Update [2007-3-3 19:17:15 by VanRam]: It's official, Rams signed Bennett this morning while we were dissecting the rumored deal. Six years, $30 million.
Reports circulated far and wide yesterday that Drew Bennett was visiting the Rams to explore signing with them as a free agent. Considered by some to be the market's premier WR and considered by some to be a bust waiting to happen.
Yesterday, the Nashville Tennessean was expecting Bennett to be inked by the Rams before the end of the day. There are no reports suggesting that a deal was completed.
Bennett's not coming to STL to be a #1 receiver. Many, including the article cited above, thought that Bennett would get overpaid and underperform as a #1, but in STL he's free of any such expectations. Here, he'll be a well-paid role player, that gives the Rams two #2 receivers.
As far as the draft goes, by signing Bennett the Rams can pick a WR outside of the first round, speedy enough to assume a the returner role now and develop as a WR under the tutelage of three amazing teachers.
Thinking more about the potential Bennett signing and Curtis leaving (possibly for Detroit), I'm less convinced that letting Curtis go is about money. Bennett could command as much on the FA market as Curtis, easily. However, Linehan we know likes more size for his slot receiver. Curtis is 5' 11" and 186 lbs. Bennett is 6' 5" and 205 lbs. Both play similar roles in an offense. Six inches and almost twenty pounds later, the dollar difference will be minimal, especially for a team with more than $22 million in cap space. Bennett will be the Rams tallest WR, standing above, literally, Holt and Bruce who are both 6' even.
Linehan is remaking the team, molding it to his vision as that vision develops. Replacing Curtis with Bennett gives him a big guy to take the abuse heaped upon slot receivers. Bennett can also be a really nice complement to the smaller and faster receivers he'd play with on the Rams, and could put up some nice numbers in that role. Curtis's leaving and the Bennett signing, if it happens, each fit into a pretty well thought out plan on the part of Linehan and his staff, and this years Rams will continue to evolve into something different than we've seen in a while. The jury's still out on Linehan, but so far what we're seeing looks pretty good.
0 recs | 12 comments
I agree about Curtis
Thats the problem I've had all along with the guy. He's tiny. No better than a #3 reciever and is going to get big money from some team to be a #1.He's the perfect speedy, hands role player, but right now he's gotta go get his paper. Can't blame the guy for that, and can't blame the Rams for passing on him.
Big Red - March 3, 2007
red zone
6'5" also gives us more of a red zone threat. I know in the past we have sputtered in the red zone, bennett would help us have someone to toss the ball up to and have him snatch it over the corners. At least that's what I hope.jroman - March 3, 2007
Bennet's not exactly a leaper
but his size would definately be a welcome addition to the Red Zone offense. That and the development of either Klopps or Byrd.Big Red - March 3, 2007
Drew Bennett
(this is the "you had to be there" disclaimer.)I was watching an NFL films program a couple of years ago, and they were following around Drew Bennett on game day. He is a pretty funny, engaging guy. Bennett was entering the field, emerging from the tunnel, and a Chiefs' fan (they were at Arrowhead) in one of the first rows hit him with one of the best fan-sults that I have ever heard:
"Hey Drew Bennett, you're on my fantasy team. But I never play you, because you suck."
It was perfect. Even Bennett was dying from laughter.
SJ - March 3, 2007
Red Zone
threat makes a lot of sense, given that they struggled with that at times early in the season last year.Ryan Van Bibber - March 3, 2007
This is all working out too perfect
I'm so happy to be a Rams fan more than ever. The Rams aren't like the rest of the NFL that are just throwing away any money they have to fill a position. They clearly have a plan and it's starting to show. They're really close to filling all their holes and just need to get major depth now and they'll be fine. All I want now is Branche.Option27 @ Turf Show Times - March 3, 2007
John Clayton is reporting
that the signing of Drew Bennet could "force" the Rams to cut Isaac Bruce.Link
Frankly, I think he's an idiot and way out of touch. The Rams still have plenty of cap room and would face unbelievable fan backlash should they cut Bruce.
Big Red - March 4, 2007
could you c&p that
and put it into a diary or something, i don't have insider.stlcardinalsfang - March 4, 2007
Not sure if i can
Since Insider is a pay site, there's copyright laws and such. Frankly, I don't care, but it's up to Van if he wants paysite information cut and pasted to his site.Big Red - March 4, 2007
hmmm
sorry i was out of pocket all day yesterday. I think we can post the offending paragraph or sentence, but i think we all know it's BS.Ryan Van Bibber - March 5, 2007
i think this is a decent signing
the rams receiving corps. should be one of the best in the league. also, this blog seems to be coming alive a little bit, keep it going van!stlcardinalsfang - March 4, 2007
I like the signing
Bennett was probably the best WR on the market and the Rams scooped him up below value. I don't really buy the fact that the Rams will cut the Rev, he proved he still has something left in the tank last season. They still have cap space.erik - March 4, 2007
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