By Raul Colon
The release of QB Marc Bulger most likely put an end to any discussion of regarding the first overall pick in this month NFL Draft. Barring a complete shocker, the St. Louis Rams will select Oklahoma junior passer Sam Bradford.
The Rams management hopes the Bradford selection puts to an end a string of questionable recent first round picks. In recent drafts, the team has more than miss on its first round picks. Some, like 2008 DE Chris Long and 2007 DT Adam Carriker, although serviceable, hasn’t developed into the full time playmakers the team sorely need. The same can be said of last year’s top choice, OT Jason Smith.
The rest of the 2009 class, with the exception of MLB James Laurinatis, could be viewed as a complete disappointment.
1. Jason Smith, OT Baylor (1st round): He was considered to be a top athlete with an uncanny ability to move into the second level. In eight games played, only five starting for an offensive linemen-deprived team, Smith did not impressed anyone. He did displayed solid run blocking, but the agility he showed at the Indianapolis Combine last February was sorely missing on pass protection. A concussion ended his rookie year before he can demonstrate anything more.
Status: Bust
2. James Laurinatis (2nd round), LB Ohio State: Coming into the draft, many scouts downgraded him base mostly on his poor athletic prowess. That was their mistake and the Rams can’t be more thrilled about it. The son of a former pro wrestler quickly established himself as a difference maker. His run support is second to none on the team and his coverage skills, although not to the standards of elite interior linebackers, is not as deficient as many though. With more work and experience, Laurinatis could become a premier star in the league.
Status: Boom
3. Bradley Fletcher (3rd round), CB Iowa: This is one of the saddest stories of the Rams 2009 draft. Fletcher was joining the starting rotation before suffering a season-ending injury. His two passes broken up against Arizona’s Pro Bowl WR Larry Fitzgerald was a preview of things to come. If he is fully recovered, the sky is could be the limit. In seven games played, the former Hawkeye showed a solid coverage skill set with a deceptive second gear. His run support needs more work, but overall, the talent is there for a solid career.
Status: Boom
4. Darell Scott (4th round), DT Clemson: This is one of the most intriguing players drafted last year. Played on the right side and mad the rotation by mid season. Had some questionable performances early on, but really came into his own late in the year. At 6-foot-3, 315 pounds and blessed with a great lateral agility, Scotts figures to be an integral part of the defensive line. This does not mean he is star material. In fact he is more suited for situational relive appearance than anything else. A solid backup.
Status: Boom
5. Brooks Foster (5th round), WR North Carolina: Picked mostly because of his special teams play, Foster never made it into the field due to an ankle injury. Some pundits are impressed by the speed he displayed in training camp, but there was a reason he never cracked the Tar Heels’ starting unit despite the team having an obvious need at the position. Most likely he will not make the 2010 roster.
Status: Bust
6. Keith Null (6th round), QB West Texas A&M: Unsuccessfully tried to make the jump from West Texas to an starting position in the NFL. Did not display the arm strength and athletic ability he once showed in pre-draft workouts. Looked lost and slow in the field. More troubling, he never seemed to improve in extensive (full 4 games) action.
Status: Bust
7. Chris Ogbonnaya (7th round), RB Texas: Expend most of the season on the practice squad. Played little late and did not show enough to merit a second chance in 2010. He did have a couple of catches and two semi-impressive runs, but that will not be enough for him to hang in the roster.
Status: Bust
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