If the Rams learned anything year it would be: employ many lineman (other pearls of wisdom -- "don't let Marc Bulger develop post-traumatic stress disorder," or, "make sure Steven Jackson doesn't require a body cast" are all branches of this tree).They tried, and whiffed, on Alan Faneca. But they did manage to snag up-and-coming young guard Jacob Bell from the Titans. Bell's only 27 and a player who is still getting better, and he'll step into the starting left guard position, which was been one of the most maligned on the line.
Scott Linehan claims that Bell was the highest-rated guard on their radar, adding the interest in Faneca was only because of his leadership, but I don't buy that for a second. If they wanted Bell, they wouldn't have waited until the second wave of free agency; he's a consolation prize. Still, this is a big improvement for the Rams, who get a talented young player who can play both guard and tackle spots in case his malleability is needed.
The only knock on Bell is his strength. That might come into play in a division with large defensive tackles like Rocky Bernard, Gabe Watson, Aubrayo Franklin, and Isaac Sopoaga. Still, there's not much line help on the market, and the Rams got some (at a palatable price -- $36 million over six with $13 million guaranteed -- as well). Now they just have to take the right Long at the end of April.
