By Nick Wagoner
Senior Writer

When the Rams entered the free agent market in 2006, finding an upgrade for the middle linebacker position was probably their top priority.

So, the team did what had to be done to find the best available linebacker and gave Will Witherspoon a long-term, multi-million dollar contract to lure him to St. Louis.

Instantly, the team had a player capable of making plays from sideline to sideline that they hadn’t had in the middle since the departure of London Fletcher.

Although Witherspoon is a bit undersized for the middle, he still found a way to come up with big plays (he preserved at least three wins with a fumble recovery or pass deflection) and lead the team in tackles with 126.

As the Rams continue to use Jim Haslett’s base 4-3 defensive scheme, Witherspoon appears to be the guy who will continue to man the middle. Of course, if the team had an opportunity to find a bigger, more physical player, they likely wouldn’t turn down the chance to move Witherspoon and his athleticism back to the outside.

As it stands, though, the Rams have no designs on taking Witherspoon out of the middle. But with the NFL Draft rapidly approaching, the team will not hesitate to increase its depth and explore any possible options to bolster its ailing run defense.

Behind Witherspoon on the inside, the Rams don’t necessarily have a clear-cut backup. The team signed another former Panther in the form of Chris Draft. Draft can play any of the linebacker positions and would seem to be the logical fit behind Witherspoon on the depth chart.

The Rams also have last year’s seventh-round choice, Tim McGarigle, who spent last year on the practice squad. He could be given the opportunity to compete in training camp.

While Witherspoon seems set in stone for the middle, the Rams could add some depth in this draft. If the team decided to add a player early in the draft, the only inside linebacker worth going in the first round is Mississippi’s Patrick Willis. Willis is the runaway choice as the top linebacker in the draft and capable of playing any of the three linebacker spots.

There is a chance Willis could be there when the Rams pick at No. 13, but it isn’t likely the Rams would opt for him unless the top defensive linemen are off the board.

Beyond Willis, there are plenty of options for linebackers the team could add in later rounds. Florida’s Brandon Siler and Florida State’s Buster Davis are among some options and Michigan’s David Harris is particularly intriguing as a second or even third round option.

The team is also believed to have interest in Hampton’s Justin Durant (who can also play outside) and Clemson’s Anthony Waters.

When all is said and done, there’s a good chance the Rams will walk out of the draft with at least one linebacker, probably one who can play in the middle.
 

The Top Inside Linebackers

1. Patrick Willis, Mississippi – Willis is an excellent athlete with an even better football I.Q. He will be the first linebacker taken and will likely be very productive in his first season.

2. Brandon Siler, Florida – Although he is a bit undersized, Siler was ultra-productive and capable of making big plays.

3. David Harris, Michigan – Perfect size to play middle linebacker in today’s NFL. Harris is a hard hitter with excellent ability to stop the run.

4. Buster Davis, Florida State – Davis is on the small side, but can make plays sideline to sideline much like London Fletcher.

5. H.B. Blades, Pittsburgh – Much like Davis, Blades is on the short side, but he’s bulky enough to fill the run gaps and make tackles.

Sleeper: Justin Durant, Hampton – Even though he played at a small school, he put up big time numbers, finishing with 98 tackles, 13 for loss on his way to All American status.