ST. LOUIS – Yes, he heard the catcalls and jeers last season. But St. Louis Rams receiver Drew Bennett said that is behind him and he expects big things in 2008.

Bennett, who is participating in Organized Team Activities (OTAs) at Rams Park, signed a six-year, $35 million contract to come to the Rams from Tennessee as a free agent prior to the 2007 season. However, the 6-foot-5 Bennett struggled with injuries early and never really got going, never became the productive No. 3 receiver and red-zone threat that coach Scott Linehan had envisioned.

Bothered by quad and hamstring woes, Bennett said he overcompensated for his injuries. He had just 33 catches for 375 yards and three touchdowns.

“The first six or seven weeks was frustrating as to how my body felt and how I wanted to go out there and run and I couldn’t,” Bennett said. “I’m looking forward to this year with full leg strength.”

Bennett took much of the heat when the Rams started last season 0-8 on the way to a 3-13 showing, their worst since arriving in St. Louis in 1995.

“You’re not playing as much as you want to and the team is not doing well,” Bennett recalled. “It was extremely frustrating. I think everything is magnified when you’re 3-13.

“Overall, it was a very frustrating year and I’m glad it’s behind us.”

Now healthy, Bennett faces a bigger role this season, replacing Isaac Bruce as the No. 2 receiver behind Torry Holt. Bruce was released in a salary cap moved and signed with the 49ers, joining former Rams coach Mike Martz, now San Francisco’s offensive coordinator.

Bennett hopes fans give him a fair chance to show what he can do.

“I’m happy to be more involved in the offense and be a starter again. That’s what I came here to do,” Bennett said. “Obviously, it’s very difficult to replace a guy like Isaac Bruce. Hopefully, I can just play my own game and do my own thing.”

Linehan said the offense brought in by new offensive coordinator Al Saunders will feature Bennett and Holt.

“We’ve got big expectations for Drew. Drew has an opportunity to really step up his game. He knows that,” Linehan said.

“The expectation when we brought him in here was at some time during his career he was going to end up being the guy who steps in. We knew Isaac wasn’t going to be here forever. Bottom line is he’s got a great opportunity. We hope he has a great year for us.”

Bennett welcomes the pressure of proving himself.

“I signed a six-year deal to come in here and do big things,” Bennett said. “That didn’t happen last year. I want to prove to people that I’m worth the energy and money the team spent to go out and get me. I want to make some good things happen. I want to get in the end zone and win some games. Everything takes care of itself when you’re winning.”