HOW THE RAMS LINE UP FOR ’94 : ON DEFENSE

Tackles

* The Starters: Sean Gilbert, Jimmie Jones

* Sleeper: D’Marco Farr

* Bit Players: Marc Boutte, David Rocker, Maa Tanuvasa, Jeff Esters

* At First Glance: Thunder & Lightning

* Analysis: If Jones is as good as Ram coaches say, Gilbert’s life becomes easier and the outside pass rush becomes even more effective. If everyone had the intensity of Gilbert, Rams would be prepped for that NFC championship showdown with Dallas. Rams won free-agent bidding war with Minnesota for Farr. Boutte failed to take the heat off Gilbert last year and Rocker disappeared after making impression in training camp. Jones has inside speed and Gilbert packs punch, which provides foundation for one of best front fours in game.

Ends

* The Starters: Fred Stokes, Robert Young

* Heir Apparent: Brad Ottis

* Good luck: Gerald Robinson, Kevin Patrick

* At First Glance: Take Young in sack pool

* Analysis: In last eight games Young has had nine sacks, and he’s beginning only his fourth year, but coming off serious knee injury. Stokes had 9.5 sacks, but needs a healthy Young on the field to keep offenses honest and give him a chance to reach the quarterback. Ottis gets time to develop before making run for Stokes’ job. Coaches like Robinson, which suggests he might be in possession of blackmail material.

Outside Linebackers

* The Starters: Henry Rolling, Roman Phifer

* Mr. Inspiration: Chris Martin

* Special Teamers: Andy Mason, Ernest Jones

* At First Glance: Keep an eye on Mason

* Analysis: Phifer led team in tackles and has blossomed into dominant defender. Rolling has more to offer, but injuries put damper on last season, allowing Martin more playing time. Jones will get time and roster spot because of lofty draft position (third round). Mason, a long shot as a rookie free agent from Washington, has speed and has added weight, giving him chance to beat the odds.

Middle Linebacker

* The Starter: Shane Conlan

* Key Addition: Joe Kelly

* Up Against It: Tom Homco, Brett Collins

* At First Glance: Ban the run-and-shoot

* Analysis: Run-and-shoot offenses keep Conlan on sideline, but when afforded opportunity to play, Conlan cleans up. Kelly leaves Raiders, joins Rams, but coaches insist he’s a smart guy. Kelly gives defense veteran upgrade and might challenge Rolling on outside. Collins wages desperation battle to hang on as Conlan’s caddie.

Cornerbacks

* The Starters: Todd Lyght, Steve Israel

* Nickel Backs: Terry Taylor, Robert Bailey

* Wasting Time: Wymon Henderson, Dexter Davis, Mitchell Price

* At First Glance: Pro Bowl bid for Lyght

* Analysis: Rams finished season with likes of Henderson and Davis covering Rice and Taylor, and now you know why the team compiled a 5-11 record. Knee injury stopped Lyght from completing quality season. Team success and a number of interceptions will give Lyght a chance at gaining Pro Bowl recognition. Israel most improved player on team a year ago and ready for start. Bailey and Taylor give Rams fighting chance on obvious passing downs and keep Henderson and Davis out of lineup.

Safety

* The Starters: Anthony Newman, Deral Boykin

* Future Star: Keith Lyle

* Solid Depth: Marquez Pope, Toby Wright, Clifford Hicks, David Wilson

* At First Glance: Pressure on Newman

* Analysis: Newman emerged as team leader last season, but now needs to make some plays. Newman did not have an interception and will be pushed by an impressive-looking Lyle. Wright has big-hit reputation, but Boykin gets early nod on last year’s work. Pope, who played out of position at corner for Chargers, has come on strong as potential starter at safety. Upgrade at this position demonstrates Rams’ overall improvement during off-season.