Rams 2015 Draft Class
The Rams have been hard at work constructing their 2015 rookie class. Continue to check this page for information and links on all of the team’s selections.
St. Louis made running back Todd Gurley its first pick of the 2015 draft, with the thought that he can be an elite offensive playmaker for years to come. In just 30 games, Gurley finished No. 2 in Georgia program history with 44 career touchdowns (36 rushing, six receiving, two kickoff returns). He also set a school record at 6.44 yards per carry, and had 18 games with 100 yards rushing.
FULL STORY: Rams Gain Unique Talent in Gurley | WATCH: Gurley press conference
FULL STORY: Rams add to offensie line | WATCH: Rob Havenstein highlights
Brown was a three-year starter at Louisville, playing at right tackle in 2012 before shifting to left tackle for the 2013 and 2014 seasons. He was was an All-ACC honoree in both years. The offensive lineman was an integral piece of an offense that averaged 394.7 total yards per game in 2014. Head coach Jeff Fisher said that he likely projects at guard for the Rams.
FULL STORY: Rams add to offensive line | LISTEN: Jamon Brown conference call
St. Louis took Mannion with one of the picks acquired from the Carolina trade. Mannion finished his career at Oregon State as the Pac 12s all-time leading passer. He was a four-year starter for the Beavers, with his best season coming in 2013 when he threw for 4,662 yards, 37 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. Fisher said on Friday that he noticed significant improvement in Mannion's footwork and release in the quarterback's private workout with the team.
FULL STORY: Rams add Mannion QB mix | WATCH: Sean Mannion highlights
Continue to check this post for updates as the Rams complete their 2015 draft class.
Donnal started all 13 games at right tackle in 2014, receiving honorable mention All-Big Ten recognition. But he’s seen action on the inside as well, as he played both right guard and right tackle in the 2013 season. He said on his conference call with St. Louis media that he’s played all offensive line positions aside from center. Donnal also described himself as a “blue-collar grinder” who enjoys moving opponents “from point A to point B against their will.”
MORE: Rams draft Donnal at No. 119 | WATCH: Donnal highlights
2014: Honorable mention All-Big Ten. Started all 13 games at right tackle. 2013: Played in 13 games at guard and tackle. 2012: Played in seven games, starting three at right guard before suffering torn ACL and missing final five games. 2011: Played in first four games. 2010: Redshirted.
PRO DAY RESULTS
3-cone drill: 7.51 seconds
Bench press: 23 reps of 225 pounds
ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS Not the prettiest tackle you will see, but is technically sound and works hard snap in and snap out. Succeeds with proper hand placement. Looks for work down the field or when play is in his area. Uses power step to meet inside pass rush moves. Shows ability to drop anchor even if it is a little deep in the pocket.
WEAKNESSES Doesn't have much power in his legs and won't generate very much push in run game. Gets driven off the line of scrimmage at times. Shuffles and gets base too narrow when sliding to a high pass rush attack point. Lacks physical composure when bull rushed. Upper body and hands don't carry much power. Leaner when finding targets on second level.
DRAFT PROJECTION Round 5 or 6
BOTTOM LINE Donnal is limited from an athletic and strength standpoint but understands the nuances of the position and how to play with technique. With an ability to pass protect and experience at both guard and tackle, he should be drafted and has a legitimate shot at making a roster.
Offensive lineman Andrew Donnal (6-5 3/4, 316) finished the three-cone drill in 7.51 seconds. He had 23 strength lifts and stood on the rest of his combine numbers. He moves well and has good core strength.
QB - Sean Mannion
"Mannion reminds me a little bit of Mike Glennon. He throws with anticipation and timing, but he has to quicken the process a little bit." -- Mike Mayock
STRENGTHS
Four-year starter who owns 18 passing records at Oregon State. Tall quarterback who sees over the offensive line. Throws with high release point. Plays with desired footwork. Can sit down and shift weight properly to drive the intermediate throws. Played in pro-style offense and is comfortable with 3-, 5- and 7-step drops from under center. When protected, shows confidence to stand and deliver with accuracy to all areas of the field. Trusted by head coach Mike Riley to make pre-snap reads and audible. Played in multiple-read offense and shows patience in allowing routes to develop. Good feel for pro-style play-action passing attack and can throw with above-average accuracy and ball placement.
WEAKNESSES
Tempo of his play is a concern. Slow in takeaway from center and set-up and slow getting through progressions. Carries ball low in the pocket, allowing defenders to swipe at it. Finished career with 30 fumbles and 54 interceptions. Poise and mobility in pocket are below average. Not considered a play-extender outside of pocket. Drops eyes and misses throwing windows when he senses pressure around him. Decision making greatly influenced by level of pressure around him. Fails to throw with adequate zip when feet aren't under him and he doesn't step strongly into throw. Takes too long to get rid of throws on out routes.
DRAFT PROJECTION Round 5 or 6
SOURCES TELL US "His stats and tape weren't as good this year as last year, but he flashes NFL potential in every game you watch. I thought he did the same thing at the Senior Bowl practices." -- NFC area scout
NFL COMPARISON Matt Schaub
BOTTOM LINE Tall, rhythm thrower who shows an ability to play with confidence and accuracy when used as a game manager within an offense featuring a strong rushing attack. Mannion needs plays to stay on schedule or his confidence becomes shaky and the turnovers start rolling in. Mannion lacks arm talent to carry an offense, but has enough ability to become a capable backup.
RELATED LINKS
Davis: Mannion among prospects who will be better pros
Jeremiah: QBs after Winston, Mariota are bound to be backups
Mannion has look of an NFL QB at pro day
Mannion says he is best player at position in this draft
Rams Add Two To Offensive Line
In the lead up to the 2015 NFL Draft -- and even after the event’s first round -- the constant question on the Rams has been, “Who will play on the offensive line?”The team provided two possible answers on Friday night, selecting Wisconsin’s Rob Havenstein and Louisville’s Jamon Brown with the No. 57 and No. 72 overall picks, respectively.
“We’ve got two big, strong, physical players that extend plays, that finish plays, that go downfield,” head coach Jeff Fisher said. “They’re mauler-type. They’re very, very aggressive, so they’re going to fit our style.”
While the Rams chose Brown with their own eighth pick in the third round, they moved 16 spots back in the second to pick up Havenstein. In exchange for St. Louis’ No. 41, Carolina traded its No. 57, No. 89, and No. 201 picks in this year’s draft.
“We could have gone back not as far and gotten maybe a [fourth] and fifth rounder, but instead took the [third] and the sixth rounder to go back a little bit farther,” said general manager Les Snead.
Fisher said that the Rams had a group of players they felt comfortable with on their draft board at that point, and Havenstein was the first they picked up. Snead said that the offensive lineman has a chance to contribute immediately.
“He is ready to play,” said Snead. “He’s just a guy that knows his strengths and weaknesses and how to use them.”
As a right tackle, Havenstein was a significant factor in running back Melvin Gordon’s 2,587 yards rushing in 2014. He called blocking for the Heisman runner up an awesome experience.
“Any time you can get in there and have Melvin as your tailback, it’s going to be pretty special,” Havenstein said. “He’s an exceptional player and he’s an even better person. Just special to have a chance to block for the guy.”
While he said that he was surprised by the Rams selecting him, Havenstein credited offensive linemen who had come through the Wisconsin program before for carving a path.
“I’d like to think I’m a hard working O-lineman, a tough offensive lineman,” he said. “I did my best to follow in their footsteps and put my own print on it. Just coming out and being a hardworking guy and being a smart player and an overall good offensive lineman.”
In being a right tackle, Snead picked up on Havenstein’s high intelligence for the position.
“He knows what can beat him and what can’t,” Snead said. “I think those guys over time learn to use all that knowledge to know his weaknesses, not get himself into a place where those weaknesses are going to be exposed. The smartness probably comes in handy there.”
While Brown did play both right and left tackle in college, Fisher said that he will likely end up on the inside for the Rams.
“Brown’s moved around,” Fisher said. “You can watch him play both tackles. On two consecutive plays he might be flipping, but he’s also done some guard work, so I think we would probably project him as a guard right now.”
But Brown did not just flip sides on the line -- he actually switched sides of the ball in college. He said on his conference call that former Louisville head coach Charlie Strong gave him the option to convert from a defensive to offensive lineman, and his decision to do so ended up being one of the best of his collegiate career.
“He said it was completely up to me, but I just really wanted to play so I made the switch,” Brown said. “I felt that once I switched to offensive line I could play as much as I wanted once I got over to that position, and that’s what ended up happening.”
The Louisville product did come to Rams Park for a pre-draft visit, and based on that time spent with Fisher and offensive line coach Paul T. Boudreau, Brown said he sees himself fitting in well in St. Louis.
“They run the ball well, and I think I’m a pretty good run blocker, and I think I can be a guy that can help make the running game dynamic,” Brown said. “In terms when we set-up and pass, I think I’ll be a pretty good pass blocker to help whatever we need to have done. I think I can help the offense move forward.”
OT - ROB HAVENSTEIN - WISCONSIN
The long tradition of Wisconsin sending offensive linemen to the NFL will continue this year with Rob Havenstein becoming the ninth active Badger in the trenches for a pro team.
You've heard all of the names. Joe Thomas. Travis Frederick. Rick (nee Ricky, since he's a professional now) Wagner. Ryan Groy. Peter Konz. Kevin Zeitler. Gabe Carimi. Kraig Urbik. A veritable "who's who" of dominant collegiate offensive lineman from the last decade, all of whom suited up for theWisconsin Badgers, and now NFL teams. Wisconsin is one of the few teams in the country that celebrates offensive linemen more than any other position, only running back is held in higher regard in Madison. While running back is the more glamorous position in college, the Badgers' offensive line success at the next level has far outpaced their flashier positioned counterparts. Right tackle Rob Havenstein is the next in line to play and make an impact at the next level on Sundays. The consensus first-team All-Big Ten performer at right tackle helped pave the way for Badgers running backs to average 320.1 rushing yards per game, which was a school record. Wisconsin's offensive line also only allowed 13 sacks in 14 games, which is an even more amazing stat when you consider Wisconsin's quarterback play last year. The Mount Airy, Md. native is projected to land anywhere from the second round to the fifth round, despite having a subpar showing at the NFL Combine, where his 16 reps on the 225-pound bench press was the lowest amongst any of the offensive linemen attendees. He rebounded and improved that number to 20 on Wisconsin's pro day, showing scouts that he will work hard at perceived deficiencies.
Tale of the tape
STAT MEASUREMENTS (FROM NFL.COM) Ht. 6'7 Wt. 321 lbs. Arms 33 3/4" Hands 9 7/8"
| STAT | MEASUREMENTS (FROM NFL.COM) |
|---|---|
| Ht. | 6'7 |
| Wt. | 321 lbs. |
| Arms | 33 3/4" |
| Hands | 9 7/8" |
Career statsStarted 42 of 54 games that he played, including every game after his freshman season
Awards
2013: Named second-team All-Big Ten by the coaches, named honorable mention All-Big Ten by the media
2014: Named first-team All-America by AFCA, named second-team All-America by FWAA, Sporting News and USA Today, consensus first-team All-Big Ten, Big Ten Sportsmanship Award.
NFL combine results
40-YARD DASH BENCH PRESS VERTICAL JUMP BROAD JUMP 20-YARD SHUTTLE 60-YARD SHUTTLE 3-CONE DRILL 5.46 16 reps 28.5" 96" 4.87 sec N/A 8.28 sec
*Havenstein was last in the bench press of any offensive linemen at the combine, was tied for sixth slowest time in the 20-yard shuttle, had the slowest three-cone drill time and was named the combine's Biggest Workout Loser
| 40-YARD DASH | BENCH PRESS | VERTICAL JUMP | BROAD JUMP | 20-YARD SHUTTLE | 60-YARD SHUTTLE | 3-CONE DRILL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.46 | 16 reps | 28.5" | 96" | 4.87 sec | N/A | 8.28 sec |
*Havenstein was last in the bench press of any offensive linemen at the combine, was tied for sixth slowest time in the 20-yard shuttle, had the slowest three-cone drill time and was named the combine's Biggest Workout Loser
Strengths
Havenstein tied a school record with 54 games played, so durability definitely falls under the "strengths" category for the hulking right tackle. Excellent size for an offensive lineman and surprisingly quick feet for a man of said size. NFL.com's Gil Brandt notedthat Havenstein is, "one of those guys who plays a lot faster than his times would indicate." Something that doesn't get reported on often, but Havenstein excelled in, is holding calls. Havenstein had zero holds called against him in 2014 and gave up a mere 2.5 sacks. Massive tackle with very functional length. Looks oafish, but feet are much better than the eye expects. Takes quick steps and good angles for proper positioning to wall off defenders on gap plays. Above-average power in run game and runs legs to create movement. Drive blocker by nature. Block winner at point of attack. Uses well-timed punch and has adequate foot quickness to set out to edge speed. Aggressive, play-finishing demeanor on the field. Plus body control and balance on second-level blocks with ability to sustain. Can brace against power and has feet to counter inside moves in pass pro. Shows ability to mirror and has a wide "success zone."
Weaknesses
In a somewhat shocking development given our country's obsession with "bigger is better," Havenstein's size may actually be a detriment to his NFL career. Tyler Dunne of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Packers Blog said, "Havenstein does not have the lower-body strength of others in this group, and scouts will want to see how such a tall lineman moves and bends in various drills at the combine. They may worry that he plays too stiff." Also, despite playing on a successful team and being quite successful himself, Havenstein isn't exactly the most athletic dude on the planet which may scare some teams off that are looking for upside. Stiffness in knees causes him to come out of stance way too tall. Is almost never under the pads of opponent. Too often has to sumo wrestle at impact to get defender centered. Initial lateral quickness not good enough to count on him with back-side cut-offs. Keeps hands too low pre-punch. Unathletic build with zero bubble. Some scouts worry about stiffness becoming an even greater problem after first few years in the league.
Highlights
Trust me, Havenstein's in there. Look for No. 78.
Started in 42 of his 54 games played. Considered the unquestioned leader of the Wisconsin offense. Came into Wisconsin at almost 390 pounds and has steadily worked his weight down during his time there. Weighed in at 332 pounds at Senior Bowl and dropped to 321 by the combine. Named first-team All-American by AFCA and named first-team All-Big Ten in 2014, starting all 14 games at right tackle and opening gaping holes for teammate Melvin Gordon. In 2013, named second-team All-Big Ten while starting every game at right tackle. Started every game in 2012 at right tackle as a sophomore. Played in 13 games in 2011 and redshirted in 2010. In high school in Maryland, named first-team all-state as a senior team captain and lettered in both football and basketball.
Trust me, Havenstein's in there. Look for No. 78.
Started in 42 of his 54 games played. Considered the unquestioned leader of the Wisconsin offense. Came into Wisconsin at almost 390 pounds and has steadily worked his weight down during his time there. Weighed in at 332 pounds at Senior Bowl and dropped to 321 by the combine. Named first-team All-American by AFCA and named first-team All-Big Ten in 2014, starting all 14 games at right tackle and opening gaping holes for teammate Melvin Gordon. In 2013, named second-team All-Big Ten while starting every game at right tackle. Started every game in 2012 at right tackle as a sophomore. Played in 13 games in 2011 and redshirted in 2010. In high school in Maryland, named first-team all-state as a senior team captain and lettered in both football and basketball.
PRO DAY RESULTS
Bench press: 20 reps of 225 pounds
DRAFT PROJECTION - Round 3 or 4 BOTTOM LINEThree-year starter who doesn't look the part in his uniform, but teams should worry more about how the dish tastes rather than how it is plated. With surprising feet to pair with good length and balance, Havenstein has the tools to be a starting right tackle in the league. He will be adequate when asked to zone block, but he can fire out and use his hips to leverage defenders out of run lanes.
Is Todd Gurley the biggest steal of the first round?
NFL Media's Brian Baldinger and Charley Casserly analyze St. Louis Rams running back Todd Gurley's skill-set and explain why he was the biggest steal of the first round.
Is Todd Gurley the biggest steal of the first round?NFL Media's Brian Baldinger and Charley Casserly analyze St. Louis Rams running back Todd Gurley's skill-set and explain why he was the biggest steal of the first round.
St. Louis Rams Need to Make Offensive Line Priority in Day 2 of Draft - Offensive line still needs addressing as Rams head to day two.
As St. Louis Rams coach Jeff Fisher and general manager Les Snead discussed the decision to spend the No. 10 overall pick on Georgia running back Todd Gurley on Thursday night, the question hovered over them like the constant cloud that surrounded Pigpen in the old "Peanuts" comic strip. Fisher and Snead dutifully ticked off the many reasons they loved Gurley and pointed to him as a "special" talent capable of turning a woeful offense on its ear. But before the Rams' power duo could retreat back to their upstairs draft room at Rams Park, the question came. South Carolina guard A.J. Cann is one of many offensive linemen that could be on the Rams' radar Friday. "So, who is going to block for him?" It's a question that could have been asked in relation to any Rams running back or quarterback over the past couple of months. The Rams' need for help on the offensive line has been well-documented, but for those who might have missed it, they have glaring needs at center, guard and right tackle.
Snead was quick to respond to the query. "We’ve drafted some people in the past and they did make this thing a three-day event. I didn’t decide that, so we have got to live through Friday and Saturday," Snead said. "So we’ll see if we can help improve that position there. We’ll still let the board guide us but we’re well aware (of the need)." Of the players returning, only guard Rodger Saffold started on opening day last season and left tackle Greg Robinson is the only other projected starter with any sort of extensive experience. The Rams released tackle Jake Long and centerScott Wells on the eve of free agency in March.Snead and Fisher have said multiple times that they could get by with one of the trio of Barrett Jones, Tim Barnes and Demetrius Rhaney handling the center job in 2015. A reunion with Wells later on also can't be ruled out. But even if that's the case, the Rams still need to find a minimum of two starters on the offensive line. There remain a couple of obvious possibilities in free agency, including the possible re-signing of tackle Joe Barksdale and/or the addition of guard Justin Blalock.
The Rams have remained in contact with both players, but with a little less than $10 million in cap space and a rookie class to sign, they might not be able to afford both. Which means Friday night's second and third rounds could prove pivotal in how the Rams construct the offensive line moving forward. During the pre-draft process the Rams are known to have brought in 12 offensive line prospects. Seven offensive linemen went in Thursday's first round, five of whom paid pre-draft visits to Rams Park. That still leaves seven linemen who visited St. Louis -- South Carolina's A.J. Cann, Pittsburgh's T.J. Clemmings, Louisville's Jamon Brown, LSU's La'el Collins, Arizona State's Jamil Douglas, Florida State's Tre Jackson and Hobart'sAli Marpet -- available heading into Friday's proceedings. And that doesn't include Wisconsin's Rob Havenstein and Missouri's Mitch Morse, both of whom are known to have received interest from the Rams. Other linemen that also rate highly and are still available include Oregon tackle Jake Fisher and Penn State tackle Donovan Smith, among others.
No matter which names the Rams turn in Friday, it's probably a safe bet that they'll be calling at least one offensive lineman's. Given the need, it wouldn't surprise if they doubled down upfront.
The St. Louis Rams believe that new running back Todd Gurley has the potential to be a game-changing player in the vein of Adrian Peterson or Marshawn Lynch. That belief comes despite a torn left anterior cruciate ligament from which Gurley is still recovering. But when Gurley was healthy for Georgia, there's no denying his production. Here's a look at some of the numbers, many of which come courtesy of ESPN Stats & Information:
- Gurley averaged 3.9 yards after contact per rush in 2014 before his suspension and knee injury, the best among Power 5 conference players with at least 50 carries.
- Gurley averaged 3 yards after contact per rush and gained more than 1,500 of his 3,285 career rushing yards after contact.
- Gurley finished with 114 rushes that gained 10 yards or more since the start of the 2012 season, 15 more than any other SEC player in that span.
- Gurley's 44 career touchdowns are the second most in school history, ranking only behind Bulldogs legend Herschel Walker, who had 52.
- In his career, Gurley had 18 100-yard rushing games, one 200-yard rushing game (vs. Tennessee in 2014), and set the school career record with an average of 6.44 yards per carry.
- Despite playing in just six games in 2014, Gurley earned the team's offensive MVP award with 911 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on 123 carries.
- Gurley's best season actually came in 2012 when he played in 14 games as a freshman. He posted 1,385 yards and 6.2 yards per carry on 222 attempts with 17 touchdowns.
- In Gurley's senior season at Tarboro (North Carolina) High, he finished a total of 2,600 yards and 38 touchdowns.
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