Brooks

Foster

The 2009 fifth-rounder missed his rookie season after suffering an ankle injury in training camp. The Rams have since added Mardy Gilyard and Danny Amendola as slot-receiver types, so Foster has an uphill battle to make the final roster.

The third UNC receiver drafted. A former walk-on for the Heels’ hoops team, Foster emerged as the possession guy for Butch Davis as a senior opposite field-stretching X wideout Hakeem Nicks. Foster has good hands and size at 6'1/211, but isn’t an obvious upgrade over current Rams WR Keenan Burton.

There’s opportunity in a thin Rams WR corps and Foster comes from a pro style offense, but he may lack the talent for this level. Spags said Foster has “been good” in practice, but added “we need a little bit of time with him.”

The third wideout drafted out of North Carolina this season, Foster is a possession receiver with limited upside. There is opportunity in a thin St. Louis receiver corps, but the Eagles-turned-Rams coaching staff should be thrilled if Foster merely becomes another Jason Avant type in the slot.

Even though the Rams’ receiving corps has been hit hard by injuries, coach Steve Spagnuolo said he doesn’t plan on bringing in anyone new. Donnie Avery (foot) and Tim Carter (groin) are also on the sidelines. Keenan Burton and Laurent Robinson continue to run as the starters.

Foster was only expected to miss the first 4-6 weeks of the season, but the Rams couldn’t afford to carry him into late October. The Rams envisioned Foster as the answer at slot receiver, but he’ll have to fight for a job next year.

Foster was originally supposed to be out 2-4 weeks from mid-August, but the surgery could land him on injured reserve if the Rams are hurting for roster spots. Foster would be no better than fifth on the depth chart if he did return in Week 5 or so.

Foster projects as nothing more than a backup slot receiver. He’ll likely have to show something on special teams to make the 2010 roster.

Foster, the Rams’ fifth-round pick in 2009, will need to be healthy to have a shot at making the team. He’s currently the fifth or sixth receiver on a team with a weak receiving corps.

The Rams’ fifth-round pick in 2009, Foster spent most of the 2010 season on the Fins’ practice squad. He’ll be a long shot to make their 2011 roster.