2012 Team Outlook: St. Louis
WR Danny Amendola, NE (WR - #43) - Deep-league Only
As a poor man's Wes Welker in 2010, Amendola was a PPR bargain who averaged more than 5.3 catches per game working mainly out of the slot. That was to be his role again in 2011, but a triceps injury derailed him in the first week. Coming off surgery and with a fresh one-year contract in hand, he'll be fighting to endear himself to a new head coach and a new offensive coordinator who are not known for their heavy use of slot receivers.
UPDATE (7/29): According to ESPN.com, Amendola has been working as a starter accross from Brandon Gibson in two-WR sets. He has the starting slot job all but locked down and would see a bump in fantasy value if he can stay on the field in standard sets during the regular season.
WR Brian Quick, STL (WR - #108) - Super Sleeper (high risk/potential)
The first selection on day two of this year's draft, Brian Quick might fly under the fantasy radar. Though other NFL teams overlooked him, the Rams felt Quick gave them first-round value and may be ready to hand him starter's minutes immediately. His size will make him an attractive target for Sam Bradford.
WR Brandon Gibson, MIA (WR - #64) - Deep-league Only
A three-year veteran, Gibson has experience on his side in a wide open battle against younger, quicker receivers for depth chart supremacy. Don't get too excited if he earns the early season starting nod; his fantasy ceiling is low and he'll have a tough time holding off the likes of Brian Quick, Chris Givens and Steve Smith.
UPDATE (8/5): The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports Gibson opened training camp as a starter, drawing positive reviews in his first week from coach Jeff Fisher and QB Sam Bradford.
WR Chris Givens, STL (WR - #109) - Super Sleeper (high risk/potential)
Like Brian Quick, Givens seems to have landed in the right situation for immediate production. He's a vertical threat who ran better than a 4.4 forty time at the combine. Consistent over-the-top speed is something the Rams have been lacking, though they'd be happy just to have receivers give them multiple starts. Youth and health work strongly in Givens' favor.
WR Steve Smith, TB (WR - #70) - Gamble (high risk)
Knee problems may ultimately curtail Smith's career. He has landed in St. Louis on a one year deal and will need to capitalize on what could be his last chance in the NFL. The Rams need help at receiver and anything Smith provides will be a gift. If his surgically repaired knee doesn't serve him better than it did during his disastrous stint with the Eagles, Smith won't make it out of camp.
TE Lance Kendricks, STL (TE - #27) - Deep-league Only
You have to actually catch the ball before you can be considered an effective receiver. Last year Kendricks dropped almost as many passes as he caught. He was a huge disappointment and the fact he's still the top TE in St. Louis speaks volumes about the state of this franchise.
