Commentary

The most underrated players on the 2013 St. Louis Rams’ roster

There isn’t a team in the NFL that doesn’t have its fair share of underrated players. In the St. Louis Rams’ case, some players are overlooked because of the team’s exciting offseason additions. As we head towards the 2013 season, let’s evaluate the most underrated players on the team:

Chris Givens, WR

The Rams spent so much time upgrading their receiving corps with thrilling acquisitions such as Tavon Austin, Stedman Bailey and tight end Jared Cook that it’s easy to forget about Chris Givens.

He emerged as quarterback Sam Bradford’s top target in 2012, gaining 698 yards on 42 receptions and three touchdowns. Those aren’t exactly flashy numbers, but it’s still decent considering that it was Givens’s rookie season and he missed some playing time due to injury. Givens’s performance was even better than receivers who were selected earlier in the draft, including the New York Jets’ Stephen Hill, the Chicago Bears’ Alshon Jeffery, the Tennessee Titans’ Kendall Wright and even the Rams’ Brian Quick.

The Rams’ offseason additions have relegated talk about Givens to the backburner, but if he can stay healthy, along with the offensive line, no one will forget about the young receiver again.

Lance Kendricks, TE

Lance Kendricks didn’t have a bad season last year. He wasn’t a Pro Bowler by any means, but he was a solid player who often produced positive results. The Wisconsin product finished the 2012 season with 519 yards and 4 touchdowns. In fact, his statistics matched up somewhat favorably to the Rams’ new signee, Jared Cook. Cook had 523 yards and four touchdowns in limited duty last season.

The problem with Kendricks is that he has yet to live up to his billing as second round draft pick. Still, this season may be a turning point in his career. There are multiple teams in the NFL right now that successfully utilize two talented TEs in their offensive scheme. Kendricks flashed enough potential last season to show he can produce when called upon.

William Hayes, DE

The Rams were concerned about losing Hayes to free agency during the 2013 offseason, which makes sense considering what he meant to the team. He recorded seven sacks, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery as a backup defensive end in 2012. However, his value to the team is measured far beyond stats. His play on the defensive line made it possible for the unit to work in a full rotation, which meant the front four was able to stay fresh long into the fourth quarter.

Hayes could have easily left the Rams and become a starter on another team instead of playing behind Chris Long and Robert Quinn. Fortunately, Hayes is happy being a part of the Rams organization. He not only provides great depth, but he terrorizes offenses when the starters need a break.

Jo-Lonn Dunbar, LB

The Rams have a promising group of linebackers led by James Laurinaitis and Alec Ogletree. The news of Ogletree’s modest success in the team’s organized team activities (OTAs) has taken away the spotlight from Jo-Lonn Dunbar.

Dunbar could be one of the best acquisitions in the current Fisher era. He was expected to provide his veteran prowess to a thin linebacker corps last season. Instead, he went beyond expectations and became a key contributor to an improving defense. The six-year veteran compiled 115 total tackles, 4.5 sacks and two interceptions, the best season of his career. If Dunbar turns in a repeat performance during the 2013 season, the Rams will field a top-10 defense.

OT Rodger Saffold:

This may not be a surprise, but many fans seem to undervalue Saffold’s role on the offensive line, especially since Jake Long took over at left tackle. Saffold is being moved to right tackle this season, and although it won’t be an easy transition, the team is confident in his ability to adjust to his new position.

Saffold was actually a solid left tackle when healthy. However, the Rams simply couldn’t pass up on the opportunity to sign a franchise left tackle. Saffold has enough talent to become a Pro Bowler at his new position, which will make Bradford’s job much easier.

Honorable Mentions

– WR Austin Pettis

– DT Michael Brockers

– CB Trumaine Johnson

– P Johnny Hekker

– K Greg Zuerlein

You can follow Johnny Gomez on Twitter @Johnny5not6. Be sure to follow Rams Talk on Twitter @TalkRams.

Sources: ESPN.com

 

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