offense is predicated on the run, but without a dominant receiving threat, the running game suffers even with two quality running backs.

Blackmon has been arguably the best wide receiver in the nation for the Cowboys over the past two years, so the real question is simply how well that skill set will translate to the NFL. In addition to the Blackmon pick, here are some of the later-round picks for St. Louis projected by Drafttek.com:

• Round 2, No. 33 overall: North Carolina linebacker Zach Brown
• Round 2, No. 39 overall: Miami (FL) running back Lamar Miller
• Round 3, No. 65 overall: Auburn offensive tackle Brandon Mosley

Welcome to another edition of the St. Louis Rams “Saturday St. Louis Sound off” column.  In today’s edition, I will share opinions on the 2012 NFL Draft and the Rams lease situation.

My Take on the No. 6 Pick

As the draft rapidly approaches, my thoughts regarding the No. 6 pick are becoming clearer. 

Perhaps to the disappointment of some, I am cooling off on Justin Blackmon, the all-world collegiate wide receiver from Oklahoma State.

Why is that?  

Quite simply, I believe more and more that Michael Floyd will be just as good (if not better) and that several second- to fourth-round wideouts could have equitable careers. Some other players would present better value at six even if Matt Kalil, Morris Claiborne and Trent Richardson are gone. 

Who are some players that I feel can be just as good as Blackmon?  

That list includes Michael Floyd, Kendall Wright, Reuben Randle, Mohamed Sanu, Chris Givens and Brian Quick.  Down the road, I think one could put Stephen Hill in the mix, too.  However, I think Hill will take a year or two to develop after coming from a triple-option college offense at Georgia Tech.

Do not get me wrong, I still like Blackmon.  I would just be a bit disappointed to see him go at six.  If Kalil, Claiborne and Richardson are gone, I would prefer a trade down over Blackmon at this point.  

I would perhaps even prefer that St. Louis grab a guy like defensive tackle Fletcher Cox, offensive guard David DeCastro or wide receiver Michael Floyd there over J.B. 

Ideally, though, I would like to see the Rams move down a few spots and grab one of those guys while attaining extra picks for a roster with a multitude of holes. 

Armed with extra picks, St. Louis would then have added opportunities to grab a receiver (or two) of similar talent to Blackmon while grabbing someone like DeCastro or Cox, who are more clearly the best at their positions (DT and OG) than Blackmon is at his (WR.) 

To me, still being able to get a player that is the best at his position (Cox or DeCastro) after a trade down from six at a position of need (OG or DT) while also gaining more picks trumps grabbing a guy (Blackmon) who is not clearly ahead of the pack at wide receiver in a year when the receiver position is loaded and deep through at least round four.  

All that said, I will support St. Louis in whatever they do at No. 6 as long as they truly stick to their draft board.  If Blackmon is undoubtedly the best player available when the Rams go on the clock, then I would be able to accept his selection.  

However, as time goes on, I am starting to doubt that this will be the case.  

Shane Gray covers the St. Louis Rams daily as a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. You are encouraged to check out the rest of his work here. Gray also owns and operates stlramscentral.com. 

The St. Louis Rams’ would-be defensive coordinator reportedly helped out tornado victims early in the week. And even though audio tapes revealed him targeting specific San Francisco players for injuries before a playoff game last season, 49ers general manager Trent Baalke and cornerback Carlos Rogers offered public support for him Wednesday.

Over time, these sorts of developments make it easier to envision Williams rehabilitating his image sufficiently for the NFL to strongly consider giving him another chance. We’re still early in that process, of course.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee says Baalke reached out to Williams, his former co-worker with the Washington Redskins. Baalke called Williams a friend and said, “I don’t view him any differently today than I did 20 days ago.”

Also from Barrows: Baalke cites Malcolm Gladwell in explaining why quick draft-related decisions often are the best ones. Of course, those quick decisions are made after years of research. They’re not hunches.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com says the 49ers will poll players before deciding whether to remain on the road between games against Minnesota and the Jets.

Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle passes along coach Jim Harbaugh’s comments on Randy Moss staying away from the team until April 30. The 49ers expect Moss to arrive in time for on-field work and football-related preparation. The team remains in the conditioning phase of its program.

Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune says the Bears have reached agreement with former 49ers guard Chilo Rachal, an unrestricted free agent. The 49ers had decided to move on from Rachal this offseason.

Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch offers insights into the Rams’ 2012 schedule. Miklasz: “A huge factor in schedule being so front-loaded with home games is the availability of the Dome. Because of other events booked into the convention center/stadium, several dates in the second half of the season were unavailable for scheduling Rams’ home games. That’s an issue. I’m sure this will be a point of negotiations in the discussions for a new lease agreement. Not that anyone realistically expects the rebuilding Rams to contend for a playoff spot this season, but to have a fighting chance they’ll have to rack some wins early, and take advantage of having three of four at home before traveling to London. Because the schedule turns against them pretty quickly.”

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the recently re-signed Kellen Clemens already knows the Rams’ offense from his days with Brian Schottenheimer and the New York Jets.

Nick Wagoner of stlouisrams.com offers updates from Rams minicamps, with this info on the offensive line: “Jeff Fisher confirmed Wednesday that as it stands, Rodger Saffold will continue to work on the left side with Jason Smith on the right. For now, the open left guard job is being filled by a combination of Robert Turner and Bryan Mattison. Quinn Ojinnaka has been considered as well. Not that any of that means much of anything this early in the game. Much more will be known following the final veteran minicamp in June when the Rams have a full roster.”

Also from Wagoner: Smith is back from his concussion.

Darren Urban of azcardinals.com says the Cardinals cleared room under their salary cap by restructuring their contract with veteran center Lyle Sendlein. Urban: “Sendlein’s cap number was supposed to be $3.25 million, and the move shrinks that number to $1.975 million. Fellow lineman Daryn Colledge did the same kind of thing earlier in the offseason. The Cards have been snug against the cap most of the offseason.” Noted: The move means the cap number for Sendlein will rise for future seasons. The cap itself will not increase as much as once expected.

Clare Farnsworth of seahawks.com rounds up various mock draft projections for Seattle, with the following thoughts from Nolan Nawrocki regarding cornerback Stephon Gilmore as one option: “Pete Carroll’s defense thrives on the size and physicality of its cornerbacks. Gilmore has the size desired to hem the line at a premium position of need, a prime reason why cornerbacks such as Gilmore and Alabama’s Dre Kirkpatrick could be drafted in the top 15.”

On Tuesday, April 17, the NFL released the 2012 NFL schedule with a few surprises for the St. Louis Rams. The team will play just three games in the Edward Jones Dome after October 21. If the Rams have any hope of reaching .500 next season, they will need to play winning football in September and October.

High profile game

There are plenty of big games on the Rams’ schedule this season, but there are none bigger than the Oct. 21 matchup with the Green Bay Packers. Some fans will argue that all of the NFC West games are more important, and they are, but there is no greater measuring stick for the Rams than the 2010 Super Bowl champions. The Packers were the class of the NFC for most of 2011, and since they will likely be the best team to play in the Edward Jones Dome this season, this game is the one to look forward to in 2012.

No favors

The NFL didn’t do the Rams any favors this season. They have the league’s fourth most difficult 2012 schedule, which is going to hurt their efforts to improve upon the two wins they had last year. The big problem is that, out of their first three games, the Rams will face two playoff contenders on the road. They will also close 2012 with four out of six games on the road, including two trips east and a cross-country trip to finish the year against the rival Seattle Seahawks. Then again, at least the NFL didn’t schedule the Rams to run through the same gauntlet they faced to begin the 2011 season. That was one of the worst stretches I’ve ever seen a team face.

London

The Rams will have the chance to build their brand overseas in their Oct. 28 “home” game against the New England Patriots. While many Rams’ fans are unhappy about owner Stan Kroenke’s decision to move a home game to London, at least it could potentially benefit the franchise long-term. Hopefully, the team represents itself well in front of a London crowd that will likely favor them due to Kroenke’s involvement with Premier League club Arsenal.

2012 St. Louis Rams Schedule

All games are listed in Eastern Standard Time.

Week 1: Sunday, September 9 – at Detroit Lions, 1:00 p.m., FOX

Week 2: Sunday, September 16 – vs. Washington Redskins, 4:05 p.m., FOX

Week 3: Sunday, September 23 – at Chicago Bears, 4:05 p.m., FOX

Week 4: Sunday, September 30 – vs. Seattle Seahawks, 1:00 p.m., FOX

Week 5: Thursday, October 4 – vs. Arizona Cardinals, 8:20 p.m., NFLN

Week 6: Sunday, October 14 – at Miami Dolphins, 1:00 p.m., FOX

Week 7: Sunday, October 21 – vs. Green Bay Packers, 1:00 p.m., FOX

Week 8: Sunday, October 28 – vs. New England Patriots, 1:00 p.m., CBS

Week 9: BYE

Week 10: Sunday, November 11 – at San Francisco 49ers, 4:15 p.m., FOX

Week 11: Sunday, November 18 – vs. New York Jets, 1:00 p.m., CBS

Week 12: Sunday, November 25 – at Arizona Cardinals, 4:15 p.m., FOX

Week 13: Sunday, December 2 – vs. San Francisco 49ers, 1:00 p.m., FOX

Week 14: Sunday, December 9 – at Buffalo Bills, 1:00 p.m., FOX

Week 15: Sunday, December 16 – vs. Minnesota Vikings, 1:00 p.m., FOX

Week 16: Sunday, December 23 – at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1:00 p.m., FOX

Week 17: Sunday, December 30 – at Seattle Seahawks, 4:15 p.m., FOX

Derek Ciapala has been a Rams fan since he was a child and the team was in Los Angeles. His favorite Rams moments include Flipper Anderson’s 336-yard receiving night against the Saints in 1989, and their miracle 1999 run to their first Super Bowl victory. You can follow him on Twitter @dciapala.

It’s been a tumultuous offseason for the St. Louis Rams, who hired a new head coach in Jeff Fisher, saw new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams suspended indefinitely by the NFL for his incredibly distasteful role in the New Orleans Saints’ “player bounty” scandal and made a blockbuster trade by sending the second overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft to the Washington Redskins.

The two extra first-round picks the Rams received from Washington will certainly help the team build for the future, but the process of getting better in the present will begin for quarterback Sam Bradford and the Rams on September 9th with a tough tilt against the Detroit Lions. The Rams probably aren’t headed for playoff contention in 2012, but fans of the club are hungry for improvement after last year’s 2-14 debacle.

SCHEDULE

Week 1 9/9:  St. Louis Rams vs. Detroit Lions 1:00 EST, FOX

Week 2 9/16: Washington Redskins vs. St. Louis Rams 4:05 EST, FOX

Week 3 9/23: St. Louis Rams vs. Chicago Bears 1:00 EST, FOX

Week 4 9/30: Seattle Seahawks vs. St. Louis Rams 1:00 EST, FOX

Week 5 10/4: Arizona Cardinals vs. St. Louis Rams 8:20 EST, NFL Network

Week 6 10/14: St. Louis Rams vs. Miami Dolphins 1:00 EST, FOX

Week 7 10/21: Green Bay Packers vs. St. Louis Rams 1:00 EST, FOX

Week 8 10/28: New England Patriots vs. St. Louis Rams 1:00 EST, CBS

Week 9 BYE

Week 10 11/11: St. Louis Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers 4:15 EST, FOX

Week 11 11/18: New York Jets vs. St. Louis Rams  1:00 EST, CBS

Week 12 11/25 St. Louis Rams vs. Arizona Cardinals 4:15 EST, FOX

Week 13 12/2: St. Louis Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers 1:00 EST, FOX

Week 14 12/9: St. Louis Rams vs. Buffalo Bills 1:00 EST, FOX

Week 15 12/16: Minnesota Vikings vs. St. Louis Rams 1:00 EST, FOX

Week 16 12/23: St. Louis Rams vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 1:00 EST, FOX

Week 17 12/30: St. Louis Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks 4:15 EST, FOX

ANALYSIS

It isn’t going to be easy for the Rams to improve markedly on last season’s dismal record, as their 2012 opponents had an aggregate winning percentage of .523 last year, making their schedule the fourth most difficult in the NFL.

Nothing personifies this rather daunting slate more than the three games wrapped around the Rams’ Week 9 bye, as the team hosts the Green Bay Packers and New England Patriots before traveling to meet the 49ers after a week off.

MOST PIVOTAL MATCHUP

There may well be no game that sets the tone more for the St. Louis Rams than their very first contest of the season. If Jeff Fisher’s new-look Rams can roll into the Motor City and pull off an upset or give the Lions all they can handle, that could do wonders for both the confidence of the players and the optimism of Rams fans across the land.

The St. Louis Rams may have moved one step closer to solving their run defense woes on Wednesday night, picking up former Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Trevor Laws via free agency.  Laws played reporter in the transaction on his Twitter account, and the news has since been verified.

In Laws, the Rams pick up a 26-year old with the potential to serve in a starting or rotational interior lineman role.  He has yet to meet the expectations associated with being drafted in the second round, but Laws still possesses some of the physical skills needed to make a positive impact in St. Louis.

He posted a career-best 20 tackles in 2011 while playing in 14 games for the Eagles, and he has totaled 57 tackles and five sacks during his four pro seasons.

At 6’1″ and a shade over 300 pounds, Laws has the frame to anchor the middle of a defense, along with some unique athleticism dating back to his decorated high school wrestling career.

Only the Tampa Bay Buccaneers allowed more rushing yards than the Rams in 2011, and new head coach Jeff Fisher and general manager Les Snead appear dedicated to making sure that that will change in 2012. 

The Rams recently hosted Mississippi State defensive tackle Fletcher Cox for a pre-draft visit, and it is likely that the team will further address the defensive line during the draft.  

Scratch another wide receiver off the St. Louis Rams’ possible wish list.

Free agent Jerricho Cotchery has signed a two-year deal to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News. As reported on Bleacher Report, he visited with the Rams last week.

It is unknown whether or not the Rams made Cotchery a contract offer.

In 13 games with the Steelers last season, Cotchery had 16 receptions, 237 yards and two touchdowns.

His two best career years came with the Jets in 2006 when he caught 82 passes for 961 yards and six touchdowns, and in 2007 when he caught 82 passes for 1,130 yards and two touchdowns.

Cotchery originally played for new Rams offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer while with the New York Jets for six seasons.

He also has experience in the return game. In 54 attempts, Cotchery has 484 yards and one touchdown as a kick returner.

Cotchery has suffered several hamstring injuries in his career, including the early part of the 2011 season.

He was drafted in in the 4th round, 108th overall, by the Jets in in 2004 out of North Carolina State. It will be interesting to see what he ends up producing in the upcoming season.