Donald, Mason, Gaines Make Professional Football Writers of America’s All-Rookie Roster

In the past, primarily in the pre-Jeff Fisher era, fans of the St. Louis Rams rarely had much to look forward to this time of the year. The Rams had long been eliminated from playoff contention, the pre-Draft workout process was on standby, and Steven Jackson was the only player worth mentioning in the debate for “the best” at anything in the NFL.

However, over the last couple of years, that has all changed.

Last year, the St. Louis Rams broke through the glass ceiling of postseason accolades, with Johnny Hekker and Robert Quinn being named to the Associated Press’ 1st-Team All-Pro roster. Quinn would go on to take home the 2013 Professional Football Writers of America’s Defensive Player of the Year award, after recording a franchise-record 19.0 sacks.

This year, the Rams rookie class is taking center stage, with a handful of players getting recognition for their brilliant first-year performances. Aaron Donald is the toast of the class, being officially named the PFWA Defensive Rookie of the Year this afternoon. This adds to the bevy of other organizations and football sites that had already crowned Donald the top rookie defender, including ESPN, NFL.com, Peter King in the Monday Morning Quarterback, and, most recently, Pro Football Focus.

However, Donald wasn’t the only rookie that impressed this season. In fact, there were three St. Louis Rams that made the PFWA All-Rookie roster, the most of any team in the NFL this season. In addition to Donald, the Rams sixth-rounder, E.J. Gaines, made the roster at cornerback, finishing the season as arguably the teams most consistent defensive back. Gaines ended the year with two interceptions, 10 pass deflections, 24 defensive stops, and allowing a team-low 67.1% catch rate in coverage.

Joining the mix from the offensive side of the football, Tre Mason almost made the 2014 All-Rookie roster, coming on midway through the year to save the St. Louis Rams stagnant running game. Mason would finish his rookie campaign with 772 yards, averaging 4.3 yards per carry and boasting four rushing touchdowns, including the 89-yard “Auburn throwback” run against the Oakland Raiders.

There were also some rumblings that Greg Robinson had received some votes, although he would not make the final cut for the All-Rookie squad. However, the Rams wrangling in three “All-” anything players from one class is an impressive feat. Lets hope Jeff Fisher and Co. can repeat that success in the 2015 NFL Draft.