St. Louis Rams: Which Position Group Will Step Up the Most in 2012? - Bleacher Report

The wide receiver group has received a lot of attention in the last couple of years, both from the fans and the Ram's front office.

They spent a second-round pick on Donnie Avery, a fourth-round pick on Mardy Gilyard, a fourth-round pick on Keenan Burton, they traded for Mark Clayton, they brought in Brandon Gibson and Danny Amendola via undrafted free agency, they signed Mike Sims-Walker via free agency, they drafted Austin Pettis in the third round, they drafted Greg Salas in the fourth round, they brought in Danario Alexander via undrafted free agency, and then they traded for Brandon Lloyd.

As the great John Wooden said, "Don't mistake activity for achievement."

In the Rams' hunt for help at wide receiver, there is plenty of activity, just not a lot of achievement to show for it.

So the Rams are at it again, looking for help at wide receiver. Amendola is coming back from a season-ending surgery, and he should be a solid contributor. Greg Salas showed some promise as a rookie, but he is also coming back from a season-ending surgery. Austin Pettis, who will start the season on a four-game suspension, looks like he will be fighting just to keep a spot on the roster after a very disappointing rookie season.

The Rams signed Steve Smith, who is also coming off an injury, but is an All-Pro receiver if he is fully healthy. They also drafted Brian Quick in the second round and Chris Givens in the fourth round. Quick has really impressed with his performance in camp so far, and Givens is the fastest receiver on the Rams' roster, giving them a true deep threat.

I think the trio of Smith and Amendola could give the Rams two reliable receivers, easily the best pair QB Sam Bradford has had to throw to since he was drafted by the Rams. Smith was good enough to be Eli Manning's No. 1 target when the Giants won the Super Bowl, as he led the NFL and set a Giants' franchise record that season with 107 catches. Amendola caught 85 passes in 2010, albeit for only 689 yards and three touchdowns. He provides the Rams with a possession receiver.

Then there is Quick, whom I think could be a stud. At 6'4", 220 pounds, he will probably see a lot of time as a starting receiver on the outside, with Amendola working the slot receiver position. I think Quick will eventually be a star, but during his rookie season, he is going to have some growing pains. I think if you add up the production of the Quick-Smith-Amendola trio, the Rams are finally going to be able to generate some consistent offense in the passing game.

Throw in the contributions of Givens and Salas, the other two receivers I expect to make the roster, and the Rams are going to be much, much more talented at this position in 2012.

So long, Brandon Gibson, Austin Pettis and fan favorite Danario Alexander. We hardly knew ya!