Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
The Rams' offseason roster makeover has left them with three players claiming Pro Bowl pedigrees.
By my count, no team in the league has fewer players with Pro Bowl experience. I have the Lions and Dolphins also with three apiece.
A quick look at NFC West players with Pro Bowl experience:
- 49ers (10): punter Andy Lee, running back Frank Gore, cornerback Nate Clements, cornerback Walt Harris, safety Michael Lewis, linebacker Takeo Spikes, linebacker Patrick Willis, tackle Marvel Smith, long snapper Brian Jennings and receiver Isaac Bruce.
- Cardinals (8): kicker Neil Rackers, receiver Larry Fitzgerald, quarterback Kurt Warner, strong safety Adrian Wilson, receiver Anquan Boldin, special-teamer Sean Morey, defensive lineman Darnell Dockett and defensive lineman Bertrand Berry.
- Seahawks (8): quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, kicker Olindo Mare, cornerback Marcus Trufant, linebacker Lofa Tatupu, guard Mike Wahle, tackle Walter Jones, receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh and defensive end Patrick Kerney.
- Rams (3): quarterback Marc Bulger, running back Steven Jackson and defensive end Leonard Little.
Several players' Pro Bowl experiences are fading memories. Gary Stills, Dante Hall, La'Roi Glover, Torry Holt, Orlando Pace, Trent Green and Corey Chavous weren't likely to achieve Pro Bowl status again had they remained with the Rams.
My safest NFC West bets for Pro Bowl status this season: Fitzgerald, Willis and Boldin, probably. Some of the others have injury concerns. Warner could be a safe bet if he makes it through a full season for the fourth time in his career and second time in a row. Jones is a safe bet if he bounces back from knee surgery as well as the Seahawks expect him to do. Jackson could put up big numbers for the Rams this season. Who else?
The Rams' Oshiomogho Atogwe, Josh Brown and Donnie Jones have Pro Bowl potential. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Karlos Dansby could break through for the Cardinals. The 49ers' Gore is always a threat. Niners center Eric Heitmann might have a chance if the 49ers' rushing game puts up big numbers and the team wins more games. Who else?
Do any NFC West rookies have a chance in your view?
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Mike Sando
Sando joined ESPN.com in 2007 after nine seasons covering the Seattle Seahawks for the Tacoma (Wash.) News Tribune. He lives in the Seattle-Tacoma area with his wife and two sons.