Ramblin' Fan » 2008 NFL draft

Chris Long Most Intriguing Rookie

stlvinnie — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 03:22:01 +0000

Thats right the USAtoday Game On bloggers name Chris Long most intriguing rookie going into the 2008 NFL season. I would like you to note that Glenn Dorsey is not mentioned in this article. I am still very pleased that the St. Louis Rams drafted Chris Long with the 2nd pick in the 2008 NFL draft. Just remember that Mario Williams of the Houston Texans, taken ahead of Reggie Bush only had 4.5 sacks in 2006 and was called a bust by many. Enter 2007 and Mario started to dominate games and finished the season with 14 sacks. I am not saying Chris Long will ever have similar numbers, but so far he has only been through one week of practice so please hold judgment until you at least see him play in a game. I also believe he is a can’t miss player.

Five intriguing draft picks to watch for this NFL season.

1. Chris Long, DE, Virginia (St. Louis): The No. 2 overall draft pick is a 6-foot-4, 275-pound defensive end. The son of Hall of Famer Howie Long was one of the most touted players coming out this year. He has long arms and is strong and quick. Twin that with his upbringing and he has been stamped the “can’t miss” draft pick. No one likes to hear that but Long is expected to be one of those special ones who makes it big.

Source USAtoday

Donnie Avery Injured

stlvinnie — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 23:29:58 +0000

St. Louis Rams Donnie Avery has a crack in his pelvic bone (stress fracture). That is the report today from St. Louis Rams training camp in Mequon, Wisconsin. The only place we have seen this report is from Jim Thomas of STLtoday.com and on Team 1380 sports talk radio. Thomas reports that Avery was injured after catching a ball in practice on Monday and landing on his hip. Team doctors said they have not seen a stress fracture in this area before so they are looking into how they will treat Avery. Avery who just watched practice from the sideline on Tuesday could be out for any length of time but team sources have said a few days to a few weeks. We would like to thank Jim Thomas for breaking this story on the radio for fans that want to be up to date on the latest St. Louis Rams news. This could be a crushing blow to the Rams, who have no clear cut #3 receiver behind Torry Holt and Drew Bennett. It is very important that Donnie Avery and Keenan Burton pick up the Al Saunders offense as soon as possible.

Donnie Avery was the Rams second-round pick, and 33rd pick overall in the 2008 NFL draft.

In other St. Louis Rams injury news Chris Draft has back spasms; Mark Setterstrom has an injury to his leg, and Anthony Becht, Vince Hall & Oshiomogho Atogwe all have nagging hamstring injuries. I have not found any word yet on Victor Adeyanju’s finger surgery.

St. Louis Rams Sign Justin King

stlvinnie — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 02:41:04 +0000

The St. Louis Rams signed Justin King on Wednesday July 23rd, to a three year contract. Justin was the Rams fourth-round draft pick, and the 101st overall pick in the 2008 NFL draft. Justin King is a cornerback from Penn State and was all Big Ten first-team in 2007. Scott Wright’s Draft Countdown had Justin listed as the 7th best cornerback in the 2008 NFL draft. They projected Justin to go in the 2nd or 3rd round, so the Rams getting him in the fourth round could be a good deal. Justin should be able to help our cornerback depth, as well as add some special teams talent that we are lacking. Justin can also be used to return kicks, which he may need to do if Dante Hall is not up to full speed.

If you would like to discuss this signing or have any other opinions you would like to share remember to check out the RAMblin’Fan forum, or if you are a fan of another NFL club check out our NFL forums at Fansided forums were all bloggers check in to chat routinely.

Strengths:
Smooth athlete…Good size and bulk…Outstanding speed with a burst…Fluid and flips his hips well…Quick and agile with excellent feet…Excellent hands…A reliable tackler…Has a lot of experience against elite competition…Very smart and a hard worker….Versatile and can also contribute as a return man…Has a ton of upside.

Weaknesses:
Not very strong or physical…Struggles with big wideouts…Raw and needs a lot of work when it comes to technique..Has a long memory…Sub par ball skills and isn’t much of a playmaker…Questionable awareness and instincts…Underachiever who does not play to his measurables…Might lack a fire in his belly…Workout Warrior?

Notes:
Stepfather, Terry Smith, was a wide receiver at Penn State from 1988-91…One of the nation’s premier recruits coming out of high school…Three-year starter in the Big Ten…Was able to graduate from college in just 35 months..Also saw extensive action at wide receiver early in his career…A finesse corner with all of the physical tools you look for but something seems to be missing…An enigma who could be a stud if the light ever comes on but he will need a lot of coaching…”Boom or Bust”.