By Nick Wagoner
Senior Writer

Of all positions on the Rams to have a certain level of stability, none has been more constant than wide receiver. Entering the 2006 season, nothing has changed in that regard.

But, for the first time in a long time, that stability came into question during the offseason. On March 7, the Rams did the unthinkable in releasing receiver Isaac Bruce, the original Ram. Not once, though, did either side give up on the ultimate goal of bringing Bruce back and having him finish his career as a member of the team.

Four days later, Bruce did indeed re-sign with the team, inking a three-year deal that should allow him to finish his illustrious career as a Ram. With Bruce back in the fold, the Rams have once again retained their top five receivers heading into the NFL Draft.

Along with Bruce, the leader of the receiving corps is perennial Pro Bowler Torry Holt. Holt was as good as ever in 2005, racking up 102 catches with 1,331 yards and nine touchdowns even though he missed a few games with a knee injury.

While Holt and Bruce continue to be the mainstays, Kevin Curtis and Shaun McDonald are restricted free agents with one-year tender offers on the table from the Rams.

Curtis had a breakout season in 2005, hauling in 60 catches for 801 yards and six touchdowns in place of the injured Bruce (turf toe). That performance has drawn interest in Curtis from other teams, but the Rams gave Curtis a first-round tender meaning any team interested in him would have to give up a first-round pick to get him.

Sources close to Curtis said Seattle had expressed interest in him, but that was before the Seahawks signed Minnesota receiver Nate Burleson to a long-term deal. McDonald was given a restricted free agent offer at his draft position meaning any team signing him would have to forfeit a pick commensurate to his original draft position.

It appears neither player is going to be signing elsewhere and both will likely wait until the April 21 deadline to sign his tender offer. More than likely, both will be in St. Louis uniforms when the season begins.

Another important piece of the receiver corps expected to return is Dane Looker, who doubles as a key member of the special teams units. Looker served as the team’s fifth receiver a year ago, but was more involved in the offense than in 2004 and was particularly integral as a third-down receiver.

Others that could be in the mix for a roster spot include Dominique Thompson, Jeremy Carter, Brandon Middleton and Taylor Stubblefied. St. Louis signed receiver/returner Brad Pyatt last week and he also figures into the competition.

A year ago, the Rams drafted Ball State’s Dante Ridgeway in the sixth round. Ridgeway didn’t make it out of camp, as the Rams released him before the season began.

Heading into this year’s draft, the receiver position is weaker than it has been in recent years. Florida’s Chad Jackson, Ohio State’s Santonio Holmes and Miami’s Sinorice Moss lead the class.

Clearly, the Rams don’t have a need or much interest in any of the top receivers with their first-round pick, but there is still a need for competition as the top returner on kickoffs and punts. That means they could be in the hunt for a receiver/returner in the later rounds. Players such as Miami of Ohio’s Martin Nance and Wisconsin’s Brandon Williams and Jonathan Orr are possibilities to fit in those later rounds.

With Curtis and McDonald due for unrestricted free agency after this year, it might be important to find someone capable of stepping in a year from now should either of them depart.

Nonetheless, with as many needs as the Rams have in other areas, a receiver isn’t too high on the priority list.