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2015 Training Camp: Five St. Louis Rams players to watch

Goodbye offseason, hello Rams football. The 2015 regular season is nearly upon us, and as it creeps closer there are plenty of players to watch as training camp continues. It’s hard to limit to just five, but the fate of the Rams may hinge on the success of these players:

C/OG Barrett Jones 

The entire offensive line is full of unanswered questions, but the player that may have the biggest impact is Jones. The former Alabama offensive lineman is in the running for two potential starting positions, center and offensive guard. If Jones does make the jump to guard, it would mean eliminating another rookie (Jamon Brown) from starting. However, Jones hasn’t had much playing time in the NFL due to injuries.

Considering that the Rams’ front office didn’t make an attempt to sign a veteran guard or center this offseason may suggest that they think highly of Jones. However, veteran Tim Barnes may have the center position locked down, which would likely push Jones to the guard competition. Either way, Jones plays a key factor for the future of the offensive line.

CB Janoris Jenkins

The entire secondary could be placed as a position of interest, but particularly Jenkins since he has been the starter for the past few seasons. Jenkins had a solid rookie season in 2012, but he hasn’t improved since then. It’s imperative for the Rams to identify their top cover corner, because the secondary is a weak point on the defense.

Jenkins does have some competition, but so far no one has overthrown him as the No. 1 starter. However, Trumaine Johnson and E.J. Gaines aren’t too far behind Jenkins for that top spot. The player that separates himself from the pack will likely be named the starting cornerback heading into the regular season.

RB Todd Gurley

Gurley is probably one of the more obvious choices, but it’s hard to keep him off this list. Gurley is recovering from a major ACL injury which is a little concerning considering that the Rams selected him 10th overall in the 2015 NFL Draft. He has been cleared to participate in training camp and could challenge Tre Mason for the starting role.

Gurley was drafted because of his dominant power running game. Both head coach Jeff Fisher and offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti have molded the offense to be more suited for the power run. Gurley will be a factor this season as long as he remains healthy.

WR Brian Quick

One player that has been on the minds of Rams fans is Quick. Up until last season, Quick didn’t have much of a role with the Rams. However, Quick finally seemed to get it together in the early half of the 2014 season to become a solid No. 2 option behind Kenny Britt. Just as his progression became noticeable, he was struck down with a season-ending shoulder injury.

Quick could be the Rams’ best kept secret and may be the player needed to elevate the receiving corps. Still, he is coming back from an injury and will be receiving passes from yet another quarterback. His chemistry with Nick Foles is just as important as watching his overall performance.

QB Nick Foles

It’s shocking that Foles is on this list isn’t it? Foles does play a pivotal role in the Rams’ offense and his success will likely determine the type of season the Rams will have. Foles possesses a diverse group of weapons, and if he is able to get rid of the football, the offense could finally live up to its potential. It won’t be easy though; Foles must first establish a chemistry with his new corps of receivers, and he must be able to trust a very young offensive line. If he can excel in this new offensive system, expect the Rams to make the playoffs.

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

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