Rams sign Harvey Dahl

The Rams lacked some toughness up front in their blocking game last year, and the front office got the message. In addition to re-signing mauler John Greco, they've scored their second free agent coup in two signings by reaching an agreement on a 4-year deal today with Falcons right guard Harvey Dahl.

The 6'5", 305-lb, 30-year-old Dahl is one of those guys you love to have on your team and hate to play against. He's a tough-guy, no-quit blocker who plays to (and after) the whistle and won't take crap from anybody. He's quick off the ball and has a strong initial punch. Scouts won't say he has good range or agility, but Pro Football Focus ranked him in the top 10 in the league as a pass-blocker at guard. Dahl brings the Rams Richie Incognito's nastiness without all the stupid penalties, and that's his most important qualification. He'll tell you his goal every week is to beat people up. The Rams got pushed around too much in the running game last season, and the lunch-bucket Dahl, who will kick your ass for even thinking about stealing his lunch, then steal yours, will inject this line with a tough attitude while also being a significant upgrade over Adam Goldberg at right guard.

That may write the end of Goldberg's chapter here in St. Louis, but don't forget despite his troubles at RG last year, that he can backup either guard or tackle position and has played serviceably in a spot tackle role in the past. He was a good leader to the rest of the line during the lockout as well and could still play a valuable role here.

Photo: Atlanta Journal-Constitution

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