2012 Team Outlook: St. Louis
QB Sam Bradford, STL (QB - #26) - Quality Backup
After a promising rookie campaign, Bradford's development stalled last year. Injuries played a big part, as did his supporting cast (or lack thereof). The biggest problems lay with an offensive line that gave up a league-high 55 sacks last season. There have been no major personnel improvements on that front and new O-line coach Paul Boudreau will definitely have his work cut out for him. Until the Rams can offer him steady protection, Bradford's ceiling is limited.
QB Kellen Clemens, STL - Not Draft Worthy
The Clemens re-signing is something of a moral defeat for the Rams. They need better talent behind Sam Bradford.
RB Steven Jackson, ATL (RB - #19) - Stud (low risk)
Steven Jackson has rushed for more than 1,000 yards in every year going back to 2005. The Rams' record over that span is a horrendous 29-83. He's never played for a winner -- in fact, he's been a member of some of the worst teams of this millennium. But that hasn't stopped Jackson from putting up stud rushing totals season after season. 2012 should be no different.
RB Isaiah Pead, STL (RB - #89) - Fantasy Handcuff
Drafted 50th overall, Isaiah Pead represents the highest pick the Rams have spent on a running back since they took Steven Jackson at number 24 back in 2004. Pead will likely begin his career as a situational player, but should slide right into second behind Jackson on the depth chart. There's a lot of upside here and owners may want to stash him away as insurance against a Jackson injury.
RB Daryl Richardson, STL (RB - #45) - Super Sleeper (high risk/potential)
Despite being one of the last players selected in the 2012 draft, Richardson has a direct line to playing time in St. Louis and could open the season behind only Pead and Jackson.
UPDATE (8/7): Richardson missed the first week of training camp getting over a hamstring injury suffered in spring minicamp. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports he participated in team drills for the first time Tuesday and "looks full recovered."
RB Brit Miller, --- - Not Draft Worthy
Will compete with Ovie Mughelli for the right to be Steven Jackson's lead blocker. After three years in the NFL he has a grand total of five rushes for 14 yards. Not a fantasy factor.
