RAMS ’94 / SEASON PREVIEW : Player Profiles

Willie Anderson, 83

Seventh Year

Wide Receiver

UCLA

Was it Jim Everett or Flipper? Rams think Everett’s inability to throw the deep pass threw Flipper into a funk. Last three years have been a disaster, but now he’s in the final year of his contract and there’s a chance to get rich if he plays as well as he did in 1990.

*

Darryl Ashmore, 77

Third Year

Offensive Tackle

Northwestern

Fell short of locking up the right tackle position in training camp. Will be the team’s starting right tackle, but when? Has seven career starts, but looked slow when confronted by a speedy pass rusher. Team can’t afford to have both Gandy and Ashmore on bench.

*

Johnny Bailey, 42

Fifth Year

Running Back

Texas A&I;

Has the potential to juice up both the offense and special teams. One of game’s most dangerous punt and kick returners, and flashed game-breaking speed as third-down back in exhibition play. 49er-like offense will allow Bailey to roll up big numbers.

*

Robert Bailey, 28

Fourth Year

Cornerback

Miami (Fla.)

Subject of trade talks, but team needs a long list of reliable cornerbacks to contend with opposition who plays four wide receivers. Lack of size hurts when playing teams like San Francisco and Atlanta, but he has the man-to-man skills that make him valuable as nickel back.

*

Chuck Belin, 71

Second Year

Offensive Guard

Wisconsin

Earned first-year pay as spectator and practice-squad scrub. Had chance to replace Tom Newberry and become starting left guard in training camp, but blew it. Hangs around on roster because he’s young, salary is low and he remains two years away from free agency.

*

Jerome Bettis, 36

Second Year

Running Back

Notre Dame

He’s “The Show,” and he has set his sights on 2,000 yards. Only chance to get it is if Rams are still in the game come the fourth quarter. An effective Miller figures to keep defenses honest and open it up for Bettis. If he learns how to catch, just imagine how dangerous he will be.

*

James Bostic, 33

Rookie

Running Back

Auburn

A third-round draft pick, but to date he has done nothing to excite the Rams. Sound familiar? Russell White was a third-round pick two years ago and was dismissed prior to training camp. More a tailback than a fullback, and appears headed to practice squad.

*

Ricky Brady, 48

Rookie

Tight End

Oklahoma

It doesn’t figure to be a year to be remembered. If chance is afforded for him to play, it will be to block. Loss of Pat Carter hurts, and Brady’s inexperience will leave him standing on the sideline or asking for special teams time. Maybe next year.

*

Chris Brantley, 88

Rookie

Wide Receiver

Rutgers

Started off brilliantly in training camp, and the No. 4 pick was overshadowing Bruce, the No. 2 pick. But hamstring injury brought him back to earth and slowed his progress. Lacks deep speed. Probably starts off as No. 4 receiver or No. 5, depending on where Buchanan fits in.

*

Bern Brostek, 61

Fifth Year

Center

Washington

OK, so they catch him holding a lot, but he’s still the only dependable blocker along a shaky offensive line. Missed three plays in last 32 games, has started 36 consecutive contests and will remain unchallenged for some time with only Newberry backing him up.

*

Isaac Bruce, 80

Rookie

Wide Receiver

Memphis State

Depends what day of the week it is: Some days he looks good, some days he doesn’t. That’s what you get with a rookie. Will be team’s starting receiver once he develops consistency. Didn’t get as many practice reps as he probably should have, but then Rams had a cast of thousands seeking work.

*

Richard Buchanan, 89

Second Year

Wide Receiver

Northwestern

Best set of hands on team, but lack of speed keeps him from challenging for more playing time. Opened last season as punt returner, but fizzled and spent remainder of year on practice squad. Works here as No. 5 receiver unless rookies struggle.

*

Blair Bush, 51

17th Year

Center

Washington

If Slater wasn’t on this team, he’d be getting a lot of attention for having played 17 years. A top-notch center in his prime, he has taken the skill of deep snapping, which he learned in high school, and turned it into a career. Rams think he’s best in the business.

*

Chris Chandler, 17

Seventh Year

Quarterback

Washington

Might be best backup in the game, and given Miller’s track record, he’s playing for the right team. Obviously, he hasn’t been dealt a fair hand to date, playing for Indianapolis, Tampa Bay, Phoenix and now the Rams. Smelling salts, please, if he ever gets the chance to play for a winner.

*

Shane Conlan, 56

Eighth Year

Linebacker

Penn State

Walks like he has a broken leg, but put him on field and he has remarkable speed while chasing down running backs. Solid performer who has experience in big games. If front four stays healthy, blockers don’t get near Conlan and he’s free to lead team in tackles. Key performer for this defense.

*

Dexter Davis, 29

Fourth Year

Cornerback

Clemson

Started four games after being released by Phoenix. Won’t get playing time this year unless Lyght and Israel are kidnapped. Coaches understandably paranoid about cornerback situation after signing guys off street last year to replace injured players. Most teams carry one less corner.

*

Troy Drayton, 84

Second Year

Tight End

Penn State

A year ago they didn’t think he was smart enough to grasp the Ram offense. How dumb was that? He might very well be the team’s No. 1 receiver this year. Cornerbacks around the league are going to be yelling for help if caught in the open field with this moving mountain.

*

D’Marco Farr, 75

Rookie

Defensive Tackle

Washington

This year’s Keith Loneker, the rookie free agent who beat all odds to secure a roster spot. Coaches like these kind of tough guys who won’t quit. Will never challenge Jones and Gilbert for playing time, but will add size and enthusiasm to special teams.

*

Wayne Gandy, 70

Rookie

Offensive Tackle

Auburn

He looks like a guard, and that’s not good, because he’s supposed to be a tackle and he’s the team’s No. 1 draft pick. To date he has been overmatched at tackle. His best football might be two or three years down the road, which might be too late to help Coach Chuck Knox.

*

Sean Gilbert, 90

Third Year

Defensive Tackle

Pittsburgh

Watch this guy practice and it’s no wonder he’s the best player on the team. Down with an ankle injury recently, Gilbert sat on a cart trying to figure out the best way to force someone to fumble. He never quits, always gets double-teamed and still managed 10 1/2 sacks last year.

*

Leo Goeas, 79

Fifth Year

Guard/Tackle

Hawaii

Rams wanted Mike Zandofsky a year ago, but settled for Goeas, who went on to play beyond expectations as starting right guard. Chargers would love to have him back now. Started slowly in exhibition season, but that’s his track record. Has skill to play tackle, too.

*

Howard Griffith, 30

Second Year

Running Back

Illinois

Played in 15 games as a special teams performer. If you’re a running back and you’re playing for the Rams, you’re best chance of playing is on special teams unless Bettis goes AWOL. Coaches like him, but they also like Lang, Gary, Bailey and Lester.

*

Wymon Henderson, 24

Eighth Year

Cornerback

Nevada Las Vegas

Steve Young ripped Henderson & Co. for 482 yards, but instead of releasing Henderson, team provided full-time employment. Henderson looked like odd man out in camp, but Terry Taylor’s failure to make good showing opened spot. Special teams showing also boosted Henderson’s stock.

*

Jessie Hester, 86

Ninth Year

Wide Receiver

Florida State

Disappeared and looked like a big disappointment early on in training camp, but replaced Nate Lewis as starter in late going. First-round pick of Raiders in 1985. Caught 64 passes with Indianapolis last season. Will be pressed/replaced eventually by rookies Isaac Bruce and Chris Brantley.

*

Thomas Homco, 57

Second Year

Linebacker

Northwestern

Increased emphasis on special teams this season by Rams improves his value. Lacks the size and speed make him an every-down performer, but smarts and dependability keep him as backup to Shane Conlan. Started for Conlan in 27-0 victory over Steelers.

*

Steve Israel, 31

Third Year

Cornerback

Pittsburgh

Darryl Henley’s legal problems give him chance to start. Came on strong last season as one of team’s most improved players. Led team with a dozen tipped passes, but failed to intercept a pass. Like Lyght, however, exhibition-season play has been less than impressive.

*

Clarence Jones, 72

Fourth Year

Offensive Tackle

Maryland

After tryout during off-season Rams lost interest, but once Giants made it known they weren’t going to re-sign him, Rams took chance. Now he looks like team’s starting left tackle after failure by rookie Wayne Gandy to hold his ground. In three years with Giants, he never started a game.

*

Jimmie Jones, 98

Fifth Year

Defensive Tackle

Miami (Fla.)

Will need a ticket to see the Super Bowl this year after playing in it the past two seasons. Knocked in Dallas for taking it easy at times, but playing alongside Sean Gilbert should keep him pumped up. Gilbert-Jones tandem should shut down opposition’s running game.

*

Joe Kelly, 52

Ninth Year

Linebacker

Washington

Started at middle linebacker for Raiders, but gets assignment on outside with Rams. Was 11th player selected in 1986 draft by Cincinnati. Has 81 career starts and he contends he’s as good as any linebacker in the game. But can he beat out Rolling? Coach Chuck Knox likes these kind of vets.

*

Todd Kinchen, 81

Third Year

Wide Receiver

Louisiana State

One of the best after catching the ball, but to catch the ball he has to remain healthy. Missed 11 games last year with knee injury suffered while playing basketball in off-season. Still looks like he’s bothered by that knee, and appears slower. Might need time before helping much.

*

Sean Landeta, 5

10th Year

Punter

Towson State

Remember last year? Don Bracken? Paul McJulien? What an improvement. His 43.5-yard average was all right, and he was coming off a knee injury. Needs work on dropping the ball inside the 20, but veteran provides consistency and stability here.

*

David Lang, 38

Fourth Year

Running Back

Northern Arizona

Most explosive back from line of scrimmage, but can he stay healthy? Knee injury in training camp last year has kept him from becoming big-time contributor. One of hardest workers on team, who deserves better luck. Has zip to become primary kick returner.

*

Tim Lester, 34

Third Year

Running Back

Eastern Kentucky

Most underrated player on roster, but who is going to notice the guy who blocks for Bettis? Bettis! Bettis took him to Pro Bowl in Honolulu last year; that’s what he thinks of him. Lester played in 16 games last season and carried the ball 11 times.

*

Keith Loneker, 64

Second Year

Offensive Guard

Kansas

Nicknamed, “The House,” as in White House. Beat the odds and made it last year and even started, but team remains disappointed in his failure to manage his weight. Plays right side as backup to Goeas; never received consideration when team went looking for left guard.

*

Todd Lyght, 41

Fourth Year

Cornerback

Notre Dame

Improvement was obvious last season until knee injury took him out of final seven games. Had look of Pro Bowl performer, but regressed in exhibition season. Was beaten badly by Green Bay and New England and has begun playing way off receivers. Rams can’t afford such a dropoff here.

*

Keith Lyle, 35

Rookie

Safety

Virginia

Heir apparent to Newman. So far, he’s been the best player to emerge from this year’s draft, and he was selected in the third round. Father, Gary, played for Bears from 1968 to 1974. Will get work on special teams while taking reps in practice at free safety.

*

Tommy Maddox, 8

Third Year

Quarterback

UCLA

Broncos thought he was lazy, lacked heart, but Rams believe they have steal in 23-year-old quarterback. Maddox looks the part, but so did Jim Everett. Obvious upgrade from Jamie Martin, whom they released to make room for Maddox on the roster. Will start season as No. 3 quarterback.

*

Chris Martin, 53

12th Year

Linebacker

Auburn

Playing behind Kelly and Rolling, but coaches love him because of his willingness to play special teams and because of his practice attitude. He is beginning his 12th year in the league, however, and team will eventually be looking to fill his spot with younger players.

*

Ron Middleton, 87

Ninth YearTight EndAuburn Redskins released him on cut to 60, but that was in part to change in offensive philosophy. He will play tight end for Rams, but will be asked assume role of a tackle and clear the way for tailback Jerome Bettis. A backup to Troy Drayton, Middleton won’t catch a pass this year.

*

Chris Miller, 13

Eighth Year

Quarterback

Oregon

Considered one of the game’s most accurate passers, and is especially adept at throwing the deep ball. Hasn’t played in a regular-season game since September; has had surgery on left knee twice. Has commanded respect of his teammates and gives Rams great hope for success if he stays healthy.

*

Tom Newberry, 66

Ninth Year

Offensive Guard

Wisconsin LaCrosse

Stock inexplicably dropped after missing seven games with knee injury. Team decided to replace him as starter during off-season, and eventually moved Schultz into his spot. Guaranteed contract forces team to keep him. As a result, he will be asked to play center again in backup role.

*

Anthony Newman, 26

Seventh Year

Safety

Oregon

Emotional team leader who needs to make more big plays. Went through last season without getting an interception. Picked off errant Jeff Hostetler pass in exhibition season, which has to bolster his confidence. Finished fifth on team in tackles after starting every game at free safety.

*

Brad Ottis, 95

Rookie Year

Defensive End

Wayne (Neb.) State

One day will probably start at defensive end for Rams, but that day will not come soon. Second-round pick never got untracked in training camp, and after injuries to Stokes and Robinson, team turned to overmatched rookie linebacker Ernest Jones before Ottis.

*

Roman Phifer, 58

Fourth Year

Linebacker

UCLA

If Rams have successful season he gets Pro Bowl invite. Led team in tackles last season, but who noticed? Roman Zubinski Phifer, under the tutelage of linebacker coach Dick Selcer has become a bona fide big-time player. Had a dozen solo tackles against Washington last year.

*

Marquez Pope, 22

Third Year

Safety/Cornerback

Fresno State

Joins committee expected to man strong safety position. Former second-round pick in San Diego who was asked to play out of position at corner. New life granted in Anaheim with switch to safety. Big hitter with speed to match up against teams employing four wide receivers.

*

Gerald Robinson, 97

Seventh Year

Defensive End

Auburn

Came into the league as No. 1 draft pick, but has failed to live up to billing. Had chance to make case as starting right defensive end following knee injury to Fred Stokes, but disappeared, forcing team to audition Charles Mann. Will once again be designated pass rusher.

*

David Rocker, 92

Fourth Year

Defensive Tackle

Auburn

Nice guy who remains missing in action once regular season begins. Played well in exhibition games last year and opened this exhibition season with two sacks. However, he lacks consistency to keep coaches happy and gets lost this year parked behind Jones and Gilbert.

*

Henry Rolling, 59

Eighth Year

Linebacker

Nevada

Remains a mystery. Chargers didn’t want him, but Rams couldn’t wait to insert him in starting lineup. Broken thumb spoiled start last year, and he never really got, well, rolling. Has great size and speed, but lost job in camp to Joe Kelly, regained it and probably will be in fight all year to stay there.

*

Jackie Slater, 78

19th Year

Offensive Tackle

Jackson (Miss.) State

Mr. Ram might require more ice bags than any other player following practice, but this future Hall of Famer is an example of everything right about professional football. Rams wanted to start Darryl Ashmore at right tackle, but went with Slater at the last minute.

*

Fred Stokes, 60

Eighth Year

Defensive End

Georgia Southern

Quietly had quality performance a year ago with 9 1/2 sacks in 15 starts. Has knack for making the big play and has produced 29 1/2 sacks in last 68 games. Knee injury sidelined him in training camp, but his recovery is essential to team’s hopes for strong start on defense.

*

Toby Wright, 32

Rookie

Safety

Nebraska

Second-round draft pick who delivers headaches. Figures to make many a Sunday night TV highlight package with his jarring tackles on kickoffs. Needs more time to develop as strong safety, and will get it because of his value on special teams.

*

Robert Young, 76

Fourth Year

Defensive End

Mississippi State

Ram season went asunder as soon as Young went down with knee injury. Team looked like it might have one of league’s best front four with Young picking up seven sacks in first four games. Young’s injury allowed teams to double Gilbert, thereby nullifying push up the middle.

*

Tony Zendejas, 10

10th Year

Kicker

Nevada

How about that Ram offense? Rams failed to score touchdown in four games last season, didn’t score more than 10 points in eight games. Zendejas, however, had a banner year, hitting 16 of 23 field goals, including six from 50 yards or beyond. Presently fifth in all-time kicking percentage (.745)