Rams’ fans: This player may surprise you!
THE WATERCOOLER
QUESTION: With Sunday’s opener now just days away, who is one player who you feel could really surprise Rams fans this year?
JIM THOMAS
There will be rough moments along the way, but CB Jonathan Wade has an agressive attitude, top-end speed, and decent size. Most of all, it looks like he has matured. Some take longer than others, but it looks like Wade now gets it — what it takes to be an NFL player. Coach Steve Spagnuolo has a lot of experience on his resume working with cornerbacks.
BRYAN BURWELL
Laurent Robinson could be the big surprise at wide receiver. He showed in the preseason that he can make plays and he will get plenty of opportunities on a team looking for WR’s to establish themselves.
BILL COATS
Because he seems to have so many detractors around town, I’ll go with Marc Bulger. The new Rams offense demands precision and accuracy from the QB, arguably Bulger’s greatest assets. If the line can protect him and he can adjust to the quick drops and throws — and there’s no reason why he shouldn’t be able to — he has a chance to have a big year.
KEVIN WHEELER (Host of “Sports Open Line” on KMOX)
Randy McMichael is a guy who could surprise some people. With the team lacking name players at wide receiver, McMichael could be a big part of the passing attack if he can stay healthy. I’m not sure he’s as athletic as he used to be in his best days with the Dolphins, but he’s a big target who would be an asset especially in red zone situations. Laurent Robinson and Donnie Avery are speedy receivers who will make their share of plays but they’re not very big and McMichael has both the size and the hands to be Marc Bulger’s safety blanket. I’d be remiss if I didn’t also mention Daniel Fells, one of the backups to McMichael. Fells’ teammates rave about his athletic abilities so we’ll see if that translates into game action.
Chris Draft