Rams groundwork for magical Super Bowl run was laid 27 years ago

When the Saint Louis Rams stepped up to the podium to make their first selection in the 1998 NFL Draft, there were ample elite playmakers on the board. Running back Fred Taylor was available, as was future HOFer WR Randy Moss. Stout offensive tackle Tre Thomas was still on the board, as was WR Hines Ward.

They would go on to have elite NFL careers for their respective teams.

The Rams selected Nebraska defensive end Grant Wistrom with the sixth overall pick in the 1998 NFL Draft. Wistrom enjoyed a productive NFL career, competing for six seasons with the Rams before finishing off his NFL career with three seasons competing for the Seattle Seahawks. In six seasons with the Rams, Wistrom put up 286 tackles, 41.5 quarterback sacks, and 55 tackles for a loss. While a solid performer, he never earned All-Pro or Pro Bowl honors. He was, however, a key defender in the Rams' Super Bowl XXXIV victory.

The Rams would select eight rookies in the 1998 NFL Draft. They were:

• DE Grant Wistrom | 6 seasons | SB XXXIV starter
• FB Robert Holcombe | 4 seasons | SB XXXIV starter
• DE Leonard Little | 12 seasons | 1X All-Pro
• WR Az-Ahir Hakim | 4 seasons
• TE Roland Williams | 3 seasons | SB XXXIV starter
• RB Raymond Priester
• G Glenn Rountree
• DE Jason Chorak

While the class of 1998 may not have been lauded with accolades and honors by the NFL, there are no such limits to the affection and respect that Rams fans hold for this draft class. It was this rookie class that set the stage for the Saint Louis Rams to win Super Bowl XXXIV.

Perhaps that is a gentle reminder to modern-day fans who set high bars for the Rams' draft hauls. Sometimes the best draft classes are less about superstars who will eventually drain the coffers dry when they mature to their first fair market contract, but rather about those niche players who economically fill vital roles on the team. Robert Holcombe never rushed for 300+ yards in a season, but he was a starter for the Rams' Super Bowl XXXIV winning team. Neither DE Leonard Little nor WR Az-Ahir Hakim started in Super Bowl XXXIV, but they made solid contributions

In the NFL, it's less about individual performances and more about getting the right players to fill the right roles. Fans love players who make quarterback sacks and interceptions. But coaches love players who gobble blockers, stuff the run, get pressure on the quarterback, and deny completions. The keys to winning football games are not the same as the keys to winning in Fantasy Football leagues.

As the Rams make their final preparations for the 2025 NFL Draft, it's probably wise to view the entire draft class as a whole, and even wiser to consider how players chosen in the 2025 NFL Draft may fit the Rams roster overall. Not every rookie added needs to become an All-Pro to improve the team. Even a special teamer can be the difference maker.

The Rams have eight selections to make in the 2025 NFL Draft. In the 1998 NFL Draft, the Rams selected eight rookies, but three never played a single snap for the team. Still, it's hard to argue it was not a solid draft, as the Rams won Super Bowl XXXIV one year later.

The NFL draft is more than a lottery ticket. It's part jigsaw puzzle as well. As always, thanks for reading.

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