When training camp opens for 2007, the receiving corp of the St. Louis Rams may have a different look to it than what we've been accustomed to. With the likelihood that Kevin Curtis may have coaches pounding on his door this off season, despite his decline in numbers from 2005, teams have seen enough of him to know that he's good enough to be a starter on any team.Shaun McDonald on the other hand may not end up with as many invites as Curtis, but since the team doesn't seem to have any interest in keeping him once training camp comes along, look for McDonald to become a casualty of roster cuts.
Should both these receivers be lost, this will probably open the door of opportunity for both Marques Hagans and Dominique Thompson to try and grab roster spots on the team as replacements for Curtis and McDonald.
Hagans who was a quarterback at Virginia, has been trying to make the transition from quarterback to wide receiver and kick returner since, while being on the practice squad the entire 2006 season. At five foot, 10 inches, and 205 pounds he has good bulk as well as good hands and elusiveness but lacks great top end speed like Curtis, Holt, or Bruce.
Thompson, who has been on the practice squad for two years now, has pretty good size at six foot one, 190 pounds and decent speed and over the past two years on the practice squad he has improved his skills well enough to be considered a possible roster spot.
And let's not forget about the fact that Dane Looker, Wilkin's favorite ball handler for kicking, is a very reliable possession receiver, who was all but forgotten in 2006, except by Wilkins, may also have another opportunity to see more action in 2007 should the Rams lose both Curtis and McDonald.
There's no doubt in anyone's minds though, that the mainstay of this Rams receiving corp will continue to be Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce.
