By Nick Wagoner
Staff Writer

St. Louis wasted no time in addressing many of the needs it had going into this off-season. From something as simple as re-doing a contract to finally signing the cornerstone left tackle to a long-term contract, this off-season has been a busy and possibly fruitful one for the Rams.

THE MOVE: Running back Marshall Faulk restructures his contract.
WHY IT HAPPENED: Faulk is nearing the end of his playing days and has already agreed to take the backup role to young thoroughbred Steven Jackson next season. Faulk can still be a better than average contributor, as shown by big moments in key games in 2004.
HOW IT HELPS: Faulk’s leadership ability is a big reason for his success and the main reason he has earned the respect of many around the NFL. Faulk may, at times, receive criticism for being surly, but when it comes down to it, he is a good teammate and understands his talent and body better than anyone. Financially, it helped the Rams to be more aggressive heading into free agency and allows Faulk to leave the game on his own terms.

THE MOVE: Former Dallas linebacker Dexter Coakley signs a five-year, $14.15 million contract.
WHY IT HAPPENED: The Rams’ defense and special teams were their biggest weaknesses last season. Teams attacked the defense, often finding the biggest holes at linebacker and in the secondary. In addition, St. Louis had few players capable of making an impact on defense as well as in the defense.
HOW IT HELPS: Coakley might be a bit undersized and certainly has some tread on his tires, but the positives he brings to the team far outweigh the negatives. Nevermind for a minute that he has been to three Pro Bowls, Coakley is fearless. He is unafraid to stick his nose in to make plays, is a sure tackler and a fiery leader. Put all of that with his speed and you have the makings of the type of leader and player on defense that the defense has lacked at linebacker since the departure of London Fletcher. Coakley’s signing instantly boosts the credibility of a linebacker corps that was often deemed “soft” last year (with the exception of Pisa Tinoisamoa).

THE MOVE: Former Minnesota linebacker Chris Claiborne signs a three-year, $10.5 million contract.
WHY IT HAPPENED: With Coakley already in the mix to help with leadership and special teams, the biggest hole remained in the middle of the Rams defense. Middle linebacker is one of the most important positions on a football team and perhaps the most important on a defense. Through the years, the position has become known for employing some of the game’s nastiest characters. St. Louis started Robert Thomas at middle linebacker last season. Thomas is fast and talented, but did not have the makeup of a prototype middle linebacker. St. Louis needed someone big and physical to make a difference and help stop the run.
HOW IT HELPS: Claiborne met all of the criteria of what the Rams have been searching for in the middle of the defense. He is 6-feet-3, 255 pounds and has a knack for being around the ball. Combine those factors with a nasty disposition and you have the makings of a talented middle linebacker. The only knock on Claiborne has been health and effort issues, but if he can come with the right attitude and stay healthy, he might be the biggest addition to the St. Louis defense this off-season. Like Coakley, Claiborne also signed a cap-friendly deal that allows the Rams to have continued flexibility.

THE MOVE: Former Arizona defensive back Michael Stone signs a one-year contract.
WHY IT HAPPENED: As mentioned above, the Rams special teams were nothing short of awful in 2004. They ranked near the bottom of almost every category and never came up with anything resembling a big play. With that said, St. Louis changed special teams coaches and made it a priority to find guys who can contribute every Sunday on the special forces. Generally, teams look to backup defensive backs and linebackers that can make a difference on special teams and contribute on defense in a pinch. St. Louis signing Stone was the first step in revamping that area of weakness.
HOW IT HELPS: Stone made his reputation in Arizona as a special teams demon. He has good size (6-0, 201) and speed. He might or might not make an impact on defense, but expect him to be one of the first players down the field on coverage units. Although he had just three tackles on defense last year, Stone made 17 special teams stops, good for second on the Cardinals. As an added bonus, Stone is capable of playing any of the spots in the secondary and could prove valuable as a free safety if needed. If nothing else, Stone gives the Rams a strong special teams player and added depth in the defensive backfield.

THE MOVE: Left tackle Orlando Pace signs a seven-year, $52.9 million contract.
WHY IT HAPPENED: Maybe the better question is, why did it take so long to happen? After almost three years of back and forth negotiations and bickering, Pace signed a contract that will likely allow him to retire as a Ram. Had the Rams lost Pace to free agency or through trade, it would have been a devastating blow to an already banged up offensive line. The only tackles left on the roster would have been inexperienced, injured or both. Keeping one of the top three or four offensive tackles in the game was a no-brainer. Nobody knows that better than St. Louis, a team that has seen how difficult it can be to find stability on the offensive line because of the revolving door that has been in place at right tackle for the past six or seven years.
HOW IT HELPS: Pace gives the Rams some sort of stability on the offensive line and will anchor the group for as long as he stays with the team. He will be in training camp for the first time in a long time and also is participating in the off-season workout program that began on Monday. His presence in those places will not only help him become a better, more physical player, but should also increase chemistry with other members of the offensive line. All of that could add up to an improved group from the one that allowed 50 sacks last year.