St. Louis Rams 2008 NFL Draft Review By Tony Moss, NFL Editor
(Sports Network) -
1 - Chris Long, DE, Virginia (6-3, 272); 2 - Donnie Avery, WR, Houston (5-11,
192); 3 - John Greco, OL, Toledo (6-5, 305); 4 - Justin King, CB, Penn State
(5-11, 192); 4 - Keenan Burton, WR, Kentucky (6-0, 201); 5 - Roy Schuening, G,
Oregon State (6-4, 306); 7 - Chris Chamberlain, LB/SS, Tulsa (6-1, 226); 7 -
David Vobora, LB, Idaho (6-1, 234)
Analysis: St. Louis chose wisely in selecting Long, who will team with Leonard
Little to make the Rams' pass rush that much scarier. The selection of Avery
was surprising in that the team ... More...
Torry Holt has reportedly been shouting at rookie Donnie Avery (Houston), according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Holt said, "Right now, I don't have any impressions of Donnie Avery. Hopefully, during training camp he'll show me something." Holt is simply trying to push him to succeed and quarterback Marc Bulger is pleased with Avery's speed and what he can bring to the Rams' aerial attack. Bulger said, "We can put him inside against some nickel defensive backs or some linebackers. But at the same time, he's going to have to, do some other things, because if they know every time he comes in that we're going deep, they have answers for that."
Our View:Avery is only 5-11 190 pounds, but can sprint 40 yards in 4.29 seconds. The team has lacked a deep threat since Kevin Curtis departed for Philadelphia, and Avery could be the guy that fills that role, as their third receiver, possibily as soon as a rookie. He had 17 catches of 20 yards or more at Houston last season.
Oshiomogho Atogwe was on the sideline for Sunday's final minicamp practice due to a hamstring injury, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. He sat out Saturday as well.
Our View:The team did not specify the severity of the ailment. Atogwe racked up 75 tackles (66 solo) and eight interceptions in 2007, with one defensive score. He is very valuable to the team, and they should be cautious with his recovery.
Randy McMichael is pleased to have new OC Al Saunders in St. Louis, as Saunders has directed a tight end to the Pro Bowl for eight straight seasons, according to the Belleville News-Democrat. McMichael said, "As soon as I found what was going on and they had hired Coach Saunders, I got really excited. This is the kind of offense that I have dreamed my whole career of playing in. I'm having a good time right now, and hopefully I can extend my role and keep doing the things I like to do."
Our View:McMichael has the tools to be a highly productive pass-catcher, but he tied a career-low in receptions with 39 and set a career-low in receiving yards with 429 in 2007 with the Rams. The Rams' offensive line was riddled with injuries, and McMichael was too often asked to stay in as an extra blocker. Al Saunders loves to utilize the tight end, and Tony Gonzalez averaged 80 catches per season in his six seasons with Saunders calling the offensive plays in Kansas City. Washington's Chris Cooley caught 57 passes for 734 yards and two touchdowns in 2006 and 66 passes for 786 yards and eight touchdowns in 2007 while under the direction of Saunders as well. If McMichael can stay healthy, he will have a good chance to set new career highs this season, and could prove to be a great fantasy sleeper at the position.
