St. Louis Rams
QB Sam Bradford (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.
RB Steven Jackson (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 Daryl Richardson (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 Isaiah Pead (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.
WR Danny Amendola (WR - #43) - Deep-league Only
As a poor man's Wes Welker in 2010, Amendola was a PPR bargain who averaged more than 5.3 catches per game working mainly out of the slot. That was to be his role again in 2011, but a triceps injury derailed him in the first week. Coming off surgery and with a fresh one-year contract in hand, he'll be fighting to endear himself to a new head coach and a new offensive coordinator who are not known for their heavy use of slot receivers.
UPDATE (7/29): According to ESPN.com, Amendola has been working as a starter accross from Brandon Gibson in two-WR sets. He has the starting slot job all but locked down and would see a bump in fantasy value if he can stay on the field in standard sets during the regular season.
WR Brandon Gibson (WR - #64) - Deep-league Only
A three-year veteran, Gibson has experience on his side in a wide open battle against younger, quicker receivers for depth chart supremacy. Don't get too excited if he earns the early season starting nod; his fantasy ceiling is low and he'll have a tough time holding off the likes of Brian Quick, Chris Givens and Steve Smith.
UPDATE (8/5): The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports Gibson opened training camp as a starter, drawing positive reviews in his first week from coach Jeff Fisher and QB Sam Bradford.
WR Steve Smith (WR - #70) - Gamble (high risk)
Knee problems may ultimately curtail Smith's career. He has landed in St. Louis on a one year deal and will need to capitalize on what could be his last chance in the NFL. The Rams need help at receiver and anything Smith provides will be a gift. If his surgically repaired knee doesn't serve him better than it did during his disastrous stint with the Eagles, Smith won't make it out of camp.
WR Brian Quick (WR - #108) - Super Sleeper (high risk/potential)
The first selection on day two of this year's draft, Brian Quick might fly under the fantasy radar. Though other NFL teams overlooked him, the Rams felt Quick gave them first-round value and may be ready to hand him starter's minutes immediately. His size will make him an attractive target for Sam Bradford.
WR Chris Givens (WR - #109) - Super Sleeper (high risk/potential)
Like Brian Quick, Givens seems to have landed in the right situation for immediate production. He's a vertical threat who ran better than a 4.4 forty time at the combine. Consistent over-the-top speed is something the Rams have been lacking, though they'd be happy just to have receivers give them multiple starts. Youth and health work strongly in Givens' favor.
TE Lance Kendricks (TE - #27) - Deep-league Only
You have to actually catch the ball before you can be considered an effective receiver. Last year Kendricks dropped almost as many passes as he caught. He was a huge disappointment and the fact he's still the top TE in St. Louis speaks volumes about the state of this franchise.
PK Greg Zuerlein (K - #28) - Not Draft Worthy
The Rams scored just over twelve points per game last season. Unfortunately, that doesn't equate to four made field goals each contest. They were actually second-to-last in that category and dead last in extra points.
St. Louis Defense (Def - #30) - Not Draft Worthy
Considering they were a two-win team last year, their defense wasn't terrible. Sadly, "not terrible" isn't good enough to win you any fantasy championships. They may be improved for 2012, but you can likely find better production elsewhere.
