SB Nation - Marques Hagans

Recent Draft History: St. Louis Rams

Jeremy Bolander — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 20:00:10 -0000

2008 Draft:

1 (2) Chris Long, DE STARTER

While Long's production may not be where many would like to see it, it is generally regarded as acceptable for defensive linemen to take a little time to develop, and in Chris' case, he does all the little things to make you comfortable with giving him that leeway. Reportedly a hard studier and film-room buff, he is a solid guy in practice and hustles on the field. The feeling, and it seems pretty accurate, is that he is well on his way to being a consistent, and possibly stellar, player.

2 (33) Donnie Avery, WR STARTER

Avery contributed immediately to the team, posting good numbers for a rookie WR and flashing some terrific instincts, body control and hands. The Rams liked his efforts enough to name him their rookie of the year, and he has a bright future ahead of him as the team improves around him

3 (65) John Greco, OT Backup

Greco came along slowly, but was moved ahead of G Incognito on the depth chart at the end of the season, where he was adequate. WIth Incognito likely to attempt an "attitude-readjustment" there will likely be a battle in camp for the starting RG spot. While Greco could win the spot in a darkhorse role, Cogs is certainly capable of hanging on to it, and Greco may end up learning to backup the C and LG in order to capitalize on his roster spot, and better position himself for an inevitable move into the starting lineup someday.

4 (107) Justin King, CB Backup

Sidelined by an injury in training camp, he looks to be healthy and ready to return. He will need to catch the coaches eye all over agian, but he was on his way to doing that once ,and he has the confidence to repeat it.

4 (128) Keenan Burton, WR Backup

Burton found himself in and out of the lineup with injuries and inconsistent play, but flashed the ability to play a possession role in a more spread out offense. Unfortunately, if he doesn't get more durable, playing over the middle will drop his value out of sight, and the Rams won't be willing to hang onto him.

5 (157) Roy Schuening, OG Backup

A promising prospect who is being developed very carefully by the Rams. May compete for a backup spot, but could likely end up on the practice squad in 09, with redundant interior depth ahead of him. He got off to a rough start, and the season finished with him not getting in on the "talent scouting" where the team played a lot of their depth in the final games, but in between reporst from the front office for him were favorable, so he seems to be doing the little things behind the scenes.

7 (228) Chris Chamberlain, SS/OLB Backup

After spending the season inactive he was able to get on the field towards the year, but didn't turn any heads while getting reps at OLB. his coverage skills appear to be solid, and he could provide key depth at the SAM position going forward.

7 (252) David Vobora, ILB Backup

Vobora didn't impress with plenty of playing time. He might be best suited to a move outside, as he is a tad undersized, but the Rams will likely try to upgrade the middle,a nd he will end up ahving his work cut out for him to keep a job.

2007 Draft:

1 (13) Adam Carriker, DT STARTER

Too small to be plugged in at NT, Carriker may shift to 34DE in the Rams new scheme, and the hope is that this could avert what looms as a "bust" scenario with Carriker. While DTs take some time to develop, Carriker has proven ineffective against the run, and so his development has been questioned. As a DE his skills may still be underutilized, but at least he would have less expected of him. if he can get his stock back up the Rams may decide that he is better suited going to another team.

2 (52) Brian Leonard, RB Backup

With only two games in two years at an impact position, Leonard may be looking at a ticket out of town, soon. He hasn't shown the ability to backup at RB reliably, and he isn't an effective FB, as evidenced by the FA FB signings. As a high #2, this pick isn't working out, and the disappointment is palpable.

3 (84) Jonathon Wade, CB

Wade was able to get provide a decent contribution as a rookie, but found himself being edged out for a starting spot in 2008. He did come in and replace Fakhir Brown a few times, adequately, and his progress has been noted by his coaches. He will likely be let to develop.

5 (139) Dustin Fry, C Backup/Cleveland

After making the PS and seeing a few actiavtions here and there, he was eventually cut in favor of other OL depth and eventually picked up by Cleveland, where he is signed to a practice squad contract.

5 (154) Clifton Ryan, NT Backup

closer to what the Rams need at NT, he has shown only limited ability to hold up to a double team. While he is not he runstopping answer the Rams are looking for, he still appears to be a solid member of the d-line rotation. With his contract coming up next year, the Rams will have to evaluate his long term viability in their new scheme.

6 (190) Ken Shackleford, OT Out of NFL

After doing nothing in St. Louis he was picked up and alter released by the Kansas City Chiefs, and remains unclaimed after a year.

7 (248) Keith Jackson, NT Out of NFL

Son of former probowler TE Keith Jackson Sr., this underwhelming prospect was out of St.Louis and then SD within a year and a half. He was never resigned by any teams.

7 (249) Derek Stanley, WR/KR Backup

Going into the final year of his contract, the odds are stacked against Stanley. With insignificant contributions on offense, and limited production in inconsistent STs roles, an ACL injury to close out 2008 came at exactly the wrong time. Inlikely to be 100% by training camp, Stanley and his agent should be looking at post 2009 plans.

2006 Draft:

1 (15) Tye Hill, CB Backup

Though he should have a starter's abiltiy, too many injuries ahve sidelined his potential and shattered his confidence. Under new coaching, he may get new life breathed into him, but it may also be too little too late.

2 (46) Joe Klopfenstein, TE Backup

Great talent but epic underachievement equals immense disappointment in this promising prospect. He could very well be the key to what ails the Rams offense, but inconsistency, injuries and an overall lack of "it" have made him a poster child for the Ram's struggles the past three years. He may still dig himselfout of this hole, but at this point, it isn't likely.

3 (68) Claude Wroten, DT Suspended

Another epic failure, but this time in the character department. Wroten never really provided any impact on the Dline in two years of rotating in and out, so his 2008 suspension for the entire season could hardly be said to have hurt the Rams,at least, no more than they were used to. He will be eligible for reinstatement May 30th, but that is likely to mean very little.

3 (77) Jon Alston, LB Backup/Oakland

A promising prospect who never managed to step in in St.Louis, he went to Oakland where he saw his share of deactivations, yet managed to impress the oakland front-office enough to earn a tender during his restricted free agency.

3 (93) Dominique Byrd, TE Out of NFL

Another low-character flyer that bit the Rams where it hurts, he saw himself at the center of infractions for DUI, and hten for criminal conduct and armed battery in a nightclub incident. Rams fans everywhere breathed a sigh of relief when the housecleaning swept this one out.

4 (113) Victor Adenyaju, DE STARTER

A rare draft hit for the Rams pre-Devaney front office, Adenyaju provided solid run support depth and was a high-motor, high-character kind of guy. His high tender in 2009 shows that he is someone the team would like to hang onto if they can, and he could be a key free agent re-sign in the future.

5 (144) Marques Hagans, WR/KR Backup/Redskins

Haggans is the prototypical underacheiver, with just enough upside to stick around, but who never manages to step up when he needs to. After the Rams shipped him out after a lingering hamstring injury sidelined him, he was practice squad player for the Chiefs, Colts and now, Redskins.

7 (221) Tim McGarigle, LB Out of NFL

No real sticking power, he was released to make room fo rhis replacement, never a good sign.

7 (242) Mark Setterstrom, G Backup

While he has played well replacing injured players, he himself too often has been injured, including a recent knee injury that is questionable enough for the Rams not to tender him in restricted free agency. After the chips fall where they may, Setterstrom will need to prove he can overcome the latest injury to have a future in the NFL.

7 (243) Tony Palmer, G Out of NFL

After being underwhelming in STL, the Packers picked him up where he never seemed to pick up enough practice reps to get a shot at the lineup, missing practice time, and being deactivated too many times. After a neck injury sent him to IR, the packers waived him when he failed his physical.

Morning Update (Blogging in Zubaz Edition)

Chris Thorman — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 12:59:24 -0000

Unlike Chris Cooley, I photoshopped my penis out of the picture before posting this.

Whoops, we missed yesterday's signing of WR Nate Hughes to the practice squad. QB/WR/Whatever Marques Hagans was released to make room.

John from Gang Green Nation has a FanPost up asking for questions about the Jets. Head over the to participate.

When asked by the NY media if he had called veteran quarterback Vinny Testaverde yet, Herm Edwards said, "Not yet. He’s on my hotline, though."

I'm starting to get behind Tyler Thigpen, only because of the ridiculousness of the Kansas City Chiefs QB situation. Dwayne Bowe seems to like Thigpen - "He brings a lot of energy. He’s always ready to get the ball out of his hands. He's not willing to take a sack, and he’s likely to just take off."

I was just about to link to Jason Whitlock's solid editorial about Larry Johnson then he had to go and mention Jeff George at the end of it.

Bob Gretz has lots of advice for Larry Johnson.

This is a legit question: Do the Chiefs currently have the worst quarterback depth chart...of all-time?

Man, I still love this video (FYI music plays when you start it).

Herm as a college coach? Thoughts?

C.E. Wendler places the blame for Brodie Croyle's injury squarely on the shoulders of Herm Edwards.

Ooohh...the Real Clear Sports Scoop Counter pitting NFL writers and reporters head to head.

Assessing Chiefs' Need For 2009 Draft

Direckshun — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 07:24:05 -0000

Bumped this up a few hours. Morning update will come around 8 AM. -Chris

It's never too early, is it? Nah.

I am, nonetheless, an addicted draftnik, to the point where I literally have a tackboard that I keep all my favorite draftees targeted at particular points in the Draft.

But the point of this entry is not necessarily to judge which players we might be more intrigued by (rest assured, there will be plenty of those in the months that come from yours truly). Here, I'm more convinced in our needs. What needs are the most and least pressing for the Chiefs in the 2009 NFL Draft?

A complete and obsessive breakdown follows, after the jump.

HIGH VALUE POSITIONS

QB

This is a large concern for the Chiefs. Huard is on his last legs this season, and at the end of 2008 I believe the Chiefs should thank him for his services. Many folks here have been hard on Thigpen, but I'm of the belief that Thigpen does have some potential. He was drafted out of a small college -- that screams "two-year project." Thigpen needs time, and he's not hurting anybody at the #3 slot. Ingle Martin is just a guy.

Croyle is just not reliable as an NFL starter, but he does have gifts, and he does have a certain amount of poise. He is not the future of this franchise, but he could make a solid-to-great backup.

Quinn Gray -- Keep, start.

Brodie Croyle -- Keep, make him earn it in camp against whatever stud we bring in.
Damon Huard -- Retire/cut.
Tyler Thigpen -- Keep, make him earn it in camp.
Ingle Martin -- Cut.

Need: 10 out of 10.
Pick: 1st to 3rd round. Maybe a second in the 6th or 7th to compete with Thigpen.

WR

It goes without saying that Bowe's a true #1. It's tough to say if we have a true #2, but Will Franklin has some potential. He's a fast route-runner and he exploded in preseason. He'll struggle this year as he recovers from his injury and gets used to game speed, but I'll be watching. As of now, he's unproven.

After him, it's nothing but question marks. Webb will be an RFA, but isn't worth more than vet minimum. He's a 5th WR at best. Darling continues to be a huge disappointment, but we can keep him around as a 3rd or 4th. Hagans and Rucker are just guys. There's serious need here, not only as a #2, but for depth as well.

Dwayne Bowe -- Keep, start.
Will Franklin -- Keep, let him earn it in camp.
Devard Darling -- Keep.
Jeff Webb -- Keep at vet min.
Marques Hagans -- Cut.
Micah Rucker -- Cut.

Need: 8 out of 10.
Pick: We could take 2 and I'd be alright. 1st to 3rd for the first, and 4th to 6th for the second.

OT

Albert has shown enough to be a starting LT for yet another year. Therefore I don't think the Chiefs should worry about spending a 1st on an elite LT. It's possible we already have one. We also have a very talented young steal from 2006 in Herb Taylor, who has handled LT duties very well in Albert's stead. He deserves to fight to start at RT next year.

McIntosh I'm not crazy about but he'd be about all you could ask for as a backup LT, or a backup RT. Richardson's a backup tackle at this point. It's tough to tell if he will ever be quick enough to block on the edge, but he's definitely talented enough to start inside. Moving him to guard is an option. There's a slight depth issue here, but for the most part I like Albert and Taylor in 2009.

Branden Albert -- Keep, start LT.
Herb Taylor -- Keep, start RT.
Damion McIntosh -- Keep, backup.
Barry Richardson -- Keep, backup and/or move to G.

Need: 4 out of 10.
Pick: 6th to 7th.

DT

As Dorsey continues to face double-teams, this DL is going to have to showcase other talents that can take advantage of one-on-ones. Picking an elite DT in this draft with our first or second would free up Dorsey more often and our entire DL would benefit. However, it's tough to say whether Tank is that guy, thereby making that pick unnecessary for the moment. He has shown flashes.

It's also hard to say whether our backups are really up to the task. Boone fits as a rotational DT, especially in the nickel package, but TJ Jackson and Ron Edwards are probably disposable. Better options abound, in the Draft and elsewhere. Derek Lokey is just a special teams guy.

Glenn Dorsey -- Keep, start.
Tank Tyler -- Keep, make him earn it.
Alphonso Boone -- Keep, make him earn it.
Ron Edwards -- Cut.
TJ Jackson -- Make him earn it in camp.
Derek Lokey -- Make him earn it in camp.

Need: 6 out of 10.
Pick: 3rd to 5th.

DE

Lots of trouble here. We need everything. Turk McBride really seems like the only thing that's working out here. He's not a good pass rusher but he plays the run on the strong side fairly well. Tamba Hali is talented but he over-exerts himself and gets injured frequently. Hali would work best not as a feature DE but as part of a lethal rotation, which he's never had in KC. Combine him and Turk with an elite pass-rush specialist and things might open up.

Still, that's just three guys. Nothing else looks great here. Brian Johnston needs another season to develop, and Jason Parker is just a guy. Depth is needed here -- drafting two guys is probably worth it.

Tamba Hali -- Keep, start in rotation.
Turk McBride -- Keep, start in rotation.
Brian Johnston -- Keep, make him earn it in camp.
Jason Parker -- Make him earn it in camp.

Need: 10 out of 10.
Pick: Two picks, 1st to 2nd with the first, 3rd to 5th with the second.

MLB

This is such an important position in the Cover 2. The Cover 2 MLB needs to be one of the bigger LBs in this league, and he needs to be one of the fastest. That said, you simply can't put anyone in this position who isn't an insane athlete and expect them to succeed. Pat Thomas has struggled but deserves a spot on this team -- however, he's certainly no starter. We don't have one on this roster.

Napoleon Harris is either constantly injured or constantly disappointing. He needs to be released. Weston Dacus looks good on special teams; let him earn it in camp.

Pat Thomas -- UFA, resign on the cheap.
Weston Dacus -- Make him earn it in camp.

Need: 9 out of 10.
Pick: 2nd to 3rd.

MID VALUE POSITIONS

RB

Running back by committee is really the way to go these days if you have decent talent at the position. What you don't need is an elite guy anymore, especially one that is incredibly limited in the ways you can use him. LJ is not only a poor 3rd down back due to his poor blocking, but he broods and runs poorly if not given the ball early and often -- which you'd have to give him, basically, on 1st down and 2nd down. A large part of why our offense is predictable is attributable to that weakness... LJ is worth a lot on the market, and little to a team rebuilding. I say trade him for a 2nd.

To replace him, we're largely set. While my belief in Savage is middling, I have really enjoyed Charles and Smith. Both guys can be a solid combo package, but this team will still need a bruiser. Battle fits the role, but it's tough to say whether or not he can be that guy in 3rd and goal situations. I like Battle and Savage just enough to have them prove it in camp, but I'm not opposed to us finding a bruiser in the Draft.

Larry Johnson -- Trade.
Jamaal Charles -- Keep, start.
Kolby Smith -- Keep, start.
Dantrell Savage -- Keep, let him earn it in camp.
Jackie Battle -- Keep, let him earn it in camp.

Need: 5 out of 10.
Pick: 4th to 7th round.

C

It's hard to say if Rudy Niswanger can really hold it down. He's definitely got the head for the job, and he seems to hold his own most games, but he gets absolutely killed by massive nose tackles, and he gets zero help from the right side of the line. I'm willing to give him another year before trotting in a rookie, but if a golden goose falls in our lap early on, I'd go for it.

Wade Smith is serviceable as a backup. No real complaints there. I'm pretty forgiving at this position right now as we try to reconstruct the right side of the line.

Rudy Niswanger -- Keep, start.
Wade Smith -- Keep.

Need: 3 out of 10.
Pick: 6th.

OLB

As of now, we've got two viable starters for next season. Derrick Johnson can obviously hold down the strong side, and Demorrio Williams shows enough promise to warrant a season as the unquestionable starter on the other side. But since Williams is not a sure thing, and because DJ will be in the last year of his contract, drafting a stud OLB is not exactly out of the question.

Our backups is where the real mess is. Nothing's there. Donnie Edwards is on his last legs this season, Walden is worth keeping but is just a special teamer, and Durde isn't worth anything but an international spot on the practice squad. Depth here is a must.

Derrick Johnson -- Keep, start.
Demorrio Williams -- Keep, start.
Donnie Edwards -- Retire/cut.
Eric Walden -- Make him earn it in camp.
Aden Durde -- Cut.

Need: 7 out of 10.
Draft: We could use two picks on OLB and I wouldn't mind. 3rd to 4th, and 5th to 7th.

CB

Finally, two young corners with promise! What are we going to do with that? Flowers and Carr are probable starters next year to round out a very young secondary. But they've got no depth behind them, especially as the Chiefs probably release Surtain this year.

Maurice Leggett can't get past Patterson on the depth chart, and Patterson is nothing to write home about on defense. He's a good special teamer, though. Travarous Bain intrigues me, but I doubt he's much to write home about.

Brandon Flowers -- Keep, start.
Brandon Carr -- Keep, start.
Patrick Surtain -- Cut.
Maurice Leggett -- Keep, make him earn it in camp.
Dimitri Patterson -- Make him earn it in camp.

Need: 6 out of 10.
Picks: 4th to 6th.

S

We're pretty much set at safety for a couple years. Page and Pollard continue to grow but fail to establish themselves at starters. Morgan may challenge either of them to start. Let 'em at it, says I. McGraw is a special teams guy who can play in spurts -- but man, Morgan needs to develop. McGraw does nothing but surrender yardage on defense.

Jarrod Page -- Keep, start.
Bernard Pollard -- Keep, start.
DaJuan Morgan -- Keep.
Jon McGraw -- Keep.

Need: 2 out of 10.
Picks: 7th.

K

Nobody knows the woes of being unprepared at this position more than the Chiefs. Nick Novak never did and never will deserve the opportunities the Chiefs have given him. I know Herm infamously misfired with Medlock, but the Chiefs should not be gunshy about a kicker should a good one drift along.

Connor Barth -- Make him earn it in camp.

Need: 5 out of 10.
Picks: 4th to 7th.

LOW VALUE POSITIONS

FB

Cox is a versatile, smart FB. He is a sturdy blocker, and a reliable receiver in the flat. He needs to improve more on his blocking, but there is nothing to complain about here. Cox fits the bill for 2009, and probably beyond.

Mike Cox -- Keep, start.

Need: 1 out of 10.
Pick: Don't.

TE

It's an absolute imperative that we trade Tony G. Not because I dislike the guy, but because he is still an amazing TE, but he will not be around by the time this team is Super Bowl competitive. I say we eat his 2007 signing bonus and trade him for at least a 3rd. Someone out there will take him.

It's also important that we trade him off because he's such a complete package, there's virtually no opportunities for Cottam to play. Cottam will never be the athletic stud that Gonzalez is, but he's proven to have good hands in the preseason and he's a huge target in the middle of the field. He's a great matchup problem. It's cloudy what we have behind him, but if Merritt's as good a blocker as Kuharich makes him out to be, he's our blocking TE. Michael Allan can always be brought back as a #3 TE, but Foschi's just a guy. But the Chiefs will need depth here if Merritt doesn't pan out.

Tony Gonzalez -- Trade for a 3rd.
Brad Cottam -- Keep, start.
Mike Merritt -- Keep.
John Paul Foschi -- Cut.

Need: 3 out of 10.
Pick: 6th-7th.

OG

Really shaky here. It's hard to say if Brian Waters has another season in him, and if he does it's hard to say if he can start. Given the needs across the board for this team, he'll probably have to. Nonetheless, there's no reason to lose him. Adrian Jones, however, is a waste of a roster spot. He is a backup at best. The Chiefs would be best to let him walk since he's an UFA. I'm in favor of trying out Barry Richardson at RG.

Our backup situation at this position is dire. There is nothing there. Edwin Harrison is the best looking guy we have, and he's currently on the practice squad. De La Puente and Tavaris Washington are just guys.

Brian Waters -- Keep, start LG.
Barry Richardson -- Move to RG?
Adrian Jones -- UFA, let him walk.
Edwin Harrison -- Let him earn it in camp.
Brian De La Puente -- Let him earn it in camp.
Tavaris Washington -- Let him earn it in camp.

Need: 7 out of 10.
Pick: 3rd to 5th.

KR/PR

We're a mess here. We've simply got to give youth a chance, and I think Savage is showing us why that's necessary. Drummond was a joke last year, and Sams was developing into one this year. I'm really interested to see Kevin Robinson when he gets healthy, but I see the writing on the wall.

Dantrell Savage -- Keep, let him earn it in camp.
Kevin Robinson -- Keep, let him earn it in camp.
B.J. Sams -- Release.

Need: 2 out of 10.
Picks: 7th.

P

We are set and happy with Colquitt. He's our MVP, after all.

Dustin Colquitt -- Keep.

Need: 0 out of 10.
Picks: Don't.

The Chiefs (Almost) Fill Up their Practice Squad

Chris Thorman — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 19:02:56 -0000

The nearly full list, courtesy of the mothership.

S Dowayne Davis
DE Jason Parker
WR Marques Hagans
G Edwin Harrison
DT Derek Lokey
WR Kevin McMahan
LB Aden Durde

Dowayne Davis, an undrafted free agent who signed with Dallas and was just cut, and wide receiver Marques Hagans are new to the team.

Since Durde doesn't count towards the eight player limit, the Kansas City Chiefs still need to add two more players. That may happen in the coming minutes as they update their web site roster.

NFL.com reported that the Chiefs also tried to claim center Andy Alleman but he was awarded to the Miami Dolphins.

A bit more about Dowayne Davis and Marques Hagans is after the jump.

**UPDATE** Adam Teicher at the Red Zone speculates that the last two spots on the practice squad could go to WR Scott Mayle and LB Weston Dacus.

Above are some clips of Dowayne Davis and here is a bit of info on WR Marques Hagans, who was a Rams 5th round pick in 2006.

Rams make cuts; remembering the 2005 draft

VanRam — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 21:04:58 -0000

Another round of cuts from the Rams today. The most surprising names on the list: Marques Hagans and Jerome Carter. Ok, not that surprising, but I did think Hagans maybe had a shot. Now, among the fringe WRs, I'd say Stanley has the best chance to stay on the active roster...maybe. According to the piece at the official Rams site, the team is interested in keeping Hagans for the practice squad. He'll have to clear waivers first.

Jerome Carter's release means Eric Bassey most likely has a spot on the roster, adding depth at safety and role playing on special teams. That's a good move, IMHO. Remember that Ron Bartell has been working some at safety, though his primary m.o. remains CB. Carter was a fifth round pick in the 2005 draft, and like a number of Rams picks that year, he never lived up to his potential. (more on the 2005 draft below)

The other cuts came as no surprise: Matt Caddell, WR; Nick Cleaver, TE; Willie Williams, DT; Henry Smith, DT; Tanard Davis, CB; Cortney Grixby, CB; Donovan Raiola, C; and Marcus Riley, LB. Based on our limited viewing of these guys, I'd say, besides Hagans and Carter, Marcus Riley has the best chance of catching on somewhere else.

Carter becomes the latest disappointment from the 2005 draft, when the Rams took a whopping 11 players. Also drafted in fourth round by the Rams, none other than classy Claude Terrell. Still, compared to others, the '05 draft turned out ok for the Rams. Of the 11 players taken, the four still with the Rams are starters.

First round pick Alex Barron hasn't lived up to his first round potential, but he has been a solid everyday player that hasn't missed a start in two seasons. Second round pick Ron Bartell battled inconsistency, but finally looks to be over the hump. He's starting at nickel for the Rams, and his performance down the stretch late last season and through this preseason could make him a starting CB for plenty of teams in the league. He's scheduled to be an UFA after this season, so see if that elevates his play. The Rams hit pay dirt in the third round, drafting O.J. Atogwe with the second pick in the round. They drafted Richie Incognito in the same round, 81st overall.

Two other players taken by the Rams are still in the league. Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB, and Madison Hedgecock, FB, both seventh round picks, have roles with other teams after getting jettisoned by the current Rams regime.

Those four players are solid contributors, and in one case, one of the league's elite at his position. But it's still just four of six, and after watching the game last night, it's clear that those drafts of recent past have hurt the Rams, leaving them without quality depth players.

Contrast that with this year's draft. Our first round pick, despite a slow start, is widely expected to be a star. The two WRs, second rounder Donnie Avery and fourth rounder Keenan Burton, already look like solid players, with Burton maybe the steal of the draft. They should at a minimum give the Rams good depth at WR down the road. Third round pick John Greco won't replace Orlando Pace, but he already looks like a winner at G. CB Justin King, the other fourth rounder, could have been 4th on the depth chart this year had the injury bug not bit him. People are raving about one of the two LBs taken in the draft, Chris Chamberlain, and David Vobora, while still raw, could be a keeper. The biggest question mark of the draft is fifth round pick, G Roy Schuening. His ability was praised heading into the draft, but he had trouble adjusting in preseason. Still, with his profile and supposed dedication, he should be able to pick it up eventually.

Truthfully, considering poor drafts have been the main culprit in long stretch of mediocrity for the Rams, Billy Devaney has been the most important offseason addition.

Predicting the Rams practice squad

VanRam — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:52:18 -0000

I'm trying to come up with a Governor's Cup joke here. Every time I get a sentence down though, it erase it, too hackneyed. Let's face it, the Governor's Cup, with most of the starters on the bench, isn't the most exciting football you'll see all season. Might be better than some of those Rams games last season though. For the 20+ guys looking to survive the final roster cut, it is a big game, a last audition.

The Post-Dispatch has a pretty comprehensive look at the final roster as it stands. To kick off the morning, I thought we'd take a stab at predicting the 8-man practice squad. Before I jump in, some housekeeping. I swapped QnA with SBN's Chiefs blog Arrowhead Pride, and will have those up later. Don't forget to check out 3k's preview.

Now, the practice squad.

Roy Schuening, G - Reading about this guy after the draft, I fully expected him to cement a backup role for himself in camp. By all accounts he came to the league as force on the o-line. He could still, and after last season's experience with the o-line, you can bet they'll keep another OL on the practice squad. Probably means Dustin Fry's days as a Rams are numbered.

Marques Hagans, WR - This is a position that will get plenty of attention in tonight's game. Hagans and the others battling for an outside chance at the 53-man roster will get plenty of passes thrown their way as well as return opportunities. Hagans has been the best receiver of these fringe guys, but Derek Stanley has an advantage in the return game. Brandon Williams might be a better kick returner, so he has a decent shot at the practice squad too. Reche Caldwell might make it because of his experience, but he could probably find work complementing the depth on another team. This is the toughest spot by far to round out the bottom of the depth chart. The Rams kept two WRs on the practice squad to start the season last year, Stanley and Dominque Thompson, and it certainly looks like they'll do that again.

Lance Ball, RB - Ball will get a lot of carries tonight, passes too. The Maryland undrafted rookie has really impressed, and had the Steven Jackson holdout dragged into the regular season, there's no question he'd be on the team. He will make the practice squad.

Bruce Gradkowski, QB - Last season, when the Rams went with just 2 QBs on their active roster, they had to keep Berlin on the practice squad. Good thing they did too because they needed him. It's possible they'll keep Gradkowski this year, with Berlin favored to retain his old job at #3. However, it's not as likely.

Eric Bassey, S - This is a tough one too because the Rams have some nagging injuries to key starters. If Jerome Carter can play tonight and doesn't completely suck, they'll almost have to keep the 4th year vet to round out depth at safety by making him the fourth. I'm assuming they'll keep 4 safeties and 5 corners. Vinnett has special teams value. I wonder if they'll keep Macklin, a vet, and put Vinnett on the practice squad?

David Vobora, LB - This depends on whether or not the Rams keep 6 or 7 LBs. If they keep 7, he's on the 53-man, contributing on ST. That scenario likely puts Marc Magro on the practice squad.

C. J. Ah You, DE - I suspect they'll keep a DL on the practice squad, and Ah You is the best of the fringe guys at that position. That leaves them a little short at DT, potentially, with just Glover, Carriker and Ryan as the only full time DTs. Of course, DTs Willie Williams and Henry Smith have as many tackles through the preseason as Adam Carriker, so they'll be working hard to make an impression tonight.

That's my educated guesses at the practice squad. We'll have definitive answers this weekend. Stay tuned.