St. Louis Rams 2010 Draft Review

Courtesy of NFL

The Rams had many need to address. Bradford has excellent accuracy and good arm strength, which is what NFL quarterbacks need to be successful. A.J. Feeley and Keith Null would have given St. Louis the same chance at winning, without any of the future upside. Saffold could become a starting left tackle, and the Rams were the benefactors of a deep draft as Saffold had first round value. Though it wasn't a headline grabbing draft, the Rams picks made sense based upon their need for talent. They addressed dire needs at the wide receiver, cornerback, and tight end positions. They could have a steal on their hands in DE George Selvie. They took development prospects in the later rounds because the Rams need to develop starters and not draft backups. They already have a team full of those. 

Round 1, Pick 1 St. Louis Rams- Sam Bradford

Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma

Ht: 6’ 4 ¼ “ Wt: 236 

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  When you only win one game like the Rams did last season, you have many holes to fill.  Quarterback is an excellent place to start.  Bradford is an accurate quarterback and known as a good leader.  The concern is his injury history combined with the poorest offensive line the St. Louis Rams.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: Does not have the arm or athletic talent of John Elway or Troy Aikman, but Bradford’s accuracy is as good as any quarter- back since Philip Rivers entered the draft, and his competitive spirit, intelligence and accuracy will allow him to develop readily. Would be most effective in a fast-paced, shotgun-prevalent offense similar to that of the Colts, where he will not have to adjust to working as much from underneath center. Durability is his greatest concern. Could be the first overall player drafted in a QB-driven league and should be able to contribute immediately and develop into a great pro.

NFL projection: Top-five pick.

GM Jr’s scouting report:  Bradford is a red-shirt junior in 2009 and came out early for the 2010 NFL Draft after strongly considering entering the 2009 Draft early.  He is a tall and very athletic quarterback who would be helped by adding 15/20 pounds to his frame as he looks very thin on film right now (While he looked bigger at the Combine and his Pro Day, he will need to prove he can maintain 230+ pounds during the seasons).  He is obviously going to have to make the big adjustment to lining up under center much more and playing in a more traditional NFL offense, but in our view if he can become more consistent with his technique and throw the ball with zip/power more of the time then he has everything it takes to be a very good starting quarterback in the NFL.  Overall, Bradford will end up being a Top 5 pick in the 2010 draft.  There is no doubt that he needs work on some things, but he has the physical tools and intangibles that are tough to find and should enable him to adjust to the NFL better than most college quarterbacks.  With teams already having concerns about Bradford’s ability to playing under center – reading the defense while dropping back to pass is the biggest challenge – He answered many of the questions about his injured shoulder with a very good throwing display at his Pro Day on March 29. 

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Instead of returning to Norman and taking a chance of another injury derailing his NFL career, Bradford decided to work toward the draft following surgery to repair the sprained right AC joint in this throwing shoulder.  The lack of top-flight senior quarterback talent, his reputation among scouts as one of the most accurate passers to come along in quite a while and his underrated athleticism and mobility make Bradford a likely top 10 pick.

Round 2, Pick 33 - St. Louis Rams - Rodger Saffold


Rodger Saffold, OT, Indiana

Ht: 6’ 4 5/8” Wt: 316

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Saffold is a good enough athlete to play left tackle in the NFL.  The Rams need to protect their new $45 million investment in Sam Bradford and need to score more points to stay competitive.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: Solidified his standing at the East- West Shrine Game, where he impressed evaluators with his athletic ability and showed clear starter potential as a left tackle. Does not have great length to handle the edges and could project inside to left guard in a lateral-moving, zone-slide protection scheme, but he has convinced scouts he could be a competent edge protector on the blind side after moving very fluidly at the Combine, bulking up, measuring longer and working out very well. Could warrant some late first-round interest as a left tackle prospect if he is given a clean bill of health and should start right away, at left guard or tackle.

NFL projection: Top-50 pick.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Stood out during the East-West Shrine Game practices as potentially the top player in attendance because of his footwork in pass protection and excellent strength and pop on inside run drills.  That effort coupled with his 2009 performance could earn him a spot in the top 75 selections.

Round 3, Pick 65 - St. Louis Rams - Jerome Murphy

Jerome Murphy, CB, South Florida

Ht: 6’ 0 1/4” Wt: 196 

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Murphy is the third South Florida player selected in this NFL Draft.  A strictly press corner, he fits the style of player that St. Louis covets at that position.  If he can provide adequate down-field coverage, he could help the Rams run the more blitzing style that they would like to run.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: A big, physical, competitive, multidimensional press corner, Murphy has natural cover skills and does not hesitate to assert him- self in the run game. Is rough around the edges but competes, hits like a safety and has what it takes to compete with NFL receivers. Skill set allows for scheme versatility.

NFL projection: Second- to third-round pick.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Murphy is among the biggest hitters in the 2010 cornerback class. S He made 67 tackles in 2008, along with two interceptions in both his sophomore and junior seasons.  As a senior, his four interceptions and eight pass breakups led USF and his 77 tackles were a career high.  Murphy has toughness, along with the height and arm length scouts look for at the corner spot.  His reliance on cut tackles and inconsistency maintaining discipline in man coverage might prevent him from being a top 50 pick, but a zone-heavy team could discover a bargain if he’s still around into the third round. 

Round 4, Pick 99.  St. Louis Rams

Mardy Gilyard, WR, Cincinnati
Ht: 6' 0" Wt: 179

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Gilyard has off field issues and does not have elite NFL speed but is an intriguing playmaker none the less.  The Rams are looking to add weapons to help Bradford in his rookie season.  

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Gilyard has one of this draft’s most intriguing stories, as he worked his way back into the program after being stripped of his scholarship following an accusation of cheating by one of his professors in 2006.  Gilyard slept in his car for a few months, working part-time jobs to pay off creditors and performing community service.  He returned to Cincinnati in 2007 and thrived in coach Brian Kelly’s offense.  Although his lanky build, average timed speed and past personal issue swill turn off some scouts, the physical and mental toughness he’s displayed over the past few seasons – along with his elusiveness as a receiver and return specialist – should overcome those stigmas to make him a top 75 pick.  

132.)  St. Louis Rams
Michael Hoomanawanui, TE, Illinois
Ht 6' 4" Wt 264

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  This pick was made with the Rams obviously looking for depth in their tight end position.  Though he seems like a strictly blocking type tight end, Hoomanawanui can probably provide goal line and short yardage receiving aid.  His history of injuries is troubling though.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:   Battled through injury in an inefficient offense as a senior, but has the size and reliable short-to-intermediate receiving skills to become an ideal No. 2 tight end.

NFL projection: Fourth- to fifth-round pick.

149.)  St. Louis Rams
Hall Davis, DE, Louisiana Lafayette

Ht: 6' 3" Wt: 271

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  The Rams take a risk on a developmental prospect with big upside.  Davis could struggle in the NFL coming from the small school environment, but if the Rams are patient with him, he could, at the least, turn into an effective nickel pass rusher.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  Has an NFL-ready body, but a lack of positional instincts and production should give evaluators reasons for pause. Has the size, athletic ability and versatility to fit in a variety of schemes as a base end or potentially even as a rush linebacker. Could require patience but has upside with a coach who could unlock his potential. Compares favorably to Packers 2008 fourth-round pick Jeremy Thompson. The big question is whether any coach will ever be able to turn on his light bulb and unlock his potential.

NFL projection: Third- to fourth-round pick.

170.)  St. Louis Ram
Fendi Onobun, TE, Arizona

Ht: 6' 6" Wt: 252

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  The Rams take a flier on the potential of Onobun's pass catching ability.  Another development prospect, he might not see regular playing time for several seasons.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  Raw, developmental, pass-catching tight end with enough upside for a good, patient coaching staff such as that of the Patriots or Packers to take a chance developing.

NFL projection: Priority free agent. 

189.)  St. Louis Rams
Eugene Sims, DE, West Texas AM
Ht: 6' 5" Wt:  240

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Another undersized defensive end prospect who needs to get stronger to compete at the NFL level, Sims dominated the Division II level.  Raw in his technique, he will need NFL coaching and patience in order to achieve his maximum potential.

211.)  St. Louis Rams

Marquis Johnson, DB, Alabama

Ht: 5' 10" Wt: 192

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Alabama's nickel corner, Johnson will probably fulfill the same role in the NFL.  Not blessed with great speed, Johnson makes up for it with intelligence and sound technique.  

226.)  St. Louis Rams

George Selvie, DE, Southern Florida

Ht: 6' 3" Wt: 252 

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  After a spectacular sophomore season, Selvie disappointed his last two college years.  Selvie is a good straight-line rusher but does not  have the size and strength to out muscle tackles and can be blocked too easily.  If he can show his early college form, Selvie could earn a spot on the Rams' roster.

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  Very tough, upright tweener who is most known for his superproductive sophomore season and does not get enough credit for how strong and tough he is for a lightweight plugger. Lacks the athletic ability and bend desired in a rush linebacker and lack of size could be limiting as an every-down defensive end. However, he does play big for his size with enough leverage and grit to stick as a 4-3 base end despite his lack of bulk.

NFL projection: Fifth- to sixth-round pick.

254.)  St. Louis Rams

Josh Hull, LB, Penn State

Ht: 6' 3" Wt: 237

EMQB’s analysis on the pick: Hull is a better athlete than most 7th round picks.  Hull will be an excellent special teams player and has a "do anything attitude".  Hull will make an NFL team this fall.

Every Morning Quarterback by Aharon Williams is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Based on a work at www.everymorningqb.com.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at www.everymorningqb.com.