The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Analysis of This Year's Rams Team
Dear Editor,
In my opinion, the line play on both sides of the ball is what will get the Rams back to the Super Bowl this year.
Kennedy, the huge defensive tackle from Penn State and this year's first round draft pick, should step right in and be a definite contributor.
Other first round picks at defensive tackle a couple of years ago, Lewis and Pickett, should be much improved.
Wistrom, another former number 1 pick from Nebraska, should continue to be one of the top defensive ends in football.
Little should continue to lead the team in sacks from the other defensive end and continue to improve against the run.
The offensive line should be just as effective. McCollum, the former starter at center moves to guard alongside all pro Pace (who will hopefully be signed by summer camp).
Wohlbaugh, obtained in trade from Cleveland, has continued to be impressive at center. On the right side of the line, there is another former all pro in Timmerman.
Next to him will be the most important addition, Turley, former all pro tackle from N.O. Warner and Bulger should be very well protected from this group.
They did lose Conwell, their TE, but have a couple of adequate replacements.
They should be set at quarterback with both Warner and Bulger being healthy. Also, Faulk and Gordon make an effective running back duo, especially if Gordon learns to hold on to the football.
Niklos, at fullback, is an effective blocker, but is probably the biggest question mark, along with tight end, on offense.
The receivers appear to be well set with veterans Bruce, Holt, and Edwards. Also, they say that the rookie, McDonald, will make people forget Hakim. They also drafted good return men.
The Rams second pick in this years draft from Hawaii and their best linebacker, Polly, should be effective outside linebackers.
The question ever since Fletcher went to the Bills is middle linebacker.
Duncan was not the answer last year. Hopefully, last year's number 1 pick, Thomas, will be able to fill the bill.
The secondary, which will consist of a blend of veterans and youth, could be questionable.
Hopefully Williams, 6 times all pro CB, and Seahorn and Herring at safety have a year or two good ability left in them.
Fisher and Whatley were surprisingly effective young cornerbacks last year. Archeleta has continued to develop into one of the best young safetys in football.
No doubt, Fraley, the defensive line coach, and Hanifant, the offensive line coach, are drooling in anticipation of this year's team.
Likewise, many of us are eagerly looking forward to this summer's Rams camp in Macomb.
Weyman George
Macomb