Will's in the middle

Will Witherspoon

I'm looking for another excellent year from #51. A 6 year veteran who has done everything asked of him both with the Rams and the Panthers should benefit from an improved defensive line in 2007. Ideally, his size would fit him best as an weak side linebacker, but I think Haslett wants his leadership in the middle linebacker spot. A smallish middle linebacker can work (London Fletcher, anyone) if the D-line is pulling its weight in the middle. Will appeared to be overmatched at times against the run last year, but I think a large part of the problem was that he was getting a defensive tackle's share of the force of the opponents run game, thanks to some pylon-like efforts (good riddance Jimmy) in the middle of the defensive line. It would be interesting to hear Will's opinion of Adam Carriker as the season progresses this year, because I think if Adam performs well, Will's job becomes much more manageable. We have marveled at the high motor efforts of Grant Wistrom, and have heard that Adam is a bigger version of Grant, but lets not forget that Will is one of those guys also. He's an easy guy to root for, a good citizen who goes out,works hard, does his job, and provides leadership to the defense. Go Will, and Go Rams in 2007!!