2009 Rams Draft - A Look Back

Jason Smith - Jason Smith appeared to be a project to start with and still may be going into the 2010 season. Jason played in eight games in 2009, starting in five of them. Jason still appears to be more suited to play RT than LT, he is also still way better at run blocking than pass blocking.

James Laurinaitis - James was a great pick right out of the box. James filled a huge need at MLB. Laurinaitis started all 16 games and was outstanding. Laurinaitis made 120 tackles had two sacks a forced fumble and two interceptions. James needs some better cover skills but other than that he had a great year. Laurinaitis fell to the Rams as did Rey Maualuga, looks like the Rams made the better choice here.

Bradley Fletcher - With the surprising release of Tye Hill Fletcher got an early chance to play. Fletcher played in seven games and started in 3. Bradley was having his best game of the year against Indianapolis when he was injured. Bradley suffered two torn ligaments in his right knee and missed the final nine games of the 2009 season. Fletcher will try to return by 2010 training camp after recovering from a couple of knee surgeries.

Dorell Scott - Dorell did not get much playing time in preseason. Late in the season coach Steve Spagnuolo gave some of the younger players more oppurtunities and Scott made the most of it. Dorell started five of the last 6 games the Rams played recording 18 tackles and playing very well inside. I would love to see the Rams draft offensive weapons in the upcoming 2010 NFL Draft, and continue to develop Clifton Ryan and Dorell Scott inside.

Foster Brooks - A preseason injury to Foster Brooks sidelined him for the whole 2009 NFL season. Brooks suffered a serious ankle injury against the Jets requiring surgery. While Foster is a great athlete I still do not understand drafting the 3rd best receiver on the North Carolina Tar Heels. As a senior Brooks only caught 30 passes and in 2007 Brooks did not start in any game. Brooks will most likely have a hard time making the 2010 Rams roster.

Keith Null - With the injury to Marc Bulger and Kyle Boller's lack of production along with the Rams terrible record Keith Null was pressed into service. For a late round draft pick from West Texas A&M, it is pretty impressive that Keith could do as well as he did. By NFL standards he failed but he did not seem overwhelmed by being in the NFL which is a great sign. Keith completed 73 of 119 passes for 566 yards, including 3 TDs and 9 interceptions for a QB rating of 49.9. Keith probably did enough to earn his way onto the 2010 Rams.

Chris Ogbonnaya - Chris had a hard time making the Rams squad bouncing between being cut and being on the practice squad. Ogbonnaya was finally given a chance and promoted to the active roster on November 28, 2009. Chris was on the Rams active roster from week 12 through the end of the season. Chris was able to get into two games were he had 11 carries for 50 yards and one reception for 19 yards. Steven Jackson spoke highly of Chris several times about his work ethic. With the lack of backup running backs on the Rams Chris will have a chance to once again be on the roster in 2010.

Rams Sign Chris Ogbonnaya To Practice Squad

Monday the St. Louis Rams signed Chris Ogbonnaya and defensive end Bryan Smith to their practice squad. This fills the practice squad with eight members. Ogbonnaya was the Rams 7th round draft pick in the NFL 2009 Draft. Ogbonnaya saw a lot of work in the preseason with 32 catches. Coming out of Texas as a very good pass catching back, most thought Chris was going to make the Rams with their current lack of depth at that position. Hopefully Chris will be able make the team in 2010. Bryan Smith is a defensive end drafted in the 3rd round last year by the Philadelphia Eagles. Smith is 6'2" and 250lbs out of McNeese State. McNeese State Profile below:

"One of the top defensive ends in the nation...first team all-American, was a
finalist for the Buck Buchanan award and was named the Defensive Player of the
Year in the Southand Conference....he's a sack master with the quickest feet in
the conference...........his forte is his pass rushing...very athletic...carries
4.6 speed in the 40....315 pounds in the power clean...teams won't run his way "

St. Louis Rams Cut Roster To 53

The St. Louis Rams cut the following 19 players on Saturday Antonio Pittman, Chris Ogbonnaya, Roy Schuening. Brock Berlin, K.C. Asiodu, Dominic Douglas, Antwon Burton, Eric Butler, Ian Campbell, Renardo Foster. Phil Trautwein, Jerome Johnson, Tim Mattran, Cord Parks, Mark Rubin, Sean Walker, Todd Johnson, Tim Carter and Ronald Curry. In addition the Rams placed Adam Carriker and Eric Moore on injured reserve getting them down to 53 men on the final roster.

St. Louis Rams Select Chris Ogbonnaya

With the 211th overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. The St. Louis Rams have selected Chris Ogbonnaya RB, out of Texas. At 6' and 220 pounds Chris Ogbonnaya does not appear to be the backup to Steven Jackson that I have been looking for all day. With only 66 carries in his first three years at the University of Texas I would once again say that this is a reach for the Rams. Chris had 15 carries against Oklahoma this year, and that was his career high. I see Chris being no more than a special teams player at best. I hate to say it but I don't think the Rams got much done on day two of the draft. I can't believe they did not pick up a big power back for short yardage and to spell Jackson. I also am very surprised the Rams did not go out and get a hammer of a Safety. I don't want to complain in April, but they will have to show me something.

From DraftCountdown:

Naturally athletic...Very good size and bulk...Strong and runs hard...A patient runner...Excellent hands...Runs great routes...Above average blocker...Smart...Special teams ability...A hard worker...Team leader.

From NFL.com

Ogbonnaya only managed 73 rushes for 373 yards and four scores n 2008, but his 46 catches for 540 yards and three touchdowns also caught scouts' eyes. His play on coverage units also makes him a draft-able prospect.