By Nick Wagoner
Senior Writer

For the second year in a row, Rams tight ends had very little in the way of opportunities to become factors in the passing game.

Unlike 2007 when he was a glorified third offensive tackle, Randy McMichael didn’t get much of a chance to contribute at all in 2008.

A change to the offensive system left the Rams with high hopes for what 2008 could bring for McMichael. But in the fourth game of the season against Buffalo, McMichael suffered a broken tibia that ended his season early.

And once again, the tight end position became more of a question mark than an exclamation point.

McMichael posted 11 receptions for 139 yards in his brief time as the starter but it shows just how little production the position provided considering his catch total tied him with Joe Klopfenstein for most by a tight end on the roster and his yardage total was the best.

Klopfenstein became the starter when McMichael was hurt but the former second round pick finished with just 11 grabs for 123 yards.

A bit of a bright spot emerged with the savvy signing of Daniel Fells, a tight end signed away from Tampa Bay who at the very least looks the part.

Fells had some excellent moments in practice and flashed some catching ability in games as he finished with seven catches for 81 yards.

Anthony Becht, signed to serve primarily as a blocker to help the running game, chipped in six catches for 39 yards.

All four members of that quartet remain under contract as the Rams prepare for the start of free agency on Feb. 27.

While the Rams have plenty of needs on the roster, perhaps tight end is one that is much lower on the list of priorities. McMichael makes the most money out of the group and is recovering from injury so his status remains to be seen.

Beyond that, the Rams have high hopes for what Fells can become and Becht remains as a blocking type.

It’s not likely the Rams will pursue a big name tight end like restricted Houston Texans free agent Owen Daniels but it’s also not out of the realm of possibility that they could look for some help at the position.

Maybe that help could come in the later rounds of the draft or maybe the Rams would take a flier on a lesser known free agent such as Baltimore’s Quinn Sypniewski, Atlanta’s Justin Peelle or Buffalo’s Derek Schouman. 

Top Free Agent Tight Ends

1. Owen Daniels, Houston (RFA) – Clearly the best tight end available but will take someone overpaying him to get him away from the Texans.

2. Bo Scaife, Tennessee – A solid, if unspectacular player who fits the mold of what the Titans need in many ways.

3. L.J. Smith, Philadelphia – Good pass catcher but injury prone. Likely to land somewhere new.

4. Jim Kleinsasser, Minnesota – Need a pure blocker to boost your running game? Here’s the guy.

5. Jeff King, Carolina (RFA) – Underrated contributor, especially as a run blocker. Might be a cheaper option for a team not willing to give up what it takes to get Daniels.