By Nick Wagoner
Senior Writer

Heading into last year’s NFL Draft, the Rams’ greatest need was probably at cornerback.

The team had two starting cornerbacks coming back from injury and a bunch of question marks behind that duo. With that in mind, St. Louis wasted no time addressing the need.

After adding Fakhir Brown in free agency and putting him in position to start, the Rams did their best to solidify the position by drafting speedy cornerback Tye Hill in the first round.

Hill instantly gave the Rams a solid cover corner with the type of speed to make big plays anytime the ball is in the air.

By the end of the year, Hill and Brown had done enough to hold down the starting spots and prove themselves for the future. With Hill and Brown in place, the defense also got a boost from a rapidly improving Ron Bartell.

Because of injuries to Travis Fisher, Hill became the starter and Bartell moved into the nickel role. In the season finale against Minnesota, Bartell came up with two interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown.

That trio is expected to return in similar roles in 2007 while Jerametrius Butler is also expected back to compete for a spot, though it’s possible he could be moved in a trade before then.

To add depth to the secondary, the Rams have signed a pair of veterans in the offseason. Lenny Walls and Mike Rumph will be given the opportunity to compete for roster spots. Both players once were regarded as solid or potentially solid players but have been sidetracked by injuries.

In this year’s NFL Draft, cornerback isn’t as much of a priority as it was last year, but it’s not out of the realm of possibilities for it to become one by draft day. In fact, coach Scott Linehan has made it clear that the Rams will look to add the best player regardless of position when they come on the board at No. 13.

It’s entirely possible that all of the cornerbacks available in this year’s draft will be there when the Rams pick, which could mean the team would have the opportunity to add another stud to pair with Hill for the long term at the position.

Among the names at the top of the list at the position are Michigan’s Leon Hall, Pittsburgh’s Darrelle Revis and Texas’ Aaron Ross. Revis is particularly intriguing because of his dual ability to return kicks and punts. If any corner were to go to the Rams in that spot, it would likely be him.

Others that could be of interest for the Rams are Arkansas’ Chris Houston as well as Fresno State’s Marcus McCauley and, in later rounds, Alabama State’s Michael Coe and Florida’s Reggie Lewis. 

The Top Cornerbacks

1. Leon Hall, Michigan – The best pure cover corner in the draft. Hall is a better athlete than he gets credit for, but struggled in big games last year.

2. Darrelle Revis, Pittsburgh – A more exciting prospect with plenty of upside. Revis is a bit raw, but his speed and athleticism make him a prime pick because he also can return kicks.

3. Aaron Ross, Texas – Technically sound with good speed, but doesn’t have much size and has been inconsistent at times.

4. Chris Houston, Arkansas – Maybe the best athlete at the position in this class, but is inconsistent and didn’t always play at his best.

5. Marcus McCauley, Fresno State – Has great size and speed, but his footwork and positioning needs work. Still a bit raw.

Sleeper: Michael Coe, Alabama State – Excellent size and good speed and a willing tackler from the small school.