5 Unheralded St. Louis Rams Who Must Step Up In 2014

By Patrick Karraker

Which St. Louis Rams Players Need to Step Up in 2014?

Green Bay Packers v St. Louis Rams
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If we didn’t already know that the St. Louis Rams were focusing on building through the draft and internal development, we’ve certainly learned it now as the team has only signed one player in free agency, reserve defensive lineman Alex Carrington. The young Rams team will have another year of experience to build on in 2014, and here are five players who will be relied upon to step up coming into this season.

5. Brandon Washington, OG

St Louis Rams v Cleveland Browns
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5. Brandon Washington, OG

St Louis Rams v Cleveland Browns
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Things could definitely change before the season starts, but as things stand now, the Rams’ starting right guard is likely Brandon Washington. The team could draft another player or sign a veteran such as Harvey Dahl or Davin Joseph, but it is possible that they could indeed decide to roll with Washington, who saw action in the team’s season finale last year. The 6-foot-2, 320-pounder will need to show that he has what it takes to be a starter.

4. Benny Cunningham, RB

St. Louis Rams Benny Cunningham
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4. Benny Cunningham, RB

St. Louis Rams Benny Cunningham
Pat Lovell- USA TODAY Sports

Last year, Zac Stacy took over the Rams’ starting running back job, and while he took the majority of the snaps, fellow rookie Benny Cunningham also emerged as an intriguing option. The 5-foot-10, 217-pounder will be looking to assert himself as the Rams’ primary backup come training camp this summer.

3. T.J. McDonald, S

St. Louis Rams TJ McDonald
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3. T.J. McDonald, S

St. Louis Rams TJ McDonald
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Last year, third-rounder T.J. McDonald took over the Rams’ starting strong safety spot, but he struggled with injuries and inconsistency. This year, he will look to prove himself as a reliable option while presumably teaming with a new starting free safety that the Rams will acquire either through the draft or free agency.

2. Trumaine Johnson, CB

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2. Trumaine Johnson, CB

New Orleans Saints v St. Louis Rams
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The Rams expressed a vote of confidence in Johnson by releasing Cortland Finnegan and then not paying for an expensive free agent corner like Alterraun Verner. Unless they take a corner in the first round, it’s likely that Johnson will begin the year as a starter for the Rams. He’ll be counted on to be a bit more consistent than he was in 2013 when he received his first extended starting opportunity.

1. Brian Quick, WR

St. Louis Rams Brian Quick
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1. Brian Quick, WR

St. Louis Rams Brian Quick
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

More than anyone, Quick needs to become a reliable option in order for the Rams to succeed. After being the first pick of the second round in 2012, Quick has been highly inconsistent and has failed to receive regular playing time. Quick needs to become a more intelligent football player if he wants to rise up the depth chart and become the dynamic threat that the Rams envisioned him being when they selected him two years ago.

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