STATE OF THE FRANCHISE

A lack of offensive consistency has plagued the Rams deeply over the last two seasons, and it all starts at the quarterback position. Sam Bradford, who's now with the Eagles, spent much of that span injured, with Kellen Clemens, Austin Davis and Shaun Hill all proving to be stopgaps rather than starting material. In trading for Nick Foles, who's coming off an inconsistent 2014 season that ended prematurely with a broken collarbone, the Rams are clearly hoping to see the quarterback return to his 2013 level of efficiency, in which he threw for 27 touchdowns and two interceptions.

A major concern for Foles, though, is that the Rams' offensive line, which added four new members in the draft, remains a work in progress. With that in mind, St. Louis is hoping last year's No. 2 overall pick Greg Robinson can make a giant step forward and that a few of the team's other youngsters can step up as well.

If Foles can stay upright, he does have some respectable talent around him, although much of that has yet to be maximized. Wideout Brian Quick had the makings of a breakout season in 2014 before going down with a shoulder injury, and fellow receivers Kenny Britt, Stedman Bailey and Tavon Austin all have big-play ability. It remains to be seen whether the past shortcomings of the Rams' pass-receiving corps, which also includes tight ends Jared Cook and Lance Kendricks, can be chalked up to rough quarterback play, or if the group just isn't that stellar.

The team's running game may have to take the lead if Foles struggles early. Tre Mason showed flashes of brilliance last season, but he averaged only 3.56 yards per carry over his last four games. First-round pick Todd Gurley will likely be eased into the lineup as he's still coming off ACL surgery in December, and his availability for the start of the season is in doubt.

The little success the Rams have experienced the past few seasons has hinged on their defense, especially a fearsome front four that looks even better with the signing of defensive tackle Nick Fairley. First-round pick Aaron Donald turned in a dominant rookie year, with nine sacks and 48 tackles at defensive tackle, and defensive end Robert Quinn turned in a 10.5-sack season. The defensive backfield will have to get better, however, as it gave up too many big plays in 2014.

OFFSEASON MOVES

Key Acquisitions

Nick Fairley – DT, Lions
The former first-round pick adds to an embarrassment of riches on the Rams' defensive line.

Todd Gurley – RB, Georgia (ROUND 1, 10th overall)
Once he fully recovers from ACL surgery, Gurley should make a big impact at tailback, but how much can he do out of the gate?

Sean Mannion – QB, Oregon State (ROUND 3, 89th overall)
Drafted as a backup plan for the future in case Foles doesn't work out.

Akeem Ayers – LB, Patriots
Revived his career with the Patriots last season and earned a two-year, $6 million deal with the Rams.

Key Losses

Zac Stacy – RB, Jets
Once thought to be the team's future at running back, but lost his job to Tre Mason in 2014.

Jake Long – OT, FA
After two ACL tears the last two seasons, he was too expensive to keep around.

TEAM NOTES

Todd Gurley'S HEALTH
When healthy, Todd Gurley was nearly unstoppable at Georgia. He averaged more than six yards a carry but only topped 1,000 yards once in three college seasons thanks to games missed due to health issues and an NCAA suspension for accepting $3,000 to autograph memorabilia. For a team that's starting to feel the heat of not even finishing at .500 since 2006, the Rams must believe that Gurley, who's coming off a torn ACL that he suffered last November, will be productive at some point in 2015 after spending a blue chip draft pick on him. If fellow back Tre Mason is able build off his solid effort as a rookie, however, the urgency to get Gurley on the field will lessen. In any case, prior to suffering his knee injury, Gurley was viewed as one of the most dynamic running back prospects in recent memory, and the Rams are obviously banking on his full recovery, with an idea of building their attack around him once that occurs.

SORTING OUT THE RECEIVING CORPS
At varying times in their careers, Jared Cook, Tavon Austin, Brian Quick, Stedman Bailey and Kenny Britt have all looked like world-beaters. Yet none of them has been able to string together a solid six-to-eight game stretch over the past two years. Quarterback Nick Foles is certainly an upgrade over the likes of Shaun Hill and Austin Davis, but the pass-catchers have to do more in the offense. Since Torry Holt left in 2009, not a single St. Louis receiver has garnered more than 750 yards in a season. For the Rams to take the next step forward, at least one of the players catching passes from Foles – with Quick being the most likely candidate – will have to turn up his game in 2015.

VALUE METER

Declining: While Jared Cook hasn't been terrible for the Rams, more was expected from him after he signed for $7 million a year in 2013.

Sleeper: To date, the Rams haven't quite figured out how to use Tavon Austin, but he can still be an explosive playmaker if his strengths are emphasized.

Supersleeper:Stedman Bailey, who served a four-game suspension last year, could do some damage out of the slot in 2015.

IDP WATCH

Alec Ogletree - LB
His sophomore year included 111 tackles, two interceptions and four forced fumbles.

Janoris Jenkins - CB
Gave up big plays too often in 2014, but tallied 59 tackles, two picks, two forced fumbles and a pair of touchdowns.