Defensive line: Long could be ready to lead the rush
Where's the pass rush? That remains the biggest question up front. There's no better time for Chris Long to have a breakout year than now. He played better over the last half of the '09 season, with five sacks in his last nine games. The switch to left end this season should help, with Long now working against opposing right tackles, who in theory are not as polished pass-blocking as left tackles. At right end, James Hall is a known quantity — a solid all-around end who can play the run and get you 6 to 8 sacks. The Rams drafted three DEs, but George Selvie (leg) and Eugene Sims (hamstring) have been slowed by injury. At DT, the addition of Fred Robbins helps the run defense. Clifton Ryan needs to continue to develop; Gary Gibson needs to stay healthy. Second-year man Darell Scott may have the most talent of any DT.
Linebacker: All-Ohio State starting unit
Larry Grant has been one of the pleasant surprises of camp, with his physical style of play and good run defense. If he keeps it up once the regular season starts, the linebacking corps could be better than expected. At 251 pounds, Grant brings much-needed size to the weakside position. Newcomer Na'il Diggs was signed in the offseason following his release by Carolina. Diggs looks like he'll be a solid performer on the strong side and he also adds size to the front seven at 6-4, 240. Rounding out the all-Ohio State starting trio is second-year man James Laurinaitis. After an impressive rookie season, even better things are expected of Laurinaitis this time around. Instinctive and aggressive, Laurinaitis already is developing into one of the team leaders. Chris Chamberlain, David Vobora and Bobby Carpenter are the top backups, but seventh-round draft pick Josh Hull has had a good camp.
Secondary: Big concerns at cornerback
Cornerback remains a concern. Ron Bartell is the only player on the roster with more than eight NFL starts on his resume. Although slowed for a couple of weeks by an ankle injury, Bartell has played well when out there. The other starting corner spot remains iffy, with the outlook clouded by injury. Bradley Fletcher continues to work his way back from last season's knee surgery. If healthy, he's the starter. Justin King (calf), Kevin Dockery (hip), and rookies Jerome Murphy (ankle) and Marquis Johnson (knee) all have missed a week or more of camp. Quincy Butler has benefited from all the injuries and gotten a lot of work in the preseason. At strong safety, James Butler's availability for the regular-season opener is iffy because of a knee injury, but Craig Dahl is a more than adequate replacement. Oshiomogho Atogwe returns at free safety. Backup Kevin Payne is a hard hitter.
Special teams: Kicking game looks real solid
Kicker Josh Brown missed the preseason opener with a hip injury, but got plenty of work in Game 2 with four field goals against Cleveland. He remains one of the game's better place-kickers. Likewise, punter Donnie Jones is one of the NFL's best at his position, and was deserving of a Pro Bowl berth the past two seasons. He's also an excellent holder for Brown on field goals and PATs. Chris Massey, back from knee surgery that prematurely ended his '09 season, is a tough, reliable long snapper who makes his share of plays on punt coverage. Looks like the Rams will have two options in the return game in Danny Amendola and Mardy Gilyard. Amendola is shifty and not afraid to take a hit. In theory, Gilyard has more big-play ability. Both can return punts or kickoffs, giving special teams coordinator Tom McMahon plenty of flexibility on game day.
