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With the offseason fast approaching, it would be a good idea to delve into two of the position battles that the team will face this offseason.

Cornerback

The Rams are facing a battle for both nickelback and the other starting spot next to Ron Bartell. Tye Hill is the favorite for the other starting position going into camp, but by all accounts it is open. Both Justin King and third round pick Bradley Fletcher have the possibility to secure at least the nickel spot.

Justin King had a good camp last year and I don’t think having someone step on his toe during training camp makes him injury prone, just unlucky. Whether or not he can succeed in the new scheme is to be seen, but by all accounts, he has the chance to. Bradley Fletcher also has a chance to produce quickly. I’m not as optimistic as Jim Thomas from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, but he had this to say about the 3rd rounder:

“Third-round pick Bradley Fletcher of Iowa has a chance to be the Rams’ nickel back, and if he progresses through training camp and the early season, he could push Tye Hill for a starting cornerback job.”

Also, don’t count out the team resigning Jason Craft.

Guard

By all accounts, Jacob Bell and Richie Incognito are the projected starting guards for 2009. But if Jacob Bell regresses further, and if Richie Incognito doesn’t sign his offer sheet (which has not been passed through the NFLPA, so technically he isn’t a Ram just yet), then there could be a battle this summer.

John Greco would probably be the leading candidate to attempt to steal a starting spot, but it would take a lot of work. Luckily, the Rams appear to have excellent depth at this position. The undrafted rookies they picked up look like they have a great potential to stick with the team. Another thing to note is OT Phil Trautwein. Rivals.com posted a “All-Undrafted Team” and he was on it. Here’s what they had to say about Trautwein:

“He was a first-team All-SEC selection and helped pave the way for an offense that helped the Gators win an NCAA-record eight consecutive games by at least four touchdowns.”

I’m starting to feel good about this season. I could see them playing along the lines of 2006.