Rams Sign First Round Pick Robert Quinn

The St. Louis Rams have signed their first round draft pick DE Robert Quinn. Quinn is the last of the eight 2011 NFL Draft picks the Rams had to sign. The Rams will now have a packed house with 24 street free agents, several free agents and all drafted rookies all coming to training camp. I think it was very important for the Rams to get Quinn into camp as soon as possible. Although Quinn is a first round pick he will need to pick up everything quickly to start competing with James Hall and George Selvie for the starting LRE job. Robert Quinn will continue to wear his college #94 with the Rams, and he is expected to be on the practice field today. Quinn who missed the 2010 NCAA season after he was ruled ineligible by the NCAA for lying to investigators about receiving travel accommodations and jewelry needs to prove he is worthy of the #14 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.

By Stlvinnie - http://www.stlouisramfan.com

Rams Sign FA DT Justin Bannan

The St. Louis Rams have also inked Denver Broncos free agent DT Justin Bannan to a three year deal on Saturday. Bannan know for his work ethic has ties with Josh McDaniels who brought him to the Broncos from the Baltimore Ravens. Bannan started all 16 games last year for the Broncos and contributed with 35 tackles. Coach Steve Spagnuolo who loves to rotate defensive lineman will probably use the veteran Bannan in rotation with Darrell Scott and Fred Robbins on the inside. Bannan has played nine years in the NFL and has a total of 237 tackles and 6.5 sacks. More quality depth for the Rams who are making a splash in the 2011 free agency period.

By Stlvinnie - http://www.stlouisramfan.com/

St. Louis Rams Sign Mike Sims-Walker

Adam Schefter has reported that the St. Louis Rams have just signed wide receiver Mike Sims-Walker to a one-year deal. I love this signing and appreciate the Rams doing exactly what they needed to do by signing a veteran wide receiver to help Sam Bradford. Sims-Walker is a large target at 6-2 215 lbs. Sims-Walker has had knee injuries in the past which is the theme with most of the Rams receivers. Sims-Walker has 122 catches for 1648 yards and 14 TDs in the 38 games he has played so far in his career. MSW was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars with the 79th overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft. MSW is big, physical, ran a sub 4.4 40 at the combine back in 2007 and has great hands. Sam Bradford should have a big smile on his face tonight.

By Stlvinnie - http://www.stlouisramfan.com

Rams Sign OLB Zac Diles

The St. Louis Rams have reportedly signed free agent OLB Zac Diles from the Houston Texans. Diles is a 4 year veteran out of Kansas State, and has played his entire career with the Houston Texans. Diles has been the full time starter at OLB the last couple of years totaling 144 tackles. Scott Wright's Draft Countdown has Zac listed as the 21st ranked OLB going into the 2007 NFL Draft. Diles was not even ranked ahead of David Vobora by WalterFootball.com's list of OLB free agents. Diles is neither big 6' 240 lbs or exceptionally fast. Diles at best is a fringe free agent signing who may not even make the team.

By Stlvinnie - http://www.stlouisramfan.com

St. Louis Rams Sign 24 Rookie Free Agents

The St. Louis Rams made it official today as they signed 24 rookie free agents. Interestingly the Rams who still need a backup for Steven Jackson only inked one RB. These kids will mostly be roster filler and have a hard time making the team since they will not have a lot of time or looks.

***UPDATE*** Lots of rumors have the Rams signing FA Jason Snelling from Atlanta

DE Damario Ambrose, Arkansas
CB Timothy Atchison, Baylor
SS Travon Bellamy, Illinois
G Bryant Browning, Ohio State
WR Jalil Carter, Akron
DE Kenneth Charles, Stephen F. Austin
SS John Dempsey, Villanova
CB Dionte Dinkins, Fort Valley State
G Tyler Donahue, Bowling Green
ILB Pete Fleps, SMU
TE Benjamin Guidugli, Cincinnati
DT John Henderson, Southern Mississippi
G Kevin Hughes, Southeast Louisiana
G Randall Hunt, Illinois
OT Karri Kuuttila, Lock Haven
LS Jacob McQuaide, Ohio State
TE Schuylar Oordt, Northern Iowa
QB Taylor Potts, Texas Tech
CB Christopher Smith, Northern Illinois
FB Van Stumon, Arkansas
DT Arthur Thomas, Arkansas Pine-Bluff
C Beau Warren, Virginia Tech
DT Teryl White, N.C. Central
RB Eddie Wide, Utah

By Stlvinnie - http://www.stlouisramfan.com

Rams Sign OG Harvey Dahl

Well it is true the St. Louis Rams are in need of a #1 wide receiver and a backup running back for Steven Jackson, but just as important is keeping Sam Bradford safe. The Rams made a great pickup on Friday by signing 6-5, 305 lb offensive guard Harvey Dahl away from the Atlanta Falcons. Dahl considered probably the top free agent guard is a great pickup for the Rams. Terms have not been disclosed but it has been stated that it will be a four year deal. Dahl has been with the Atlanta Falcons for his whole career starting the last three. Dalh should replace Adam Goldberg or could even cause the Rams to move Jacob Bell who has been a major disappointment.

By Stlvinnie - http://www.stlouisramfan.com

Is It Time For The Four Pillars To Come Down

So football just came back and I think I already have to get on my soap box. I am even calling myself out because the St. Louis Rams just spent $32 million dollars to sign Safety Quintin Mikell so what could be concerning me already. Lets just say that I don't always agree with the four pillars approach taken by General Manager Billy Devaney and Head Coach Steve Spagnuolo. At the same time I don't want a team of convicts like the Cincinnati Bengals have had on the field in the recent past. So what do I want? Well I would like the Rams to not be so conservative. It has been eight years since the Rams have had a winning season. Instead of signing a big name coach the Rams have went the inexperienced route by using Mike Martz, Joe Vitt, Scott Linehan, Jim Haslett and Steve Spagnuolo over the last decade.

I would like the Rams to make a big splash in free agency especially when the NFC West is so weak. This is the time to jump on this division and dominate for years to come. We still only have Steven Jackson in the backfield. Today Darren Sproles went to the New Orleans Saints for 4-years and 14 million dollars. Sproles is a change of pace back and great out of the backfield, isn't that what we have been looking for? For a team that gave Drew Bennett 30 mill, Jacob Bell 36 mill, and Jason Brown 38 mill you would think we could shell out 3 mill a year for Sproles. Reggie Bush was signed by the Miami Dolphins today to a two year deal for$ 9.75 million dollars. The Rams who lack a #1 WR could use Bush to make every receiver on the Rams better, and what better outlet valve could you give Sam Bradford than Bush. The Rams seem content to always be on the safe side, on draft picks, on offense and on defense isn't it time to take a chance? Well I say yes it is, so please look into how much Plaxico Burress would cost...

By Stlvinnie - http://www.stlouisramfan.com/

St. Louis Rams Sign Four Draft Picks

Jim Thomas has reported that the St. Louis Rams have signed four of their eight 2011 Draft Picks. Its nice to see the Rams knocking these signings out early but we really need DE Robert Quinn in camp as soon as possible. The more disturbing news this week was that Quinn the Rams 1st round pick and 14th overall in the 2011 NFL Draft is being sued by former agent Carl Carey. Quinn allegedly fired Carey and hired Impact Sports. Hopefully this will have no impact on the Rams signing Quinn very soon.


4th round WR Greg Salas of Hawaii.
5th round S Jermale Hines of Ohio State.
7th round CB Mikail Baker of Baylor
7th round S Jonathan Nelson of Oklahoma

By Stlvinnie - http://www.stlouisramfan.com

Rams Release Training Camp Schedule

The St. Louis Rams released their training camp schedule today. The St. Louis Rams will have 19 open practices at the Russell Training Center in Earth City starting July 30th. One of the benefits of the NFL lockout is the Rams were not able to book a new practice facility. Fans will not have to travel far to see their favorite Rams player in action. The best news is the Rams will still have their scrimmage at Lindenwood University on Sunday August 7th.
Date Open Practice Times

Saturday, July 30 - Practice – 1:50 PM

Sunday, July 31 - Practice – 1:50 PM

Monday, August 1 - Practice – 1:50 PM

Tuesday, August 2 - Practice – 5 PM

Thursday, August 4 - Practice – 1:50 PM

Friday, August 5 - Practice – 5 PM

Saturday, August 6 - Practice – 1:50 PM

Sunday, August 7 – Scrimmage 11 AM @ Lindenwood University

Monday, August 8 – Practice – 1:50 PM

Tuesday, August 9 - Practice – 5 PM

Wednesday, August 10 - Practice – 1:50 PM

Thursday, August 11 - Practice 5 PM

Friday, August 12 - Practice – 1:50 PM

Monday, August 15 – Practice - 5 PM

Tuesday, August 16 - Practice – 1:50 PM

Wednesday, August 17 - Practice 5 PM

Thursday, August 18 - Practice – 1:50 PM

Monday, August 22 - Practice TBD

Tuesday, August 23 - Practice TBD

Wednesday, August 24 - Practice TBD

NOTE: ALL PRACTICE TIMES SUBJECT TO CHANGE

By Stlvinnie - http://www.stlouisramfan.com

St. Louis Rams Pick Up Safety Quintin Mikell

Tuesday the St. Louis Rams wasted no time jumping into the free agent pool as they have agreed to sign safety Quintin Mikell to a reported four-year 28 million dollar contract. After losing FS Oshiomogho Atogwe to the Washington Redskins the Rams were in need of some additional help in their secondary. Atogwe known as a roaming free safety were as Quintin Mikell is more of a hard hitting strong safety. Mikell played under Steve Spagnuolo while coach Spagnuolo was with the Eagles.

Mikell is a tough nose player at 5'10" and 205 pounds. The Philadelphia Eagles who tend to discard anyone over the age of 30 may regret letting Mikell walk away. The 30 year Mikell is a very steady player, and only missed 7 games in 8 years while with the Eagles. Mikell led the Eagles in tackles last year with 88 and also had a career high in interceptions and pass breakups.

Look for Quintin Mikell to possibly pair with former teammate Michael Lewis along with Craig Dahl to give the Rams a harder hitting secondary. Mikell made the 2009 Pro Bowl and looks to be an excellent addition to the St. Louis Rams.

By Stlvinnie - http://www.stlouisramfan.com/

The NFL Lockout Is Over

The NFL Lockout Is Over

After a 4 1/2 month lockout NFL football is back! If you listened closely today you could hear the collective sigh of millions of football fans who knew this day would one day come, but were starting to get worried that greed would win out. We found out it is indeed possible to divide 9 billion dollars!

As a fan not much has changed except hopefully a decade of NFL labor peace. We still got to enjoy the 2011 NFL Draft, we will enjoy the preseason, and the 2011 NFL season will begin on time as the St. Louis Rams will take on the Philadelphia Eagles September 11th at the Edward Jones Dome. The Owners will continue to make millions and the players got to miss some two-a-day practices in scorching heat and will have less practices in pads. On the surface the entire deal looks like a win / win for all.

Now the frenzy will begin and I do mean frenzy. St. Louis Rams players can show up to Rams Park beginning Tuesday. Players can’t officially practice, but they can get physicals, work out, and start some classroom sessions with coaches. Teams can also start contract talks with free agents. Friday training camp will begin at Rams Park for the St. Louis Rams, and teams can make official offers to free agents. The Rams will have their first practice in pads on Monday. Rams will release a list of practices open to the public soon.

So to recap all players must take a physical and sign their union card, we have draft picks and free agents to sign, you can trade players, we have to watch for injuries, padded practices will begin and we have a preseason game in 19 days. Wow I am exhausted just thinking about the next three weeks. I hope everyone is as excited as I am today that football is back!

By Stlvinnie - http://www.stlouisramfan.com

St. Louis Rams Free Agent List

St. Louis Rams Free Agent List

Restricted Free Agents who received Qualifying Offers from their Old Clubs and are subject to the First Refusal/Compensation system of the NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement:

Chris Chamberlain LB Tulsa 7th
Renardo Foster T Louisville ROFR
John Greco G Toledo 3rd
David Vobora LB Idaho 7th

Unrestricted Free Agents with four or more accrued seasons:
Mark Clayton WR Oklahoma
Kevin Dockery DB Mississippi State
Daniel Fells TE California-Davis
Gary Gibson DT Rutgers
Adam Goldberg G Wyoming
Chris Hovan DT Boston College
Darcy Johnson TE Central Florida
Michael Lewis DB Colorado
Laurent Robinson WR Illinois State
Clifton Ryan DT Michigan State
Derek Schouman TE Boise State

Players with fewer than four accrued seasons who received no Qualifying Offer or no minimum tender from their Old Club:
Quincy Butler DB Texas Christian
Kenneth Darby RB Alabama
Curtis Johnson LB Clark Atlanta

NFL Cancels Hall of Fame Game

Well the good news is the NFL owners voted on Thursday to end the four month NFL lockout 31-0 with the Oakland Raiders abstaining (is anyone stranger than Al Davis). On the down side the players look like they will not vote Thursday to approve the deal. In addition NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell cancelled the Hall of Fame Game that was to be played between the St. Louis Rams and Chicago Bears on August 7th in Canton, Ohio. The Commissioner stated that the Rams and Bears wouldn’t have ample time to prepare. Marshall Faulk will be inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame on August 6th, hopefully the lack of a game that weekend will not detract from the ceremonies.