St. Louis Rams Football

Dave Checketts declares his intention to buy St Louis Rams

RamFan — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 05:18:00 GMT

In a brief but exclusive e-mail exchange with the Post-Dispatch on Monday, Checketts interrupted a short vacation to strongly declare his intention to put together a group of investors to purchase the controlling share of the Rams from majority owners Chip Rosenbloom and Lucia Rodriguez.

"We have the ability to get this done and we have communicated this to the Rams," Checketts wrote in an e-mail. "We approached this with the Rams months ago and have since that time put together a partnership of both concerned St. Louisans and outside capital.

"Last week, we communicated to Chip Rosenbloom in no uncertain terms, that he now has a clear St. Louis buyer. We are that buyer.

"We have reason to believe the NFL would approve our group as we have carefully explored their ownership requirements."

That's strong language from Checketts, who politely declined to elaborate on his plans or reveal the identity of willing investors.

But Checketts clearly is trying to stake out his turf here.

By confidently expressing his belief that he can land the Rams, Checketts is trying to galvanize public, private and political support. It's a smart move. Checketts can attract more investors by making a convincing case that he's a serious player for the Rams.

Checketts already is popular with Blues fans. If he can get Rams fans to rally behind him, even more momentum will shift to Checketts' foray into NFL football.

Rosenbloom and Rodriguez are selling their 60 percent stake in the franchise and have enlisted Goldman Sachs investment firm to help expedite the sale.

Cynics would suggest that Checketts lacks the personal wealth to pull off the purchase of an NFL team. Forbes magazine estimates the Rams' value at $929 million, so Checketts would probably have to raise between $450 million and $500 million to acquire 60 percent of the franchise.

Is Checketts getting in over his head? I heard similar doubts expressed when Checketts entered into negotiations to buy the Blues from Bill Laurie in 2005.

And Checketts has been a success on multiple fronts. Scottrade Center was cold and mostly empty for hockey games as Checketts took over as Blues chairman for the 2005-2006 season. And now the arena is filled again.

The Blues were the worst team in the National Hockey League at the end of Checketts' first season, but the franchise made a triumphant return to the NHL playoffs in April 2009.

Checketts is also in position to pull off another long shot, working with St. Louis city and securing some public dollars to renovate and reopen Kiel Opera House.

As chairman of New York-based SCP Worldwide — an investment firm that focuses on sports, media and entertainment assets — Checketts has displayed an uncanny ability to recruit investors and raise cash.

If Checketts is able to work his magic again, it's unclear what his role would be with an NFL team in St. Louis.

Full-fledged owner? Managing partner? Chairman? It's hard for me to say, because I don't know the identity of Checketts' potential partners or what their feelings are about an ownership structure.

While refusing to disclose specific details, two sources close to Checketts framed some of the activity that's occurred behind the scenes:

— Checketts has had multiple discussions with Rosenbloom and "exchanged valuations" on the sale of the football team. A source close to Rosenbloom confirms the conversations with Checketts.

— The investors who reportedly are linking with Checketts are local St. Louis businessmen "of significant value," who share Checketts' desire to keep the Rams in St. Louis and sort through stadium issues here. I was told that two of the names of investors would be "recognizable" to St. Louisans. Another was described as a "heavy hitter" financially.

— Checketts has informed his friend, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, of his efforts to pursue the Rams.

In 2008, when Checketts first informed me of his interest in buying the Rams, the reaction was generally skeptical. That's understandable, since Checketts' name never appears on the lists of the nation's wealthiest individuals. There's a tendency to underestimate him.

So go ahead and scoff. But I wrote it before and I'll do it again: It would be a mistake to dismiss Checketts. He's resourceful, focused, organized and doggedly determined to get what he wants.

And here's another reason I would consider Checketts a contender for the Rams: He has a friend in the right place.

That would be Chip Rosenbloom, who genuinely likes Checketts.

Checketts has gotten Rosenbloom's attention. Now comes the difficult part: coming up with enough money to get Rosenbloom's football team.

Source: ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH

Three St Louis Ram scouts and longtime director of security replaced

RamFan — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 17:24:00 GMT

The personnel roster continues to change at the St Louis Rams Park, three scouts have been replaced, as has the longtime director of security.

Rams general manager Billy Devaney let go three of the Rams' eight field scouts: Cary Conklin, *** Daniels and Mel Foels had a total of 20 years with the team.

"I didn't make any changes when I first came in last year (as player personnel chief). I wanted to go through the process in the whole season, and I did that," Devaney said. "After the draft, there were some guys available that I'd worked with before, and I just decided to bring them in."

The new scouts are Drew Casani, Jonathan Gannon and Joel Patton. Brad Holmes was promoted from combine scout to area scout, with Gannon assuming Holmes' previous duties.

Steve Miller, formerly a member of the police department at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport, has taken over for Dan Linza as the Rams' head of security. Linza, a retired police chief in Kirkwood, had served in the post for 10 years.

"I have a good relationship with Steve," Devaney said. "It wasn't a reflection on anybody. But again, it was a chance to bring somebody in that I got to know since I've been here."

Team photographer Bill Stover also has been dismissed. His replacement has yet to be named.

The St. Louis Rams have added wide receiver Sean Walker to their roster. Walker, 6 feet and 178 pounds, is an undrafted rookie from Vanderbilt. He practiced Friday as organized team activities continued at Rams Park.

Drew Bennett wants to be a Titan again

RamFan — Tue, 12 May 2009 03:07:00 GMT

Free-agent wide receiver Drew Bennett, who was cut earlier this year by the St. Louis Rams and who has visited the Browns and the Falcons, went back to Tennessee on Monday for a physical.

It sounds like he hopes that the stay will at some point be extended.

“I feel like if something gets done here that I can come in and help complement the guys they have,” Bennett said, according to Terry McCormick of the Nashville City Paper. “I know I wouldn’t be coming in as a No. 1 guy. They have a lot invested in guys like Nate Washington and Justin Gage and also the first-round pick, Kenny Britt. But I think I could come in and compete and complement those guys, maybe fill in some holes and work in certain packages.”

Contract talks could begin as soon as Monday night - Drew Bennett started his career in Tennessee. He signed a six-year, $30 million contract with the Rams in 2007.

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But his career there was marred by injury; he played in only one game last season. Bennett now thinks that he’s back to 100 percent.

“I met with Dr. Burton Elrod and the staff and there was nothing didn’t indicate to me anything that might be cause for concern,” Bennett said. “Actually, I’ve been running for a couple of months now, running routes and everything. And the rest of my body, except for the foot, got a chance to rest last season because of the injury, so I’m probably healthier than I’ve been in a while.”

The Titans could use him. Beyond Gage and Washington, they don’t have much in the way of players with NFL experience at any of the receiver positions.

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Pisa Tinoisamoa to visit the Buffalo Bills

RamFan — Tue, 12 May 2009 03:03:00 GMT

Well, it seems like somebody likes Pisa's work on the field!

just a few days after being cut by the St. Louis Rams despite leading the team in tackles again last season, linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa is scheduled to visit the Buffalo Bills on Wednesday, according to Tim Graham of ESPN.com.

Per the report, Pisa Tinoisamoa is “excited” about the pending meeting.

Pisa Tinoisamoa is undersized, reportedly playing last season as light as 220 pounds even though he’s officially listed at 240 pounds. It’s a factor that may have led to his departure from St. Louis as new Rams coach Steve Spagnolo is known to prefer larger linebackers.

Plus, the St. Louis Rams drafted former Ohio State linebacker James Laurinaitis in the second round.

Pisa Tinoisamoa is extremely productive, though, registering 135 tackles last season as well as three sacks and two forced fumbles.

For his six-year NFL career, Pisa Tinoisamoa has led the St. Louis Rams in tackles four times. The former University of Hawaii standout has recorded a total of 445 career tackles, 10 sacks and seven interceptions.

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Miami Dolphins’ home becomes LandShark Stadium

RamFan — Fri, 08 May 2009 17:40:00 GMT

I think Sharks eat Dolphins? Well the name of the Miami Dolphins’ home will be LandShark Stadium, but not for too long.

It will be for this season only and expires before the stadium hosts the Super Bowl in February 2010.

The change is part of the Miami Dolphins’ partnership with singer Jimmy Buffett. He performed a private concert at the stadium Friday, including new Dolphins lyrics he wrote to the melody of his popular tune “Fins.”

Buffett and new team owner Stephen Ross unveiled a logo for LandShark Stadium. Buffett’s Margaritaville enterprise includes LandShark Lager, brewed by Anheuser-Busch.

Ross said the partnership with Buffett will extend beyond this season

St. Louis Rams release Pisa Tinoisamoa

RamFan — Fri, 08 May 2009 17:11:00 GMT

Coach Steve Spagnuolo likes bigger linebackers, and one thing Pisa Tinoisamoa lacks is size. The Rams have released the veteran linebacker, who led the team in tackles last season with 135, but really doesn’t fit into Spagnuolo’s overall vision for the defense at 220 pounds. With the move, Chris Draft moves over to man the starting strongside linebacker position and second-round draft pick James Laurinaitis becomes the starting middle linebacker.

Source: STLTODAY.COM Jim Thomas

St Louis Rams trade running back Brian Leonard

RamFan — Thu, 07 May 2009 19:19:00 GMT

A crowded competition for the No. 2 running back spot behind Steven Jackson got less congested Thursday, with the Rams trading running back Brian Leonard to Cincinnati for defensive tackle Orien Harris.

Leonard’s agent, Mike McCartney confirmed that the deal had been finalized.

“This is a great trade for Brian,” McCartney said. “I give the Rams credit for putting him in a great situation, with a great quarterback in Carson Palmer, where he can be a running back. They’re going to put him in the nickel (package) right away.”
Later in the afternoon, the Rams formally announced the trade.

“This move allows us to add more depth to our defensive line rotation,” coach Steve Spagnuolo said in a statement.

After releasing Chris Perry recently, the Bengals don’t have a clear No. 2 running back behind starter Cedric Benson. The Bengals’ offseason roster currently includes Lindenwood University product DeDe Dorsey, Kenny Watson and sixth-round draft pick Bernard Scott at running back.

The Rams could never find a role for Leonard during his two seasons in St. Louis _ was he a running back or fullbacK? And that seemed to be the issue when Spagnuolo took over as well. Leonard was bothered by shoulder injuries in both of his seasons in St. Louis, playing in only two games last season before going on injured reserve.

The second-round draft pick carried only two times for seven yards last season, but saw extensive action in place of the injured Jackson in 2007. That year, Leonard finished as the Rams’ second-leading rusher with 303 yards on 86 carries (a 3.5 average), adding 30 catches for 183 yards. His best game came against Arizona on Oct. 7 of the ‘07 season when he rushed for 102 on 18 carries.

Harris was claimed off waivers from New Orleans by the Bengals before the start of the 2008 regular season. He played in 14 games with one start, finishing with 24 tackles. The addition of Tank Johnson in the offseason made him expendable in Cincy. In St. Louis he has a chance to be the team’s fourth defensive tackle, with he and fourth-round draft pick Darell Scott backing up starters Adam Carriker and Clfiton Ryan.

Selected in the fourth round of the 2006 draft by Pittsburgh out of the University of Miami (Fla.), Harris has been the ultimate journeyman so far in the NFL. St. Louis represents his six team, with prior stints with Buffalo and Cleveland besides his time in Pittsburgh, New Orleans and Cincinnati. Prior to his stint with the Bengals, he had played in only two other NFL regular-season games, both with Cleveland in 2006.

Harris, 6-3, 300, is a native of Jamaica and the younger brother of offensive tackle Kwame Harris, a former first-round pick of the San Francisco 49ers who currently is a free agent.

Source: STLTODAY.COM

49ers sign linebacker Marques Harris and 12 Free agents

RamFan — Fri, 01 May 2009 19:07:00 GMT

The San Francisco 49ers have signed linebacker Marques Harris to a one-year contract. LB Marques Harris spent his first four seasons with the San Diego Chargers before signing with the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday. He played in 56 games for the San Diego Chargers, getting eight sacks, four fumble recoveries and forcing three fumbles.

the San Francisco 49ers also signed 12 undrafted rookie free agents before the start of minicamp Friday.

The team signed Ohio State offensive lineman Alex Boone, Bowling Green linebacker Diyral Biggs, Gardner-Webb receiver Dobson Collins, Stanford defensive lineman Pannel Egboh, Baylor quarterback Kirby Freeman, Wyoming guard Kyle Howard, South Florida offensive lineman Matthew Huners, Notre Dame cornerback Terrail Lambert, East Carolina defensive end Khalif Mitchell, Purdue running back Kory Sheets, South Carolina cornerback Carlos Thomas, and Georgia Tech cornerback Jahi Word-Daniels.

2009 St Louis Rams Roster - Offense

RamFan — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 02:45:00 GMT

2009 St Louis Rams Quarterbacks:

    * Mark Bulger - 6'3" 212 - 32 years old - 5 years remaining on contract
    * Kyle Boller - 6'3" 220 - 27 years old - 1 year contract
    * Keith Null - 6'4" 222 - Rookie
    * Brock Berlin - 6'1" 215 - 27 years old - Will be a RFA

Brock Berlin doesnt bring much to the table so why not go with Null, right? Besides, it's not like you could make the argument that Berlin knows the system. No one really knows the system since it's a new system.

2009 St Louis Rams Running Backs:

    * Steven Jackson - 6'2" 231 - 25 years old - 5 years left on contract
    * Kenneth Darby - 5'10" 211 - 26 years old - Will be a RFA
    * Chris Ogbonnaya - 6'1" 225 - 22 years old - Rookie
    * Antonio Pittman - 5'11" 195 - 23 years old - Will be a RFA
    * Brian Leonard - 6'1" 226 - 25 years old - 2 years left on contract

2009 St Louis Rams Fullbacks:

* Mike Karney - 5'11" 258 - 27 years old - Signed through 2011

That's it. Hope nothing happens to him, but what are you gonna do? Have two really good blocking Fullbacks on the roster at the same time? No. So, we should be fine here and since Mike Karney is a great blocker.

2009 St Louis Rams Wide Receivers:

    * Donnie Avery - 5'11" 190 - 24 years old - Signed through 2011
    * Laurent Robinson - 6'2" 195 - 23 years old - Signed through 2010
    * Keenan Burton - 6'1" 200 - 24 years old - Signed through 2010
    * Brooks Foster - 6'3" 205 - 23 years old - Rookie

After Foster, you'll see Derek Stanley, who's injured, followed by Travis Brown, Joel Filani, Chad Lucas, and Nate Jones. DON'T expect to see any of those guys on the roster this year. DO expect to see the Rams re-sign Dane Looker. You might also expect to see them add a veteran receiver who's either already available or becomes availalble during camp (but I wouldn't count on it). This is a very young receiving corps (average age 23.5 years).

2009 St Louis Rams Tight Ends:

    * Randy McMichael - 6'3" 255 - 29 years old - FA in 2010
    * Billy Bajema - 6'4" 255 - 26 years old - Under contract through 2011
    * Joe Klopfenstein - 6'5" 262 - 25 years old - FA in 2010
    * Daniel Fells - 6'4" 252 - 25 years old - FA in 2010
    * Eric Butler - 6'2" 255 - 24 years old - FA in 2010

Let's hope McMichael stays healthy. If he does, you can pretty much add him to the receiving corps making it much more potent. Then you add Steven Jackson and possibly Ogbonnaya and you've all of a sudden find a lot of options.

2009 St Louis Rams Centers:

* Jason Brown - 6'3" 320 - 25 years old - Signed through 2013
* Tim Mattran - 6'5" 298 - 24 years old - FA in 2010

2009 St Louis Rams Guards:

    * Richie Incognito - 6'3" 330 - 25 years old - FA in 2010
    * Jacob Bell - 6'4" 295 - 28 years old - Signed throught 2013
    * Jonn Greco - 6'5" 325 - 24 years old - RFA in 2011
    * Adam Goldberg - 6'7" 318 - 28 years old - Signed through 2010
    * Mark Setterstrom - 6'4" 314 - 25 years old - FA in 2010
    * Roy Schuening - 6'4" 308 - 25 years old - RFA in 2011

Lot's of depth here and with the addition of Brown as the Center, I expect Incognito and Bell to have great seasons.

2009 St Louis Rams Tackles:

    * Alex Barron - 6'7" 315 - 26 years old - FA in 2010
    * Jason Smith - 6'5" 298 - 22 years old - Rookie
    * Adam Goldberg - 6'7" 318 - 28 years old - Signed through 2010
    * Daren Heerspink - 6'6" 315 - 25 years old - FA in 2010

Jason Smith rounds out this line and should be able to step in on day one and have an impact. He's not Orlando Pace in his prime, but who is? What he is is a great athlete with a great work ethic who has been extremely good and has yet to reach his full potential. We should see great things from this line.

Average age of Line Starters: 25.2 years (Barron 26, Bell 28, Brown, 25, Incognito 25, Smith 22).

St. Louis Rams sign 15 undrafted free agents

RamFan — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 01:32:00 GMT

Here’s the list of the new free agents:

Roger Allen/G/Missouri Western State
Ekenemchukwu Asiodu/LB/Central Oklahoma State
Jarrett Byers/WR/NE Oklahoma State
Ian Campbell/DL/Kansas State
Quentin Chaney/WR/Oklahoma
Dominic Douglas/LB/Mississippi State
Ray Feinga/G/Brigham Young
Jerome Johnson/FB/Nevada-Reno
Mike Newkirk/DL/Wisconsin
David Oswald/T/Brigham Young
Cordelius Parks/CB/Northeastern
Kirston Pittman/DL/Louisiana State
Mark Rubin/SS/Penn State
Daniel Sanders/C/Colorado
Phillip Trautwein/T/Florida

St. Louis Rams select Bradley Fletcher with the No. 66 pick

RamFan — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 17:26:00 GMT

Fletcher was a first-team All-Conference, All-County, All-District, All-Northwest Ohio, All-Ohio and North/South All-State selection as a senior at Liberty High School. He was also named first-team All-Conference and All-County, along with special mention All-Ohio as a junior.

As a defensive back, Fletcher recorded 207 tackles (81 solo), 13 pass breakups and four interceptions during his career. He registered 74 tackles (43 solos), two interceptions and six pass deflections as a senior. He also performed as a running back, as he rushed 143 times for 815 yards 12 touchdowns as a senior, adding 17 receptions for 314 yards and one kickoff return for 61 yards. In addition to football, he was also an All-State choice in basketball.

Fletcher enrolled at Iowa in 2004, spending the season on the scout team. He played in nine games, seeing action mostly on special teams in 2005, finishing with one solo tackle. He shared left cornerback duties in 2006, appearing in 13 games with four starts. He ranked 11th on the team with 38 tackles (24 solos), as he caused one fumble and broke up four passes.

In 2007, Fletcher again started four times, this time on the right side, seeing action in 11 games. He sat out the season opener vs. Northern Illinois for violating team rules, but went on to post 53 tackles (31 solos) while causing and recovering a fumble. He broke up three passes and had the first two interceptions for his career.

The 2008 campaign saw Fletcher receive All-Big Ten Conference mention. The starter at left cornerback made the most of his opportunity, coming up with 60 tackles (44 solos), as he caused a fumble and knocked down ten passes. He also had three interceptions.

High School
Attended Liberty (Youngstown, Ohio) High School, playing football for head coach Jeff Whitaker...First-team All-Conference, All-County, All-District, All-Northwest Ohio, All-Ohio and North/South All-State selection as a senior...Named first-team All-Conference and All-County, along with special mention All-Ohio as a junior...As a defensive back, Fletcher recorded 207 tackles (81 solo), 13 pass breakups and four interceptions during his career...Registered 74 tackles (43 solos), two interceptions and six pass deflections as a senior...Also performed as a running back, as he rushed 143 times for 815 yards 12 touchdowns as a senior, adding 17 receptions for 314 yards and one kickoff return for 61 yards...In addition to football, he was also an All-State choice in basketball.

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St. Louis Rams select Dorell Scott with the No. 103 pick

RamFan — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 17:24:00 GMT

Dorell Scott did not have a great year this past season, but he's strong and has really good quickness to go along with exceptional strength and speed. He ran a 4.92 40-yard dash at 312 pounds. That is very impressive speed for a defensive tackle.

The 2008 preseason Outland Trophy candidate failed to make much of an impact through the first six games. Freshman backup Brandon Thompson was considered to be performing at the same level until Clemson's coaching change, which included defensive line coach Chris Rumph initiating a candid chat with Dorell Scott. Dorell Scott responded with a season-high eight tackles against Georgia Tech and lived up to his preseason billing.

Dorell Scott recorded had 242 career tackles, 31 stops for loss, seven sacks, 35 quarterback pressures, four caused fumbles, six recovered fumbles, and one defensive touchdown. He was named team defensive MVP three times. He posted 101 tackles and 12 stops for loss on defense and graded 89% for blocking consistency as an offensive lineman in his final campaign. As a junior, he posted 70 tackles with three forced fumbles and five stops behind the line of scrimmage, making 71 stops, including 13 for loss during his sophomore season.

Dorell Scott chose Clemson over Auburn, Florida, and South Carolina, enrolling in 2004. He spent the season redshirting. Prior to the start of the 2005 campaign, his frustration at being third on the depth chart. Scott briefly left the team, resulting in the coaches sitting him down for the first three games upon his return. He appeared in nine contests, producing 10 pressures along with 18 tackles (10 solo) and two sacks.

Dorell Scott took over nose guard duties in 2006, going on to start the next 38 games he appeared in. He collected a career-high 54 tackles (32 solos) that included three sacks and eight pressures. The following season, he finished third among Tiger down linemen with 50 tackles (32 solos), adding three sacks and eight pressures while also picking off a pass.

The 2008 Outland Trophy Watch List member never got untracked as a senior. He sat out the Duke game and missed most of the Florida State clash with a knee sprain. He delivered 39 tackles (29 solos) with 7.5 stops for loss, including one sack and added ten pressures.

High School
Attended Ridge View (Columbia, S.C.) High School, playing football for head coach Kirk Burnett Rated the 30th-best defensive tackle in the nation by CollegeFootballNews.com and 32nd by Super Prep The three-year starter was also named first-team All-State by the Associated Press and an All-Atlantic Region pick by Prep Star.The Super Southern 100 team pick by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, he added All-Mid Atlantic honors from Super Prep and was a two-time All-Area and All-Conference choice.Recorded had 242 career tackles, 31 stops for loss, seven sacks, 35 quarterback pressures, four caused fumbles, six recovered fumbles, and one defensive touchdown.Named team defensive MVP three times.Posted 101 tackles and 12 stops for loss on defense and graded 89% for blocking consistency as an offensive lineman in his final campaign.As a junior, he posted 70 tackles with three forced fumbles and five stops behind the line of scrimmage, making 71 stops, including thirteen for loss during his sophomore season.

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St. Louis Rams select James Laurinaitis with the No. 35 pick

RamFan — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 23:51:00 GMT

St. Louis Rams select James Laurinaitis with the No. 35 pick

The son of world renowned wrestler, Joe Laurinaitis (pronounced Larr-en-EYE-tiss), who competed as the "Animal" in the 1980s and 1990s as part of the tag team called the Road Warriors (Legion of Doom), James also has excelled in the classroom. One of the more instinctive players on the field, he also captured Academic All-Big Ten Conference honors during his junior season.

At Plymouth Wayzata High School, Laurinaitis was named Minnesota's "Defensive Mr. Football" as a senior, going on to record 193 tackles, five sacks and 28 stops behind the line of scrimmage. That year, he led the team to the Minnesota Class 5A state championship game.

During his junior campaign, Laurinaitis was credited with 160 tackles, earning All-State and All-Conference accolades. In addition to his exploits on the football field, he also excelled in hockey, serving as that team's captain during his senior year. He led the hockey squad to the state tournament in 2004 and was considered to be a possible second- or third-round pick if he had decided to enter the NHL draft after high school.

When Laurinaitis accepted a scholarship to Ohio State in 2005, he became the first player from the state of Minnesota to join the Buckeyes' football team since the famed Sid Gillman in 1930. The true freshman played mostly on special teams and as a reserve outside linebacker that season. He would close out his first year on the varsity by delivering nine tackles (3 solos) and assisting on one stop behind the line of scrimmage.

Laurinaitis shifted to middle linebacker in 2006, earning All-American and All-Big Ten Conference first-team accolades. He was a finalist for the Butkus Award and Bednarik Award, in addition to winning the Bronko Nagurski Award, given to the nation's best defensive player. He ranked fourth in the conference and led the team with 115 tackles (53 solos), including four sacks and 8.5 stops for losses. He also paced the Buckeyes with five interceptions and deflected two other throws while causing three fumbles.

As a junior, Laurinaitis was again selected All-American and All-Big Ten Conference first-team. He was named the league's Defensive Player of the Year and won the Butkus Award, as he tallied a team-high 121 tackles (51 solos). He posted 8.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage, including five sacks and also picked off two passes.

Laurinaitis was voted team captain for the second consecutive season by his teammates in 2008 and is only the seventh Buckeye to be elected twice. He earned All-American and All-Big Ten Conference first-team honors, and for the second consecutive year was named the league's Defensive Player of the Year.

He led the team, ranked second in the Big Ten and 14th in the nation with an average of 10.0 tackles per game. He posted a career-high 130 hits (52 solos) with four sacks and seven stops behind the line of scrimmage. He also picked off a pair of passes and deflected four others while leading the Buckeyes to four BCS bowl games during his career at the university.

High School

Attended Plymouth Wayzata (Minn.) High School...Named Minnesota's "Defensive Mr. Football" as a senior, going on to record 193 tackles, five sacks and 28 stops behind the line of scrimmage...That year, he led the team to the Minnesota Class 5A state championship game...During his junior campaign, Laurinaitis was credited with 160 tackles, earning All-State and All-Conference accolades...In addition to his exploits on the football field, he also excelled in hockey, serving as that team's captain during his senior year...Led the hockey squad to the state tournament in 2004 and was considered to be a possible second- or third-round pick in the NHL draft, if he had decided to enter the draft after high school.

St. Louis Rams select Baylor offensive tackle Jason Smith with the No. 2 pick

RamFan — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 22:13:00 GMT

The St. Louis Rams made the right choice, taking Baylor offensive tackle Jason Smith with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. The Rams are in dire need of an offensive tackle after they parting ways with Orlando Pace last week.

"Jason Smith has been a guy who has been in the mix since way, way back," St. Louis Rams general manager Billy Devaney said. "We were comparing him to other candidates we had talked about, and they were all viable candidates. There weren't any smoke screens or any of that stuff.

"We thought highly of (Eugene) Monroe, (Michael) Crabtree, (Mark) Sanchez, (Aaron) Curry. We thought we couldn't go wrong with any of those guys as players. But, at the end of the day, just the mentality this guy plays with -- we've been stressing the smart part, the passionate part, the productive part -- he's off the chart in those categories. We just thought for what we are trying to put together here, he is a perfect for us."

The St. Louis Rams used almost all 10 of their allotted minutes before making the pick.

Devaney said the St. Louis Rams received multiple inquiries from other NFL teams hoping to trade up in the draft.

"Early on, I thought something might happen," Devaney said. "There were some calls, but up to that point there was nothing going on. Yesterday, it was quiet. We started planning for what-ifs, but we thought at the end of the day, we were going to be turning our card. We didn't think anything was going to come out of any discussions, and that's how it played out."

Coach Steve Spagnuolo said Smith could play left or right tackle for the Rams.

Spagnuolo said the Rams liked what they saw out of Alex Barron at left tackle during their minicamp earlier this month.

"You have to give us a little bit of time to get him in a helmet and pads first," Spagnuolo said when asked what side of the line that Smith would be anchoring. "We'll work all of that out. It gives us a little versatility and it gives another quality player on the offensive line."

The 6-foot-5, 307-pound Smith started his college career as a tight end, but moved to offensive tackle prior to his sophomore season.

Smith started all 12 games at right tackle for Baylor in 2006.

As a senior, Smith had 96 knockdown blocks, the most ever by a Bears offensive linemen.

Smith allowed two quarterback pressures and 3.5 sacks on 290 pass plays last season. He also showed a real knack as a drive blocker, helping the Bears average 195.75 rushing yards per game.

Smith, a native of Dallas, Texas, already has received his undergraduate degree in recreation and leisure sciences from Baylor.

High School
W.T. White High School, Dallas, Texas ... Named to the Dallas Morning News Top 100 Area list (No. 95) ... After earning first-team all-district honors as a sophomore and junior as an offensive tackle, he moved to tight end as a senior team captain for the 5-5 Longhorns ... Caught seven passes for 101 yards and one touchdown en route to 2003 all-district honors ... Played in 2004 Coca-Cola High School Football All-Star Game ... Two-time MVP of the Longhorns' offensive line ... Coached by Mike Zuffuto at the District 10-5A school.

Analysis
Positives: Tall, athletic left tackle prospect. ... Excellent straight-line speed and hustle, getting downfield on screens and long runs. ... Can pull and trap, running smoothly and adjusting to oncoming defenders. ... Moves to the second level quickly, using good angles to keep linebackers out of the play. ... Should work well in zone-blocking schemes with his ability to lock onto defenders and move. ... Gets down quickly to cut block despite his height. ... Adjusts well to outside blitzers. ... Willing to throw his man to the ground and keep him there. ... Has made significant improvement in terms of technique and strength over the past two years at left tackle.

2009 Rams draft: Best of the outside linebackers

RamFan — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 00:14:00 GMT

Top 5 outside linebackers on the St. Louis Rams Draft Board

Best against the run
Aaron Curry, Wake Forest
He might not have ideal height, but he can make holes disappear quickly while tossing aside blockers to make a play on the running back.

Best against outside runs
Marcus Freeman, Ohio State
He reads the play quickly, accelerates to full speed in a flash and has the speed to chase down runs away from him. On runs to his side, he is adept at avoiding blockers and has an explosive burst to the ballcarrier.

Best pass rusher
Cody Brown, UConn
He primarily played defensive end in college and has the footwork, agility and pass-rush moves to consistently beat offensive linemen.

Best in coverage
Brian Cushing, Southern Cal
He is outstanding in pass defense. In zone coverage, he reads the QB well and is able to close quickly and make the play. In man-to-man, he jams the tight end at the line and stays with him downfield.

Most versatile
Clay Matthews, Southern Cal
He isn't overly productive but certainly was versatile in college, playing end and all three linebacker positions. He also is a premier special teams player.

2009 St. Louis Rams Draft