Three-year breakdown:
How the Rams have done in the draft since 2008:
Total picks: 26
2010 Starters: 8
2010 Backups: 8
Other teams: 1
Out of NFL: 6
Injured Reserve/PUP: 3
The last three drafts for the Rams have produced an upgrade to the roster, but that should have been expected considering they picked second overall twice and first overall in 2010.
Most important, the starters have come at impact positions, headed by quarterback Sam Bradford. Two starting tackles, Rodger Saffold and Jason Smith, were added, along with defensive end Chris Long, middle linebacker James Laurinaitis and cornerback Bradley Fletcher. All were selected in the first three rounds.
Long had his best season in 2010, his second playing coach Steve Spagnuolo's defensive system, and becoming settled in at left end.
Wide receiver Donnie Avery has been bothered by injuries, and he missed the entire 2010 season because of a knee injury.
The best mid- to late-round choice was tight end Michael Hoomanawanui (fifth round, 2010). But he has to show that he can stay healthy after missing eight games last season.
Best pick: Quarterback Sam Bradford 2010 (first round, 1st overall): The Rams have added some quality players in the last three drafts, but landing their quarterback of the present and the future can't be topped. That almost made having a 1-15 record in 2009 worth it.
Worst pick: Wide receiver Keenan Burton, 2008 (fourth round, xxxx overall): Burton seemed like a steal in the fourth round, but he arrived with knee issues, and those continued in his two seasons with the team. He showed promise at times, but wasn't able to stay healthy. Since being released in early September last year, he hasn't signed with any other team.
2010 DRAFT PICKS
1 (1) Sam Bradford, QB: He played every snap during the 2010 season and was named the league's offensive player of the year. His poise and leadership were outstanding.
2 (33) Rodger Saffold, OT: Became a fixture at left tackle early in training camp and was never budged. Saffold was durable playing through some injuries, and protected Bradford's blind side consistently.
3 (65) Jerome Murphy, CB: Showed toughness and cover ability; just has to be more consistent.
4 (99) Mardy Gilyard, WR: Struggled with the offense because of missed time in the offseason, but biggest disappointment was not contributing as a kick returner.
5 (132) Michael Hoomanawanui, TE: Became one of Bradford's favorite targets, but two high-ankle sprains cost him significant time.
5 (149) Hall Davis, DE: Traded to the Redskins at the end of training camp, but didn't last with them either.
6 (170) Fendi Onobun, TE: Has outstanding athleticism, but his rookie year was a learning process. Ended season on injured reserve with a back injury.
6 (189) Eugene Sims, DE: showed his versatility by contributing at end as well as getting snaps inside at tackle in certain situations. Expected to make a jump this year.
7 (211) Marquis Johnson, CB: Spent most of the season on the practice squad, and will be back for training camp this summer.
7 (226) George Selvie, DE: Coaches believe he can develop into a solid pass rusher. He had some solid moments and in somewhat limited snaps had 1.5 sacks and five quarterback hits.
7 (254) Josh Hull, LB: Was looking like a solid backup and special-team contributor when his season ended because of a knee injury suffered in the season opener.
