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As the deadline for the ratification of the league's collective bargaining agreement was approaching last Thursday, it seemed it was getting to the point where the Rams had more players watching practice than participating.Obviously, that wasn't the case, but at one point after a flurry of signings, the Rams had 16 players ineligible to practice. But that didn't stop them from continuing to add players considered important to improving units throughout the roster.Entering the free-agency signing period, it was clear the Rams had prioritized the positions of safety, guard, defensive tackle, linebacker and running back as the biggest needs. Wide receiver and cornerback help would also be welcome.After moving quickly on the first day agreements could be reached and coming to terms with safety Quintin Mikell, there were a few days of quiet. But that ended with a consistent storm of signings at all the positions on the wish list.The most significant after the addition of Mikell was the signing of right guard Harvey Dahl from the Atlanta Falcons, a move that solidified the line and resulted in Adam Goldberg being a super sub again after he was re-signed. Goldberg started 16 games at right guard last season and the season before started games at every position on the line except center.Last year's line of left tackle Rodger Saffold, left guard Jacob Bell, center Jason Brown, Goldberg and right tackle Jason Smith missed only one start all season when Smith was out. But Goldberg would sometimes be overmatched physically. That won't happen with Dahl. The Rams also signed Quinn Ojinnaka to vie for a backup job on the line.Also on offense, the Rams signed wide receiver Mike Sims-Walker and running back Jerious Norwood and Cadillac Williams. Sims-Walker has shown promise in Jacksonville, but not consistency. Seeing what offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels was able to accomplish last season with Brandon Lloyd in Denver, Sims-Walker could be headed for a breakout season.Defensively, with the need to add power inside, two defensive tackles were signed: Justin Bannan, who was with McDaniels in Denver last season, and Daniel Muir of the Colts. They will be added to a rotation that includes Fred Robbins, Gary Gibson, who was re-signed and Jermelle Cudjo, who was an undrafted free agents last season.During 2010, the Rams started four different players at weak-side linebacker: Larry Grant, Chris Chamberlain, David Vobora and Bryan Kehl. Grant is now with the 49ers. Newcomer Zac Diles, who was with Houston last season, is expected to win the job, although the competition will be strong with the other three, who are also special teams contributors.Na'il Diggs, the starter on the strong side last season until suffering a torn pectoral muscle, will be challenged by Brady Poppinga, who missed time with the Packers last season because of a knee injury.Mikell and cornerback Al Harris both have experience in coach Steve Spagnuolo's defense from their time with the Philadelphia Eagles. Mikell is expected to start because of the February departure of Oshiomogho Atogwe. Harris provides depth at a position that has questions beyond starters Ron Bartell and Bradley Fletcher.Copyright C 2011 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.                                PrintEmail a FriendFacebookTwitterStumble UponGoogleYahooDiggDeliciousShare
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