By Nick Wagoner
Senior Writer

Will Witherspoon was the Rams’ Most Valuable Player in 2007 after he pieced together a season that should have earned him a spot in the Pro Bowl.

That 132 tackle, 7-sack masterpiece came at the middle linebacker position, a spot that prior to his arrival in St. Louis in 2006, Witherspoon had rarely manned.

And though Witherspoon has proved plenty capable of handling that spot, there’s little doubt that he can be even more of a game changer at his more natural weak side ‘backer spot.

In 2008, Witherspoon finished with 88 tackles and a sack with an interception, a courageous performance all things considered when you factor in the shoulder ailments Witherspoon dealt with all season.

As free agency sets to open at 12:01 a.m. Friday, the Rams have set their sights on getting bigger and more physical at linebacker and allowing Witherspoon the opportunity to return to the position where his immense physical skills can best be utilized.

That means that, yes, once again the Rams are in the market for a middle linebacker with the size to be a banger between the tackles and make plays up in the hole. In addition, not much has been solved as far as stability at the strong side linebacker position as Quinton Culberson and Chris Draft shared duties there last season.

General manager Billy Devaney has made it known that he would like to get bigger across the board by finding players more physically imposing than what is currently on the roster.

As it stands, the Rams have Witherspoon, Pisa Tinoisamoa, Draft, Culberson, David Vobora, Chris Chamberlain and Larry Grant under contract.

Tinoisamoa had perhaps the best season of the group at the weak side spot, leading the team in tackles with 135, forcing a pair of fumbles and coming up with three sacks.

But if the Rams are intent on moving Witherspoon to the weak side, it would seem to create a bit of a linebacker conundrum. It’s possible Tinoisamoa could be asked to move to the strong side, a move that could work if the team gets a mauler in the middle.

Draft proved his versatility and toughness again in 2008 and in the absolute worst case scenario; he fits in as a leader in the locker room and depth at all three positions.

Culberson didn’t quite improve the way the team had hoped from year one to year two but he should get a shot to compete in training camp.

Rookies Chamberlain, Vobora and Grant all flashed some skills in the latter part of the season. Chamberlain led the team in special teams tackles, an area Grant also showed promise.

Vobora filled in OK when asked to start for the injured Witherspoon.

All of that said, the Rams still haven’t found the true middle linebacker to replace the long departed London Fletcher. To get one, the team is likely going to have to make a heavy investment, something that will be more difficult because of the money already tied up in Witherspoon and Tinoisamoa.

Regardless of what comes of that situation, expect the Rams to at least kick the tires on some of the available middle linebackers. Baltimore has starters Ray Lewis and Bart Scott on the free agent market and will likely only keep one of them.

It’s more likely that Lewis will re-up with the Ravens, leaving Scott on the market. Scott will be heavily pursued and could be a target of the Rams though he might cost too much when the Jets get involved.

Miami’s Channing Crowder and New Orleans’ Jonathan Vilma both come with a little baggage but are certainly capable of filling the void if they came under consideration.

Should the Rams opt to try to address the strong side spot, there are some interesting names available including Atlanta’s Michael Boley.

Maybe it won’t come through free agency but expect the Rams to emerge from this offseason with at least one new starting linebacker, probably one who lines up in the middle.

Top Free Agent Outside Linebackers

1. Karlos Dansby, Arizona – The Cardinals placed the franchise tag on him and want to get a long-term deal done. He’s most likely not going anywhere.
2. Terrell Suggs, Baltimore – The Ravens made Suggs the top priority of their many free agents by franchising him. Rumblings say Baltimore might be willing to trade him but it wants a boat load in return.
3. Leroy Hill, Seattle – Was surprisingly franchised also by the Seahawks. Hill could probably be had in trade but won’t be worth what it would take in terms of compensation to acquire him and sign him.
4. Michael Boley, Atlanta – In 2007, Boley emerged as one of the league’s best young outside ‘backers. He ended up on the bench last season but he has a lot of talent and some team will give him good money to get it out of him.
5. Angelo Crowell, Buffalo – Was the best playmaker on the Bills defense but knee injuries have hurt him time and again. If a team wants to roll the dice that he can be healthy, they could get a steal.

Top Free Agent Inside Linebackers

1. Ray Lewis, Baltimore – After all these years, still one of the most intimidating and dominant defensive forces in the game. The Ravens will do everything possible to re-sign him and if they can’t watch out for the Jets and the Patriots.
2. Bart Scott, Baltimore – Baltimore won’t be able to re-sign all of their linebackers and Scott is the most likely to move on. Wouldn’t be surprising to see him land with the Jets.
3. Channing Crowder, Miami – Good size and not likely to be re-signed after the Vernon Carey deal. Has had some off the field issues though so might not fit in with the new regime in St. Louis.
4. Jonathan Vilma, New Orleans – Made a strong come back in 2008 and is expected to get a nice deal, probably to stay with Saints.
5. Takeo Spikes, San Francisco – Close to the end of the line but can still be productive as a two-down player against the run.