Draft of 2009 Part #1

The Rams have always been ignored, and even though they do get some great players, it seems they never have great drafts.

What about this year? The Rams first draft pick was a no brainer. The Rams drafted Jason Smith, offensive tackle from Baylor with the second overall pick. With the departure of Orlando Pace, this was definitely the number one "need" pick for the Rams. At 6'5" and 310 lbs. he has the size, strength and quickness for the NFL.

After taking the obvious, I was curious to see the direction the Rams would take. I was hoping for a stud at middle linebacker. The Rams haven't had a decent one since Jack "Hacksaw" Reynolds. I'm sure I'd hear the argument on London Fletcher being great, he did a decent job, but he wasn't that big for a middle linebacker. The Rams picked James Laurinatis middle linebacker from THE Ohio State University with their second round pick. As I have said before, I am an Ohio State homer. I LOVED this pick. I saw almost every game he played at Ohio State. He is a beast. He was the Big Ten's defensive player of the year for two straight years. He won many awards, too many to name here. His motor runs on full throttle all the time. He was projected to go in the first round if he came out his Junior year, but decided to stay in school. As a buckeye fan, I was happy he did. As a Rams fan I am ecstatic he did and got to slip to the second round.

I have a feeling that Rams fans will be talking about Jason Smith and James Laurinatis for years to come. For the Rams draft of 2009 part #1, I gave them an A+. Next I'll look at the rest of the draft and see how the "whole" draft turned out for the Rams.

"See you on the hit side" #21

Rodney Dangerfield

Growing up, there were certain comedians that crossed generations. Rodney Dangerfield was one of them. His "I don't get no respect" line is still famous to this day. Being a Rams fan for forty years I have come to realize that the Rams are the Rodney Dangerfield of the NFL. I love watching the NFL draft. I was excited this year, new couch new attitude, same old ESPN.

Living in Georgia, I don't get to see a lot of live interviews with Rams personnel. I was anxiously awaiting trips to the Rams "war room" during the draft. Nothing, nada. ESPN covered the Rams first pick of offensive tackle Jason Smith, because they had to. Detroit had already agreed to terms with their pick, Matthew Stafford, Friday. The Rams had been on the clock for a day. How did the Rams staff feel about that pick? Don't ask ESPN, crickets.

The Rams second pick was James Laurinatis, linebacker from Ohio State (I'm a die hard Bucks fan, I'II have more to say about this) and again, nothing from the Rams camp.

I got SO tired of looking at Jerry Jones all weekend.

Every time a team from the NFC East drafted or made any moves, ESPN was right in Jerry Jones face looking for his reaction. The S.F. 49'rs got Michael Crabtree WR from Texas Tech, and the Cardinals got Beanie Wells RB from Ohio State and ESPN didn't ask the Rams opinion about any of it.

Two of the biggest offensive weapons in the draft went in to the Rams division. Did I hear a pin drop? The coverage of the Rams draft this year was terrible. Welcome to the Rams, Steve Spagnuolo, get used to the alias of Rodney Dangerfield.

"See you on the hit side" #21

Decisions, Decisions

This has been an interesting couple of days. I wasn't sure what I would write about this week, the draft or the Rams schedule for next year.

Last week the Rams publicly came out and dangled their #2 pick in this years NFL draft. As Rams fans we all know we need a lot of help everywhere. So do you drop from the #2 spot and get quantity instead of quality? It seems the Rams new management and coaching staff appear to think that.

Prior to the draft the Rams as all of the other teams in the NFL like to throw out smoke screens. They try to keep other teams guessing on what they are planning to do. Is there anyone in this years draft that is worth the money the Rams would have to pay in the number two spot? I don't think so.

Linebacker Will Whitherspoon has already been told he will be moving from the middle linebacker position. So do the Rams pay $40 million plus for Aaron Curry from Wake Forest? The Rams could also use Michael Crabtree the WR from Texas Tech. The question is, is that too early to pick him at that spot? I am tending to side with the current Rams staff and would trade down.

Just like me, the Rams are facing questions.

Decisions, decisions. We will have plenty of time to talk about the schedule, the draft is upon us.


"See you on the hit side" #21