Rams looking for veteran receivers

by Ryan Van Bibber on Sep 9, 2008 10:57 AM CDT

UPDATE: The Rams will sign Eddie Kennison and release David Vobora by the end of the day, according to PD's Jim Thomas.

With Bennett out, the Rams will take a close look at veteran free agents still floating around on the open market.

Possibilities include former Rams and long-time Chief Eddie Kennison. The biggest advantage the 35-year-old Kennison brings is his familiarity with Al Saunders' offense. Kennison suffered a hamstring injury in his first game last season, and watched his career descend into oblivion before being released by the Chiefs this year. The PD story linked here cites team sources who say that Kennison will visit Rams Park today, most likely taking a physical.

Other veteran free agent receiver possibilities include Joe Horn, 36, and Keenan McCardell, 38(!). McCardell played for Saunders in Washington last season. The Seahawks are desperate for receiving help too.

While I do understand the Rams need for a veteran to round out their depth at WR, I remain convinced that the best option for the Rams is to throw Keenan Burton into the fire right away. He was a better option than Bennett from the start, showing a better grasp of the playbook than Bennett and better rhythm with Bulger through the preseason. More importantly, as I said this morning, Burton's young and hungry, eager to cement his place in the NFL. That would give the Rams something they desperately lacked this weekend, players with a little fire in the belly.

Poll

Should the Rams elevate Keenan Burton to a more prominent role in Bennett's absence?

Yes.

119 votes

No.

7 votes

126 votes | Poll has closed

0 recs | 14 comments

Comments

I really don't want to sing anyone new to take Drew's place

It’s not like the Rams are going anywhere this year.

Might as well let the young guys like Burton and Avery show you what they have to offer.

I could see if we were a possible threat to win it all or something, but at this point . . . just let it go.

Option27 - September 9, 2008 reply

i thought

Bennett was irreplaceable…just kidding.

they do need to add someone for depth. Hall’ s a returner pure and simple and should be left there, that leaves them down two WRs.

Ryan Van Bibber - September 9, 2008 reply

dammit

i hate kennison.

really…kennison? thats the best we can do?

jroman - September 9, 2008 reply

Is Reche Caldwell in the house???

Paging Reche Caldwell!! LOL!!!

tbell61 - September 9, 2008 reply

I was kinda hoping for Horn....

Tackle Box - September 9, 2008 reply

eh, all those options are kinda meh

and kennison knows the system, so i’m fine with the pickup. still hoping to see the youngsters play

FunkeeC - September 9, 2008 reply

i agree

Avery may not be ready this week, so this doesn’t hurt. The Rams don’t need to try and squeeze out whatever life is left in Dante Hall’s legs for the third WR role, where he’s not much anyway. It doesn’t excite either.

Ryan Van Bibber - September 9, 2008 reply

Is he still the NFL’s fastest Man?

1/2 of the remaining active players from the 1996 Rams draft class are on the team.

His first 3 years as a Ram averaged 16.3 yards per catch.
The last 7 years with KC averaged 16.3 yards per catch

17 fumbles in his first 4 years, 6 fumbles in the last 8 years.

only 8 games last year due to a torn hammy, was on the Buccs radar earlier this year

Well, if he can still run, I think it’ll be a good pick. Perfect excuse for a throwback game imo.

mpire - September 9, 2008 reply