By Nick Wagoner
Senior Writer

There was a time, not too long ago, where the thought of the Rams searching for a top receiver whether in the draft or via free agency would have been nothing more than pursuit of a luxury more than a need.

But those days have passed and the era of Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt as the Rams’ version of death and taxes at the wide out position have gone with them.

Bruce was released last offseason and Holt’s status for this season is unknown. Even if he returns, Holt has just one year left on his contract. Should the team choose to find a way to create salary cap space, trading or releasing Holt would be a way to free up a large chunk of money.

For the first time since the team moved to St. Louis, the Rams are looking at the very real chance that there will be no Bruce or Holt to throw to.

The Rams began to address the rapidly developing need at the receiver position two years ago when they signed Drew Bennett from Tennessee to become the third wide out and heir apparent to Bruce as the team’s No. 2 receiver.

After a disappointing first season, the team released Bruce and entrusted Bennett to the No. 2 role behind Holt. But things went awry in the first game of the season as he suffered a foot injury that cost him the season in the opener against Philadelphia.

Fortunately for the Rams, they had continued to build depth at receiver through last year’s draft by using a second-round pick on Donnie Avery and a fourth-round choice on Keenan Burton.

Avery had a strong rookie year, flashing brilliance at times with his dynamic speed on the way to 53 catches for 674 yards and three touchdowns. That effort earned him the team’s Rookie of the Year award.

Burton didn’t have quite as much success, catching 13 passes for 172 yards with a touchdown. But Burton still has a bright future and figures prominently into the mix for the future.

Beyond Avery and Burton, much will depend on how well Bennett can return to health and the ultimate decision the team makes on Holt’s future.

Past that quartet, the only receivers the Rams have under contract for 2009 are Derek Stanley and a group of practice squad players. Dane Looker and Dante Hall are free agents. It’s unlikely Hall will be brought back and a decision on Looker remains to be made.

While there are still many decisions to be made on the future of some of the receivers on the roster, the Rams are almost certain to look to add at least one more new face at the position.

Because of Avery’s emergence as a deep threat, the Rams would ideally like to add a receiver with size who can go over the middle and go up and get it in the red zone.

Should the Rams opt to do that via free agency, there are some intriguing names. Cincinnati’s T.J. Houshmandzadeh is clearly the top available name but he’s likely to be out of the team’s price range.

Tampa Bay’s Antonio Bryant is also unrestricted and coming off a big season but he’s been known to have some off the field issues.

More cost effective options that could be intriguing include Pittsburgh’s Nate Washington, Tampa Bay’s Michael Clayton and Jacksonville’s Reggie Williams.

Top Free Agent Wide Receivers

1. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Cincinnati – Clearly the best wideout on the market. Philadelphia has already expressed interest. An excellent fit as a No. 2 wideout who will cash in big.
2. Lance Moore, New Orleans (RFA) – By the end of the season was probably the Saints best play making wide out. Someone could throw some dough at him and make it hard for New Orleans to match a la Wes Welker and the Patriots.
3. Antonio Bryant, Tampa Bay – A riddle wrapped in an enigma. Has amazing talent and coming off a great year but is risky because you never know which guy you are getting.
4. Reggie Williams, Jacksonville – A big target but not as physical as most would like. Still, could find a team that believes he can still reach his immense potential.
5. Greg Camarillo, Miami (RFA) – Quietly pieced together a strong 2008 season before a major knee injury and could land a surprise offer from a team in need of a versatile wideout.