St. Louis Rams Rookie Stock Report: Week 1

Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

The Rams got the 2014 season off to a rocky start after a 34-6 loss to the Vikings in St. Louis. Several rookies played well, however, which bodes well for a young team in need of stability. Here is Ramblin Fan’s Rams Rookie Stock Report after week one of the regular season.

Greg Robinson: Stock UP

Davin Joseph got the start at right guard on Sunday, with G Rodger Saffold moving over to left guard. Robinson did see playing time, however, as Saffold departed late with a neck injury. After entering the game, Robinson looked solid. The uncertain nature of Saffold’s injury means Robinson’s stock is up for the time being.

Aaron Donald: Stock UP

Donald played on both pass and run downs against the Vikings. Entering the game it was believed the pass rusher would only play on third down and obvious passing situations. Donald finished with six tackles on the day and had some impressive tackles against RB Adrian Peterson.

Lamarcus Joyner: EVEN

Joyner played his traditional nickel spot and looked decent. He did allow two catches for first downs in coverage, but he held his own for the most part. He finished with two tackles.

Tre Mason: Stock Down

Mason seems to be clearly behind RB’s Zac Stacy and Benny Cunningham. Stacy had 11 carries and one catch, Cunningham had five carries and four catches. Mason did not enter the game against the Vikings.

Mo Alexander: Stock DOWN

Alexander was not activated for the game. Instead, CB Marcus Roberson took his place on special teams.

E.J. Gaines: Stock UP

Gaines played relatively well in his first real NFL start. He broke up two passes and recorded three tackles. He nearly had an interception in the early going. He got beat a few times, including once in the endzone against Greg Jennings for a touchdown. To be fair, he had decent coverage on the play.

Trey Watts: EVEN

Watts played on nine special teams snaps. He is still well behind Stacy and Cunningham. He’s about even with Mason at this point.

Ethan Westbrooks: EVEN

Westbrooks was inactive against the Vikings. DE’s Eugene Sims and William Hayes were both healthy enough to play. If Chris Long is good to go next week, it will likely be the same story for Westbrooks against the Buccaneers.

Alex Bayer: EVEN

Inactive.

Marcus Roberson: Stock UP

As mentioned above, Roberson was activated instead of Alexander against the Vikings. He played on special teams but did not register a tackle.

Check back next week after the Rams play the Buccaneers for rookie updates.