Scavenging

Written By: Anthony Bafaro

The Rams have signed WR Steve Smith.

In case you were counting, that makes four slot-receivers—Danny Amendola (RFA), Greg Salas, and Austin Pettis being the other three.  Danario Alexander and Brandon Gibson are the only outside options.  Dominique Curry is still making special-teams tackles, no slight intended.

Smith is a solid possession receiver who’s had trouble staying healthy.  He had an outstanding 2009 campaign with the Giants—107 catches, 1220 yards, 7 touchdowns—but has not broken 50 catches in a season since.  The details of Smith’s one-year deal have not been released, but it’s safe to assume that it’s incentive-laden.  It’s a solid signing due to the lack of risk and the proven upside, but it’s nothing to be excited about.  If Amendola accepts his tender, there’s a chance Smith won’t even make the team.

The Rams also signed form Jets TE Mathew Mulligan.

Mulligan is a true Jeff Fisher player.  He’s a run blocking OL masquerading as a TE.  Last season he was 3^rd among all TE’s in penalties taken, despite ranking 41^st in total snaps played.  He can catch, but isn’t athletic enough to be a legitimate option in the passing game.  The best part about the Mulligan signing is that it likely means the end of Billy Bajema, who’s blocking and catching ability suggests that his pre-game ritual consists of lathering his entire body in KY lubricant.

Rams Get Draft Pick

The NFL handed out their compensatory picks Monday, and the Rams received an additional 7^th rounder—pick 252.  Typically, these picks are awarded for players lost in free agency, but the Rams, along with the Colts, received them just for being terrible.  The league requires an even distribution of 32 compensatory draft picks, so after the 30 legitimate picks had been delivered, they just starting going by draft order.  The Rams need bodies; any additional draft picks are most certainly welcomed.