NOTE:This is the fourth in a series leading to the beginning of free agency on March 2.

By Nick Wagoner
Senior Writer

If there has been one position on the Rams roster that for the past six or seven years hasn’t needed much tweaking it’s wide receivers.

But with free agency set to open on March 2, the Rams will be forced to reconfigure and begin thinking about the future of the position. Starting receivers Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce will return and are still in full stride.

Holt earned another Pro Bowl trip this season (he missed the game because of a knee injury) and continues to be one of the best and most consistent wideouts in the league.

Holt finished the 2006 season with 93 catches for 1,188 yards and 10 touchdowns as he continues toward the Hall of Fame. He will be 31 in June, but figures to have several more years of productivity.

Bruce, meanwhile, came back with his first 1,000-yard season since 2004 on his way to proving that he is still among the league’s best at the position. He finished with 1,098 yards on 74 catches with three touchdowns.

There’s no doubt, though, that Bruce and Holt are getting closer to the end of their runs. In addition, the Rams’ No. 3 and 4 receivers are unrestricted free agents.

Many expected a big year from Kevin Curtis this season, but he didn’t have the output expected as Steven Jackson became more involved in the passing game. Curtis finished with 40 catches for 479 yards and four touchdowns.

Despite the drop in production, Curtis will be one of the most sought-after receivers on the market in an offseason considered  lean at the position. The Rams would like to bring Curtis back  But there figures to be more than one team interested in Curtis..

Shaun McDonald’s role was reduced even more in 2006 as he caught just 13 passes for 136 yards with one touchdown. McDonald did work as the team’s punt returner and had a bit more success in that role than in the past.

McDonald likely won’t return, either, though it’s not out of the possibility that he could. Like Curtis, McDonald wouldn’t mind a return to his West coast roots.

Should Curtis and McDonald depart in free agency; the Rams have Dane Looker under contract. Looker worked exclusively on special teams in 2006, but is still a solid receiving option. He could get the opportunity he has waited for if Curtis and McDonald depart.

After Looker, the Rams also have Willie Ponder and youngsters Dominique Thompson and Marques Hagans on the practice squad. St. Louis hopes Hagans can come along as a returner and develop as a receiver to land a roster spot. Thompson has yet to get much of an opportunity in games, but has flashed potential in preseason and training camp. Ponder is a free agent, but could be brought back as the kick returner if Hagans isn’t ready.

Regardless, the Rams will need to find a receiver or two to compete for spots in training camp. Although the free agent market is thin, the Rams would like to find a big, physical receiver capable of moving the chains. While it’s possible that player could come in free agency, it’s likely the Rams will turn to the draft to replenish the talent at the position.

At tight end, the Rams made some bold moves last offseason.. The team traded incumbent starter Brandon Manumaleuna on the second day of last year’s draft and used two first-day picks on tight ends Dominique Byrd and Joe Klopfenstein.

That duo performed well in limited opportunities, but needs work in blocking. Veteran Aaron Walker was the designated blocking tight end and contributed some in the passing game. Walker is a restricted free agent..

Still, the Rams could use another blocker to compete for a position and help in the running game. There  are some solid blocking tight ends available. New England’s Daniel Graham is one of the better blockers available. Cincinnati’s Reggie Kelly is another solid  option. Expect the Rams to pick up another veteran tight end that can help in the running attack.

Top Five Free Agent Receivers

1.       Donte Stallworth, Philadelphia, UFA

2.       Kevin Curtis, St. Louis, UFA

3.       Drew Bennett, Tennessee, UFA

4.       D.J. Hackett, Seattle, RFA

5.       Ernest Wilford, Jacksonville, RFA

Top Five Free Agent Tight Ends

1.       Eric Johnson, San Francisco, UFA

2.       Daniel Graham, New England, UFA

3.       Jerramy Stevens, Seattle, UFA

4.       Reggie Kelly, Cincinnati, UFA

5.       Zach Hilton, New York Jets, UFA