Ramblin' Fan » Darren Sproles

Combine Report: Running Backs

Justin Stine — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 11:11:35 +0000

Feb 26, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Lamichael James does running drills during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE

The running backs are up here at the Combine Report, and I have to say that I was impressed with this group. With top back Trent Richardson not working out, I still saw some nice talent from those who were on the field. I don’t know how many top guys there are in this group, but there are some very solid players that can be had in the middle rounds. The Rams are going to need to get in the market for a back at some point, so I was very focused on this group during workouts.

Guys Who Impressed Me: LaMichael James, Chris Rainey, David Wilson, Doug Martin, Chris Polk.

There are some interesting guys in this group. James is a guy I have seen a ton of in college while he was at Oregon, and I thought he looked outstanding. He’s small and fast, and he’s going to be a Darren Sproles-type player in the NFL. The Rams could certainly use his game-breaking skills, and he will likely be available late second or early third. Rainey is another fast player who has a ton a highlight-reel tape from his time at Florida. Wilson, Martin and Polk all looked like they could be every-down backs at the next level, and Wilson was probably the most impressive back overall at the workouts. Polk is a guy I liked a lot heading into this thing, and he didn’t do anything to change my mind. Lamar Miller from Miami ran a 4.40 40 which was the fastest time in the group as well.

Guys Who Disappointed Me: Davin Meggett, Darrell Scott, Marc Tyler

Meggett ran a pretty solid 40, but I thought he really struggled with some of the workouts. I thought he might be a sleeper, but I don’t think he helped his cause. Scott and Tyler did not look good catching the ball at all, and I didn’t see a great burst out of him. Scott is a big back who also struggled catching the ball, but he is probably just going to be a power running if he gets to the league. Some of these route-running drills aren’t really fair to the big guys, but it doesn’t change the fact that they are the workouts and Scott and Tyler struggled.

Free Agency Grades: St. Louis Rams

Justin Stine — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 07:25:25 +0000

My guess would be that the Rams aren’t done in free agency just yet, but with practice started I wanted to get my rankings out since most of the players who will be on this team in 2011 are with the club. Overall, I thought the Rams did a nice job in free agency. We had some glaring holes, and most of them have been filled, and filled with pretty solid talent. I really like a few of the signings, and some I’m not as excited about, but overall I understand all of them to this point. What I don’t understand is why this team still hasn’t added a backup running back. Billy Devaney has been saying we need to address the spot for two years, and he still hasn’t done anything to do it. I still expect him to bring someone in before long, but it’s frustrating when you hear names like Darren Sproles and Reggie Bush during the offseason and then these guys go elsewhere for a reasonable price without the Rams being in on them.

As far as the moves I really liked, I can’t decide whether I like Mike Sims-Walker or Harvey Dahl more. Both filled a huge need, and both have the chance to not only fill a hole, but be a major upgrade in talent at their respective positions. We needed a guard badly, and I think Dahl is perfect for that spot. As far as MSW goes, I think there’s a chance he could have a monster season. More after the break…

Rams Sign Rookies; Sproles To Big Easy

Justin Stine — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 07:46:25 +0000

The signings continued for the Rams today, but it wasn’t free agents the Rams agreed to terms with. The team reached agreements with four of their 2011 draft picks: WR Greg Salas, S Jermale Hines, CB Mikail Baker, and S Jonathan Nelson. This was a good first step on the rookie signing front, but the most important picks remain unsigned. As far as first-rounder Robert Quinn goes, it looks like his signing might be delayed due to on ongoing lawsuit against the player by his former agent. Hopefully this situation doesn’t cause Quinn to miss much camp time, because with the late start he really needs to be here for every practice possible.

In other Rams news, the team apparently made contact with former Denver DT Justin Bannan, but nothing happening yet on that front. Also, the team is still negotiating with WR Mark Clayton, but nothing is done yet.

Now, more bad news. After missing out on Reggie Bush, the team won’t be signing Darren Sproles either, as he has reportedly agreed to a deal with the New Orleans Saints. The deal is reportedly for four years with $6 million guaranteed, which honestly sounds like a pretty good deal, and one that the Rams should have pursued. I’m disappointed, but it’s over, so we need to look ahead. I know things have been quiet so far, but there is still plenty of time for the Rams to bring players in to help this team. Just be patient.