Now that the mini-camps are over and the OTA's have wrapped up today, the Rams roster looks like it is pretty much shaped up for 2009 training camp. There may be a move or two left but by all indications the Rams appear ready to go to camp with what they have in house. With a month and a half we could still see some changes but I am already looking forward to five positional battles that we will see in training camp.
#1 Starting Cornerback
This is the ultimate referendum on Tye Hill. Is this the year that Tye Hill makes the difference or will Hill get pushed out of his starting cornerback position by one of the young guns? Hill has been beaten up through his three seasons here. There is no question, at this point, that Hill was not worth the first round draft pick thus far. But that doesn't necessarily mean that Hill can't still have value. The most important thing for Hill is he HAS to stay healthy and get out on the field. If not there are 
three cornerbacks in the wings that will are there to push Hill. Justin King who was drafted out of Penn State in 2008 is someone the Rams coaching staff believes can make some plays. King injured his foot in the first pre-season game last season and did not play a down. One other option is Bradley Fletcher this year's third round pick out of Iowa. Rookie cornerbacks are a dangerous commodity because they usually get burned early but they either learn quick or work their way out of the league quick. Even Jonathon Wade has more interceptions the past two seasons than Hill does so let's just say that the cornerback starting job can be had if Hill has any missteps.
#2 Backup Running Back
There are a number of questions all over the Rams roster, but I think one that will be the most intriguing in training camp will be who will be the main backup to Steven Jackson. Last season Antonio Pittman took over the backup role when Brian Leonard was not able to perform. Pittman had some flashes last season, especially against the San Francisco 49ers in late November when he ran for 95 yards. Kenneth Darby also showed some flashes last season in backup duty. Bill Coats of the Post-Dispatch even goes as far as saying that Darby has the edge right now. I know most Rams fans are nervous about these two guys as the best options to back up Jackson. I believe those worries are justified and I hope the Rams do pick up someone else to back up Jackson. But if they don't I lean towards Darby because I think he is a harder runner than Pittman. But neither one is separated by that much in my opinion.
#3 Every Wide Receiver Position
Everyone has the three starting wide receiver positions written in stone with Donnie Avery, Keenan Burton and Laurent Robinson. I don't think it is as simple as that. There is nothing that any one of those wide receivers has done in the NFL that has cemented, in my mind, that they have earned any starting position. If Tim Carter were to come in and surprise everyone in the world in training camp to become the top receiver then he should get the job. I don't believe that will happen but this is easily the most wide open position on the team and for any skill positon in the entire league. The Rams are high on Brooks Foster, their 5th round pick out of North Carolina. Derek Stanley is still around as well, although he is expected to remain as the kickoff and punt returner. I still believe the Rams should bring someone else in to compete for one of the top three receiving spots.
#4 Four Tight Ends for Three Spots
Most NFL teams only keep three tight ends on the roster. Some do carry four but it is considered a luxury. The Rams have a logjam that will have to be broken in training camp. Obviously Randy McMichael is the starter on opening day in Seattle but what happens after that will be very interesting. The Rams like Daniel Fells because he did everything that was asked of him last season. He was asked to play tight end, H-back and fullback at different points last season and he handled all of the assignments. He showed some flashes offensively and is a very good blocker. Fells will be on the roster so that leaves one spot for either Billy Bajema, who the Rams brought in as a free agent from the 49ers this offseason, or one of Rams fans favorite whipping boys Joe Klopfenstein. Klopfenstein has not been a factor in his three seasons here. His blocking abilities have been suspect. His 
toughness going across the middle has been questioned and his hands have been shaky. It sure looks like Klopfenstein will have to have a great training camp to make this Rams team. They could carry four tight ends but Klopfenstein is going to have show something to prove he belongs.
#5 Is The Linebacker Lineup Set?
It is assumed that the opening day linebackers will have Chris Draft, James Laurinaitis and Will Witherspoon as the starting three but is it really set in stone? I have a feeling that all three positions could have some changes before we get to the first game in Seattle. You know Steve Spagnuolo is going to make Laurinaitis earn that starting spot before opening day. If there are any missteps in camp count on someone else starting at MLB on opening day. My other belief is that Chris Draft's spot could be pushed by Quinton Culberson in camp. I stated in an article earlier in mini-camp that people should keep an eye on Larry Grant. I think Grant is going to make some noise in the preseason. I do believe that Draft will ultimately be the starter but I don't think that it is as locked up as everyone believes.
Tim Klutsarits is an Examiner from St. Louis. You can see Tim's articles on Tim's Home Page.