22 St. Louis Rams
2014 Ranking: 31
Top five players: Aaron Donald, Robert Quinn, Chris Long, William Hayes, Nick Fairley
Starters who should be upgraded: Alec Ogletree, Greg Robinson, Tavon Austin, Nick Foles
Analysis: With perhaps their five best players all residing on the defensive line, the Rams are building their foundation in the right place. Donald is the best young defensive tackle in the league, while Quinn remains one of the most feared pass-rushers despite taking a step back from his 2013 dominance. There is a sea of average in the back seven, but St. Louis is hoping its stout front will mask some of those deficiencies.
The offensive line has gotten a lot of attention in recent years, though there's little to show for it at this point. The skill positions are also a place where potential has trumped production, as the Rams are still waiting on Austin and Brian Quick to emerge. Rookie running back Todd Gurley may be just what the offense needs to get back on track. At quarterback, the big unknown is whether Foles can be a productive player outside of the Eagles' system.
2014 Ranking: 31
Top five players: Aaron Donald, Robert Quinn, Chris Long, William Hayes, Nick Fairley
Starters who should be upgraded: Alec Ogletree, Greg Robinson, Tavon Austin, Nick Foles
Analysis: With perhaps their five best players all residing on the defensive line, the Rams are building their foundation in the right place. Donald is the best young defensive tackle in the league, while Quinn remains one of the most feared pass-rushers despite taking a step back from his 2013 dominance. There is a sea of average in the back seven, but St. Louis is hoping its stout front will mask some of those deficiencies.
The offensive line has gotten a lot of attention in recent years, though there's little to show for it at this point. The skill positions are also a place where potential has trumped production, as the Rams are still waiting on Austin and Brian Quick to emerge. Rookie running back Todd Gurley may be just what the offense needs to get back on track. At quarterback, the big unknown is whether Foles can be a productive player outside of the Eagles' system.
