Alec Ogletree and Tavon Austin Lead Rams On PFWA Rookie Team

Aug 24, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; St. Louis Rams linebacker Alec Ogletree (52) returns a fumble for a touchdown during the first half against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Earlier today the Pro Football Writers of America(PFWA) released their all-rookie team and among them were Rams linebacker Alec Ogletree and wide receiver Tavon Austin.

Ogletree made the team as a linebacker as he ended the season pretty well. Drafted 30th overall, Ogletree lead the Rams in total tackles with 94 which was the ninth best in the NFL. Ogletree seems to have a bright future ahead of him and it looks like the Rams got a steal.

Austin on the other hand, made the PFWA rookie team as a punt returner. Although the stats don’t tell the whole story, Austin made quite an impact returning punts. Many of his returns got called back due to penalties, but in the second half, the Rams special team unit got their act together for the most part.

Austin was ranked 11th in total punt return yards with 280. His average yards per return was also ranked 16th at 8.5. Austin was also one of 12 players this season to return a punt for a touchdown and his was the longest of any return at 98 yards.

Austin may not have made as big of an impact as some fans may have liked, but when Austin when he made a play, he was pretty electric in the process. Austin has a future with the Rams, and in some ways he proved why the Rams traded up to number eight to draft him.

The one Rams rookie that was left off of the team was Rams running back Zac Stacy. Packers running back Eddie Lacy and Bengals running back Giovani Bernard were the two running backs that made the list.

Although it is hard to argue against their case as they both had more total yards than Stacy, but what Stacy did in the amount of time that he played was pretty incredible.

All three of these players deserve to have made the team, but I would give Stacy a slight edge over Bernard. Stacy had more rushing yards and more touchdowns that Bernard, and really gave the Rams offense a spark and made a huge impact on his team, which is why I would give him the edge.

The Rams 2013 rookie class had a pretty good season, and all have bright futures ahead. You know you did well when both of your first round players are on this list. The 2013 draft class had given the 2014 draft class a lot to live up to.