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By: Cameron DaSilva | August 14, 2019 4:52 pm ET
100. WR/KR Az-Zahir Hakim (1998-2001)
(JEFF KOWALSKY/AFP/Getty Images)
A Super Bowl champion with the Rams in the 1999 season, Hakim wasn’t the most productive receiver. But he did win a ring and had two respectable seasons in 1999 and 2000, racking up at least 677 yards in each year. His eight touchdowns in 1999 ranked second on the team, which featured Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt. As the third wide receiver, he didn’t garner as much attention or as many targets as his teammates.
99. DB/WR Woodley Lewis (1950-1955)
Lewis did everything for the Rams. He played defense and had 12 interceptions with a league-high 275 yards as a rookie in 1950, earning Pro Bowl honors. In 1952, he became a return specialist, too, leading the NFL twice in punt return touchdowns and once in punt return yards. He also finished first in the league in kick return yards twice, too.
Lewis finished his Rams career with 21 catches for 218 yards and 188 yards rushing, as well.
98. LT Joe Carollo (1962-1968, 1971)
Carollo was a seven-year starter at left tackle for the Rams, making the Pro Bowl once in 1968. He only made the playoffs once, playing on a lot of poor teams during the ’60s.
97. CB Dre’ Bly (1999-2002)
Brian Bahr/Getty Images
Bly was a two-time Pro Bowler, both selections coming after he left the Rams. During his tenure in St. Louis, he did reach two Super Bowls, winning one of them against the Titans. His two pick-sixes led the NFL in 2001, a year in which he had six interceptions.
96. DB Will Sherman (1954-1960)
Sherman picked off 11 passes in 1955, leading the NFL in that statistic. He was named an All-Pro that season and a Pro Bowler in 1958, when he returned two of his five interceptions for touchdowns.
95. RB Willie Ellison (1967-1972)
Ellison earned a trip to the Pro Bowl in 1971 with a 1,000-yard season, by far his best year in the NFL. His two trips to the playoffs were uneventful, but that 1971 season was the highlight of his career.
94. RB Charles White (1985-1988)
Getty Images
When it comes to outlier seasons, White’s 1987 campaign certainly stands out. After never rushing for more than 342 yards in a season, he gained a league-high 1,374 and 11 touchdowns on 324 carries. His 324 carries nearly matched his career total up to that point, with the same going for his 11 touchdowns. He deservingly made the Pro Bowl and was a first-team All-Pro selection that year, though the Rams unfortunately missed the playoffs.
93. RB/FB Cullen Bryant (1973-1982, 1987)
Bryant played in one Super Bowl with the Rams, a loss to the Steelers after the 1979 season. As a return specialist, he scored three touchdowns in a four-year span, while also playing running back and fullback later in his career.
92. WR Ricky Proehl (1998-2002)
(Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Proehl helped send the Rams to the Super Bowl with a six-catch, 100-yard game in the 1999 NFC championship game, hauling in the game-winning touchdown to punch St. Louis’ ticket. He almost helped the Rams win Super Bowl XXXVI two years later, too, tying the game with a touchdown late in the fourth quarter to tie the game. His regular-season numbers aren’t eye-popping, but his clutch play in the postseason was as memorable as any.
91. LT Andrew Whitworth (2017-present)
(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Whitworth has played some of his best football the last two seasons and is a huge reason the Rams offense has been as dominant as it’s been. He was a first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowler in 2017, though he surprisingly missed the cut on both marks in 2018. As a leader and premier left tackle, Whitworth is highly valuable to the Rams and his quality play should continue in 2019.
90. LB Mike Jones (1997-2000)
(Photo by: Tom Hauck /Getty Images)
Jones started for four seasons in St. Louis and made quite possibly the most important tackle in franchise history, stopping Kevin Dyson short of the goal line on the final play of Super Bowl XXXIV. His regular-season accomplishments shouldn’t be overlooked, either, as he picked off seven passes with the Rams, returning two for touchdowns in 1999 alone. That tackle in the big game is what really landed him on this list, though.
89. CB Janoris Jenkins (2012-2015)
Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
If not for his solid play with the Rams, Jenkins wouldn’t have landed a five-year, $62.5 million deal with the Giants. He scored five touchdowns in four seasons in St. Louis, picking off four passes as a rookie in 2012. It’s unfortunate that he played on bad teams because Jenkins was a standout playmaker for the Rams. The ball always seemed to find him and with it in his hands, he was always a threat to take it to the house.
88. WR/KR Ron Brown (1984-1989, 1991)
Rick Stewart /Allsport
Brown was an electric return man for the Rams, scoring three touchdowns on kick returns in 1985, an All-Pro season for him. He also contributed as a receiver, catching 98 passes for 1,791 yards and 13 touchdowns. In the 1985 playoffs, he returned a kickoff 45 yards in a losing effort.
87. QB Pat Haden (1976-1981)
Haden ended his NFL career fairly early in order to take a broadcasting job, spending only six years with the Rams. He only threw 52 touchdown passes to 60 interceptions, making one Pro Bowl in 1977. That year, the Rams went 8-2 with Haden as the starter, making a trip to the postseason.
86. Jim Youngblood, LB, 1973-1984
Though not related to Jack Youngblood, Jim was a quality linebacker himself. He was a one-time Pro Bowler in 1979 and spent six years as a starter for the Rams, though he was limited to only 14 games in his final two seasons with the team. In 1979, he intercepted five passes and returned two of them for a league-high two touchdowns.
85. OL Rodger Saffold (2010-2018)
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Saffold was a huge loss for the Rams in free agency, given the way he had developed into a premier left guard. That came after he played several different positions up front, putting the team first before his individual goals. A selfless player, Saffold had an impact on the field and off it. He’ll always be well-respected by the organization after nine years as a starter.
84. RB Les Josephson (1964-1974)
Josephson never suited up for anyone besides the Rams, spending his entire 11-year career with Los Angeles. By far his best season came in 1967 when he was a Pro Bowler after rushing for 800 yards and four touchdowns with 37 receptions for another 400 yards.
83. FB/LB Tank Younger (1949-1957)
A two-way player for the Rams, Younger lined up at fullback and linebacker and was productive at both spots. He was a four-time Pro Bowler with 3,296 yards rushing while playing for the Rams, leading the league in yards per game in 1955. Younger won an NFL championship in 1951 – the same year he was an All-Pro – playing a big role on defense in the playoffs. He ranks ninth in Rams history in rushing yards.
82. LB Roman Phifer (1991-1998)
(Photo by George Rose/Getty Images)
A seven-year starter with the Rams, Phifer always found the ball. He had three years of at least 100 tackles, picking off seven passes as a member of the Rams, too. His three Super Bowl rings came later with the Patriots, though he was still productive in St. Louis and L.A. Phifer was named NFC Defensive Player of the Month in September 1995.
81. P Johnny Hekker (2012-present)
(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Punters are people too, and Hekker is arguably the best the Rams have ever had. In seven seasons, he’s never missed a game and has four first-team All-Pro selections. The Rams’ inept offenses under Jeff Fisher got him a lot of work, which hasn’t been the case under Sean McVay, helping Hekker lead the league in punt yards twice (2015, 2016). His ability as a trick-play artist only adds to his value.
80. QB Vince Ferragamo (1977-1984)
(Photo by George Rose/Getty Images)
Ferragamo only had two seasons of at least 10 starts and each time, he led the Rams to a winning record – including an 11-4 finish in 1980. That year, he threw 30 touchdown passes and 19 interceptions but struggled in the playoffs with one touchdown and three picks in the Rams’ loss to the Cowboys.
79. DL Michael Brockers (2012-present)
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Brockers hasn’t been spectacular with the Rams, but his consistent production along the defensive line is worth a spot on this list. He’s played every position up front and recorded multiple sacks in five of his seven seasons. A down year in 2016 hurt his career numbers, but Brockers doesn’t get enough recognition for the job he’s done wearing the horns.
78. RB/PR Jon Arnett (1957-1963)
Arnett came right in as the second overall pick in 1957 and made the Pro Bowl as a rookie, rushing for 347 yards and two touchdowns, also catching 18 passes for 322 yards and three touchdowns. He made the Pro Bowl in each of his first five seasons, contributing as a returner on punts and kickoffs. In 1958, he led the league with 223 punt return yards.
77. RT Bob Brown (1969-1970)
(Photo by David Maxwell/Getty Images)
It’s unfortunate that Brown only spent two years with the Rams because the Hall of Famer was truly one of the best right tackles in the game. He was traded by the team after just two seasons, as he continued to play at a Pro Bowl level for one more year. He was obviously best known for being a three-time All-Pro with the Eagles, but he was a two-time selection with the Rams, too. His lack of time in Los Angeles puts him lower in this top 100.
76. RB Jerome Bettis (1993-1995)
Al Bello /Allsport
Bettis is obviously best known for being a bulldozing running back with the Steelers, but let’s not forget he was a two-time Pro Bowler with the Rams, twice rushing for at least 1,000 yards. His best seasons as a receiver came with the Rams, too, as he was an impactful player right from the start. Trading him to the Steelers for almost nothing was clearly a huge mistake after the team went to a more pass-heavy offense.
75. FS O.J. Atogwe (2005-2010)
(Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)
Atogwe was excellent in pass coverage for the Rams for six years, picking off eight passes alone in 2007 and returning one for a touchdown. He finished his career in St. Louis with 22 interceptions in only 75 games started, scoring two touchdowns, as well. For a third-round pick, he made a name for himself as a playmaker in the deep part of the field.
74. CB Dick ‘Night Train’ Lane (1952-1953)
Lane is one of the best defensive backs in NFL history, picking off 68 passes in his career. He only spent two seasons with the Rams, but as a rookie, he picked off 14 passes and returned them for 298 yards and two touchdowns – all three of which led the NFL. Surprisingly, he wasn’t named a Pro Bowler, but that season alone earns him a spot on this list.
73. DE Lamar Lundy (1957-1969)
Lundy played 13 years with the Rams and was a starter for just about every one of them. He contributed as a receiver early in his career, catching 35 passes for 584 yards and six touchdowns in his first three seasons, but he also played defensive end where he did most of his damage. He scored three defensive touchdowns and was a Pro Bowler in 1959.
72. DT Cody Jones (1974-1982)
Jones turned into a Pro Bowler after going in the fifth round of the 1974 draft, becoming a starter in 1977. His Pro Bowl season came in 1978, which is the year he had 1.5 sacks in the postseason. He made the playoffs with the Rams in five straight years from 1974-78, as well as 1980.
71. LT Doug France (1975-81)
A two-time Pro Bowler in the 1970s, France was excellent in pass protection for the Rams. he protected the blindside of Pat Haden and Vince Ferragamo, making 74 career starts in St. Louis. He finished his career with the Oilers in 1983.
70. LG Duane Putnam (1952-1959, 1962)
Putnam made five consecutive Pro Bowls with the Rams, proving to be a reliable starter at left guard in the ’50s. He earned three All-Pro selections, too, which is evidence of how highly he was viewed during his playing days. Putnam played on an offensive line that blocked for Norm Van Brocklin, Dan Towler and Ron Waller, among others.
69. DT D’Marco Farr (1994-2000)
Jed Jacobsohn /Allsport
Farr was a standout defensive tackle in 1995, when he had 11.5 sacks to lead the team, nearly doubling the next-closest Ram. He never quite got back to that production, but he was a starter for five straight years in St. Louis and had at least three sacks in each of those seasons.
68. OL Andy McCollum (1999-2007)
(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
McCollum slid in as the starting center in 2000 after being a backup on the Super Bowl-winning team one year prior, playing alongside Orlando Pace and Adam Timmerman. He started every game between 2000 and 2005, showing excellent durability and consistency – even if he never made a Pro Bowl.
67. WR Red Phillips (1958-1964)
Phillips was an immediate contributor for the Rams after being drafted fifth overall, catching the longest pass in the NFL (93 yards) as a rookie in 1958. He went on to make three Pro Bowls and one All-Pro team, leading the league with 78 catches in 1961.
66. DE Grant Wistrom (1998-2003)
Elsa /Getty Images
Wistrom peaked in 2000 with 11 sacks and 15 tackles for loss, batting down five passes, as well. He followed that up in 2001 with nine more sacks, but his production began to slide after that season. He was still productive, nonetheless, and won a ring with the Rams in 1999.
65. LB/TE Marlin McKeever (1961-1972)
Tight ends weren’t used the way they are today, but McKeever also contributed on defense as a linebacker, increasing his value to the team. He made the Pro Bowl in 1966 when he had 23 catches for 277 yards in 11 games, but his best season came in 1965 (44 catches, 542 yards, four TDs).
64. CB Rod Perry (1975-1982)
Perry made the Pro Bowl twice with the Rams and played in 11 postseason games across six appearances. He returned three of his eight interceptions for touchdowns in 1978 and ranks sixth in Rams history with 26 career interceptions.
63. WR Harold Jackson (1968, 1973-1977)
Jackson’s best seasons came before his second stint with the Rams in 1973, twice leading the league in receiving yards with the Eagles in 1969 and ’72. Still, he was a Pro Bowler in 1973, ’75 and ’77, leading the NFL in touchdown receptions in 1973 with 13 scores.
62. FS Keith Lyle (1994-2000)
Harry How /Allsport
Lyle led the NFL with nine interceptions in 1996 and somehow didn’t make the Pro Bowl, and then pulled down eight picks the following year – once again being snubbed from the Pro Bowl. He never made the all-star game in his career but he was a quality safety for the Rams who could do it all. Lyle was a starter on the 1999 team that won the Super Bowl.
61. DE Chris Long (2008-2015)
Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Long came into the NFL with sky-high expectations as the No. 2 overall pick in 2008, and while he wasn’t a star right away, he did start 16 games as a rookie. He hit his stride in 2011 when he had 13 sacks and 11.5 the following year to go along with 40 quarterback hits over that two-year span. He has two Super Bowl rings, none with the Rams, and a Walter Payton Man of the Year award, proving to be a great player both on and off the field.
60. RB Dan Towler (1950-1955)
Towler was an old-school fullback who carried the ball regularly, having 672 rush attempts in his career. He led the league in rushing in 1952 with 894 yards and 10 touchdowns, one of four career Pro Bowl selections for him. Towler was a dominant runner who defenders dreaded tackling, finishing with 43 touchdowns in just six seasons.
59. SS Dave Elmendorf (1971-1979)
In nine seasons, Elmendorf never missed a single game. He pulled in 27 interceptions, which is the ninth-most in Rams history, and recovered 11 fumbles. Elmendorf also contributed on special teams as a punt returner, returning 57 for 502 yards in his career.
58. CB Pat Thomas (1976-1982)
Thomas’ career wasn’t exactly long, spending just seven years in the NFL despite being a two-time Pro Bowler. He finished with 26 interceptions (10th in Rams history) and made the playoffs in all but two seasons, making five starts in the playoffs.
57. C Ken Iman (1965-1974)
(Photo credit should read DAVID MAXWELL/AFP/Getty Images)
Iman played and started 140 games in a row for the Rams when he came to L.A. in 1965, and although he didn’t make any Pro Bowls, he was a big part of the offensive line. His consistency and reliability made him extremely valuable, always giving the Rams assurance that their starting center would be out there on Sundays.
56. RG Adam Timmerman (1999-2006)
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
Timmerman won a Super Bowl with the Rams in the 1999 season after winning one with the Packers three years prior, anchoring the right side of the line for both teams. He was a Pro Bowler in 2001 and was a cog in the Rams offensive line for eight years.
55. DE Robert Quinn (2011-2017)
Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
If not for injuries, Quinn could’ve stood among the best pass rushers in the league. He was PFWA’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2013 when he finished second in sacks (19) and first in tackles for loss (23), earning Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors. Injuries struck in 2015, limiting him to just 17 games over the next two seasons. And he hasn’t been the same since. At his best, Quinn was a dominant pass rusher with rare skills.
54. LB Carl Ekern (1976-1988)
(Photo by George Rose/Getty Images)
Ekern was always a well-respected player, to the point where the Rams now have a sportsmanship award named after him. As a starter for most of his career, Ekern made the postseason nine times, five times in the starting lineup.
53. CB Jerry Gray (1985-1991)
Gray was a ballhawk for the Rams, picking off an astounding 22 passes in only seven seasons. He had eight in 1986 – his first season as a Pro Bowler – and six in 1989, proving to be a playmaker in the secondary. In the 1985 playoffs, he had an interception and three fumble recoveries, too.
52. LB Maxie Baughan (1966-1970)
From his rookie year in 1960 to 1969, Baughan only missed the Pro Bowl one time (1962). He was always on the field and producing at a high level for the Rams, making the Pro Bowl in four of his five years with the team. He finished his career in L.A. with 11 interceptions and one All-Pro selection.
51. LB James Laurinaitis (2009-2015)
Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Laurinaitis was a tackling machine for the Rams after being a second-round pick in 2009. He had at least 100 tackles each season in St. Louis and led the NFL in solo tackles once (117 in 2012). He didn’t have the lengthy career that many others on this list did, playing just seven seasons with the Rams, but he was highly productive and never missed a game.
50. CB Aeneas Williams (2001-2004)
(Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)
Williams only played four seasons with the Rams, but his impact was felt immediately. In his first season in St. Louis, he was an All-Pro and Pro Bowler. That postseason, he picked off three passes, scored two touchdowns and made 23 total tackles. He was also a Pro Bowler in 2003 and helped lead the Rams to the postseason that year, too. Williams was best known for his time with the Cardinals, but the Hall of Famer was a stud for the Rams, too.
49. DE Kevin Carter (1995-2000)
Elsa Hasch /Allsport
Considering the physical nature of his position, Carter was remarkably durable. He missed just three games with the Rams, which were the only three he missed in his entire career. He was an All-Pro in 1999 and won a Super Bowl with the Rams that year, recording three sacks in the postseason.
48. QB Marc Bulger (2002-2009)
(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Bulger wasn’t exactly the most consistent quarterback, throwing a league-high 22 interceptions in 2003 but only eight in 2006 – both Pro Bowl seasons for him. He led the Rams to the playoffs twice and won one postseason game in his career, taking a beating for much of his career. Still, he’s second in franchise history with 22,814 yards and third in touchdown passes (122) with the third-best passer rating (84.4) as well.
47. LG Kent Hill (1979-1986)
Hill played at a very high level for the Rams in the ’80s, making five trips to the Pro Bowl in a six-year span. Incredibly, he was a Pro Bowler in 1982 despite only playing nine games, which is a testament to how well he played that season.
46. CB Todd Lyght (1991-2000)
Stephen Dunn /Allsport
Lyght played a pivotal role in the Rams’ run to Super Bowl XXXIV, picking off one pass in the postseason and breaking up four others. In the big game, he blocked a Titans field goal attempt that would’ve made the score 9-3.
45. WR Flipper Anderson (1988-1994)
(Photo by George Rose/Getty Images)
Anderson was a big play waiting to happen, twice leading the league in yards per reception. He holds the NFL record for the most yards receiving in a single game, racking up 336 yards against the Saints in 1989. He caught 15 passes in that game, second-most by a Rams player.
44. WR Jack Snow (1965-1975)
Despite never missing a game until his final season in 1975, Snow never reached 1,000 yards receiving. He had at least 500 yards each year until 1973 and ranks fifth all-time in Rams history with 6,012 yards in his career. He was consistent and could be counted on, displaying remarkable durability during his time in Los Angeles.
43. K Jeff Wilkins (1997-2007)
Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
Wilkins gave the Rams someone reliable at kicker, which is often hard to find in the NFL. He led the league in field goal attempts and makes twice and in field goal percentage once – he made all 17 attempts in 11 games in 2000 – earning one Pro Bowl selection. He was clutch in the postseason from 2001-2004, making 13 of 16 field goals and all 15 PATs. His three field goals in Super Bowl XXXIV helped lift the Rams to victory, while his 265 made field goals are the most in franchise history.
42. LB Jack Reynolds (1970-1980)
Reynolds was a two-time Pro Bowler and two-time Super Bowl champion, though his rings came as a member of the 49ers. He was a hard-nosed linebacker who originally played fullback in college. “Hacksaw” didn’t become a starter until 1973, but from that point forward, he never relinquished the job on some stout defenses in L.A. and San Francisco.
41. QB Jared Goff (2016-present)
(Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
Goff is just three years into his NFL career, but he’s already made the Pro Bowl twice, led the Rams to the Super Bowl and threw for 4,688 yards last season. He’s only gotten better each year he’s been in the league, too, which is a good sign for his development.
In just two and a half seasons as the starter, Goff has already risen to eighth in Rams history with 9,581 passing yards, eighth in touchdown passes (65) and second in career passer rating (94.7).
It might seem premature to put Goff in the top 50, but given the way he’s played thus far and his future potential, he’s earned a spot this high on the list. With Sean McVay at the helm and Goff under center, the Rams have a great chance to get back to the Super Bowl soon.
40. FB Dick Bass (1960-1969)
Bass was an old-school fullback unlike today’s modern version of the position, carrying the ball 1,218 times for 5,417 yards in 10 seasons. He made the Pro Bowl three times and had the longest run in the NFL in 1961 (73 yards), also returning a punt 90 yards for a touchdown that same year.
39. DE Leonard Little (1998-2009)
(Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)
Little knew how to pry the ball from the opponent’s hands better than most other players, forcing a mind-blowing 33 fumbles in his career. He led the league in that department back-to-back years in 2002 and 2003, earning a Pro Bowl selection in the latter season. He had 87.5 sacks in 12 seasons with the Rams despite only becoming a starter in his fifth season. Arguably his best season came in 2001 when he had a career-high 14.5 sacks despite not starting any games.
38. QB Jim Everett (1986-1993)
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Everett didn’t have eye-popping numbers with the Rams, but he did lead the NFL in touchdown passes twice (1988 and ’89). He also made the Pro Bowl once (1990) and led the Rams to the NFC championship game in the 1989 season – which they lost 30-3 to San Francisco. Everett is one of the more revered players in Rams history and if not for their fire sale of players in 1994, he likely would’ve been their quarterback much longer.
37. DE Andy Robustelli (1951-1955)
If including his nine years with the Giants, Robustelli would be much higher on this list. But by only counting his seasons in Los Angeles, his ranking is slightly lower. In five years with the Rams, he had two All-Pro selections and made two Pro Bowls, wreaking havoc off the edge at defensive end. He would go on to make four more All-Pro teams and five more Pro Bowls, earning a spot in Canton.
36. LB/DE Kevin Greene (1985-1992)
Mike Powell /Allsport
Greene finished his career with 160 sacks, 72.5 of which came with the Rams. He had eight productive seasons in Los Angeles and while he was never named an All-Pro with the Rams, he was a Pro Bowler in 1989. He led the league in sacks twice – not with the Rams, however – and is viewed as an all-time great pass rusher.
35. OG Joe Scibelli (1961-1975)
Scibelli played his entire career with the Rams, earning one trip to the Pro Bowl (1968). He helped the Rams lead the league in rushing twice as the starting right guard for more than a decade. His 202 games played are the fifth-most of any player in franchise history, showing just how reliable he was with the Rams.
34. LB Jack Pardee (1957-1970)
Pardee is well known for his coaching career, but he was an excellent player, too. He played 13 years with the Rams and made the Pro Bowl once, though surprisingly that selection didn’t come when he had six interceptions and two touchdowns in 1967. Pardee was a valuable player for the Rams in the ‘60s and ’70 as a stout linebacker in the middle of the defense.
33. WR Jim Benton (1938-1942, 1944-1947)
Benton had two stints with the Rams, bookending one year with the Bears in 1943. He won one NFL championship with Los Angeles, making two All-Pro teams and one Pro Bowl. He led the NFL with 1,067 yards in 1945 and 981 in 1946, also ranking No. 1 in receptions in ’46 with 63 catches. His numbers were limited by the era in which he played, but compared to others during his playing days, he was an excellent receiver.
32. CB LeRoy Irvin (1980-1989)
(Photo by George Rose/Getty Images)
Irvin was a dynamic cornerback and return specialist, being named a first-team All-Pro punt returner in 1981 for his league-high 615 yards and three touchdowns. He also led the NFL with two pick-sixes in 1984 and one the following year, intercepting 34 passes in his Rams career – third-most in team history. He was simply a playmaker for the Rams.
31. DE Fred Dryer (1972-1981)
Dryer played 10 seasons with the Rams and was a full-time starter in all but one of those years. He holds the NFL record for the most safeties by a single player in a game, recording two against the Packers in 1973. Dryer returned his only interception 20 yards for a touchdown and also recovered 20 fumbles in his career. His lone Pro Bowl appearance came in 1975. After his playing days, he went on to a successful career as a TV and film actor.
30. RB Lawrence McCutcheon (1972-1979)
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
McCutcheon didn’t carry the ball at all as a rookie, but the next five years were very productive. He made five straight Pro Bowls and gained at least 1,000 yards rushing in all but one of those seasons, consistently carrying the load for the Rams in the ‘70s. At one point, he held the NFL postseason single-game rushing record with 202 yards against the Cardinals in 1975, which has since been surpassed by Eric Dickerson (248 yards in 1986).
29. OG Dennis Harrah (1975-1987)
(Photo by George Rose/Getty Images)
Harrah was drafted 11th overall by the Rams in 1975 and spent the next 14 seasons in Los Angeles – the majority of which as the starting right guard. Injuries limited him a bit throughout his career, but he made six Pro Bowls and was an All-Pro in 1986 – by far his best season in the NFL.
28. C Doug Smith (1978-1991)
(Photo by George Rose/Getty Images)
Smith’s best seasons came in his late 20s and early 30s, making six straight Pro Bowls from 1984-1989. He spent his entire 14-year career with the Rams, which raises his stock on this list, but he was also a very consistent player – as evidenced by his Pro Bowl appearances. He helped lead the way for Eric Dickerson from 1983-1986, playing a pivotal role in the middle of the line.
27. DT Larry Brooks (1972-1982)
Brooks spent all 11 years of his career in Los Angeles with the Rams, making the Pro Bowl five times. He played in 11 playoff games in seven appearances, making it to the Super Bowl after the 1979 season – a year in which he was a first-team All-Pro. Unfortunately, he was limited to only 14 games in his final two seasons before retiring after the 1982 campaign.
26. FS Nolan Cromwell (1977-1987)
(Photo by George Rose/Getty Images)
Cromwell is second all-time in Rams history with 37 interceptions, picking off at least two passes in every season except for his first two. He had eight interceptions for 140 yards and a touchdown in 1980, his first year being named to the Pro Bowl. Cromwell was on the Rams’ 1979 Super Bowl team, helping them make it to the big game.
25. LB/K Les Richter (1954-1962)
Incredibly, Richter was both a linebacker and kicker. He made 29 field goals in his career to go along with 16 interceptions, earning him a place in Canton as a 2011 inductee. Richter only missed the Pro Bowl once (his final NFL season) and was a first-team All-Pro in 1956. Richter was traded to the Rams after being selected second overall in 1952, netting the Dallas Texans 11 players – a massive haul for the linebacker.
24. C Rich Saul (1970-1981)
Saul was a mauling center, particularly toward the end of his career. He made the Pro Bowl six years in a row from 1976 to his final season in 1981, never missing a single game in his entire career. He didn’t become a starter until 1975, but that didn’t stop him from having success late.
23. WR Tom Fears (1948-1956)
As soon as he entered the NFL, Fears was a key contributor for the Rams. He led the league in receptions in each of his first three seasons, topping the NFL with 1,116 yards in 1950, as well. That was his only Pro Bowl and All-Pro selection, but the Hall of Famer was an impactful player from the word go. His nine touchdown receptions in 1949 also led the league. In 1950, he caught a franchise-record 18 passes against the Packers, which still stands today.
22. QB Bob Waterfield (1945-1952)
Waterfield was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1965 after a somewhat brief eight-year career. In that time, though, he was a three-time All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler who won two championships. He led the Rams to the playoffs five out of eight years and was tops in the NFL in touchdown passes twice (1945 and 1946). It was a vastly different era than the pass-happy league of today, but Waterfield is one of the best quarterbacks in Rams history.
21. LB Isiah Robertson (1971-1978)
Robertson was a member of the Rams for eight years and made the Pro Bowl in six of them. That’s an excellent ratio, and he also made two All-Pro teams. Robertson had a knack for finding the ball, picking off 18 passes and recovering 11 fumbles with the Rams. The 1971 Defensive Rookie of the Year was a standout for Los Angeles in the second line of defense.
20. OL Charlie Cowan (1961-1975)
Cowan’s ranking on this list is improved by the fact that he played 15 years with the Rams, lining up at guard and both tackle spots. He was incredibly durable, too, only missing a handful of games in his career. Cowan made three Pro Bowls (1968-1970).
19. WR Henry Ellard (1983-1993)
(Photo by Mike Powell/Getty Images)
Ellard probably won’t make it to the Hall of Fame unless it’s as a senior candidate, but his impact with the Rams was felt. A three-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro, Ellard led the league in yards receiving (1,414) in 1988, hauling in 10 touchdown catches. Ellard was also a dynamic return man, scoring four kick return touchdowns in his career – including a league-high two in 1984.
18. DB Eddie Meador (1959-1970)
Meador was the definition of a ballhawk for the Rams, picking off 46 passes in 12 seasons. It’s nine more than any other player in Rams history, returning five of them for touchdowns. Meador made the Pro Bowl six times and was a first-team All-Pro twice in 1968 and ’69.
17. RB Todd Gurley (2015-present)
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Is No. 17 too high for Gurley? In the eyes of some, maybe. But he has the accolades to back up this placement. In just four seasons, Gurley has won Offensive Rookie of the Year, Offensive Player of the Year, led the league in touchdowns twice and yards from scrimmage once, and been named to the Pro Bowl three times.
In each of the last two seasons, he’s also been named a first-team All-Pro. Accounting for future success, it’s reasonable to think Gurley is one of the 17 best Rams already with plenty of room to rise.
16. QB Roman Gabriel (1962-1972)
(Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
Gabriel was a three-time Pro Bowler with the Rams, winning NFL MVP in 1969 when he led the league with 24 touchdown passes. Between 1967 and ’69, he made three Pro Bowls and led the Rams to a remarkable 32-7-3 record with two playoff appearances. The biggest knock on Gabriel was that he never won a playoff game, going 0-2 in his career.
15. OG Tom Mack (1966-1978)
Mack played 13 seasons in the NFL, all with the Rams, and he only missed the Pro Bowl twice. He was the model of consistency in Los Angeles, anchoring the left side of the offensive line for more than a decade. Mack didn’t miss a single game, either, playing 184 in his career.
14. RB Steven Jackson (2004-2012)
(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Jackson signed a one-day contract to officially retire with the Rams, a deserving honor for the St. Louis legend. He’s the franchise’s all-time leading rusher (2,396 yards), partly because he had 871 more carries than anyone else in Rams history. As one of the best players to ever don the horns, Jackson was the epitome of a tough runner and a workhorse in St. Louis.
Although he never led the NFL in anything, he did have eight straight years with at least 1,000 yards rushing – which is quite the feat.
13. RB/WR Elroy Hirsch (1949-1957)
“Crazy Legs” was a do-it-all player for the Rams in the 1950s, carrying the ball, catching it and playing defense. He led the league in every major receiving category in 1951, ranking first in receptions, yards, touchdowns, yards per game and yards per reception. He was a key piece of the offense that year, helping the Rams win an NFL championship.
12. QB Norm Van Brocklin (1949-1957)
Van Brocklin played in a different era of football, but that doesn’t diminish his accomplishments. He won two NFL championships in his career (one with the Rams) and made the Pro Bowl six times while playing for Los Angeles.
It’s remarkable that he’s fourth all-time in Rams history in passing yards despite playing in the ’50s, when throwing the ball wasn’t nearly as common as it is today.
11. WR Torry Holt (1999-2008)
(Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)
If not for Isaac Bruce, Holt would likely receive far more recognition as an all-time great. He’s second in Rams history in every receiving category, from receptions to yards to touchdowns. He was more productive on a per-game basis than Bruce, ranking first in receptions and yards per game.
A longer career with the Rams would’ve put him even higher on this list.
10. QB Kurt Warner (1998-2003)
(JEFF HAYNES/AFP/Getty Images)
Warner’s stay in St. Louis was relatively brief, but his impact was felt. He helped lead the Rams to Super Bowl XXXIV, topping the NFL in completion percentage three times and passing yards once (2001). His 41 touchdown passes in 1999 and 36 in 2001 also led the NFL.
His path to the NFL is remarkable enough, but the success he had in St. Louis made it that much better. He finished his career fifth in Rams history in passing yards and touchdowns, and fourth in completions. His 97.2 passer rating is the highest by any Rams quarterback, too.
9. LT Orlando Pace (1997-2008)
Chris Livingston /Allsport
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Pace was an absolute stud for the Rams during the late 1990s and early 2000s. The blindside protector of Kurt Warner for the Rams’ Super Bowl win, Pace was crucial during the team’s years of success during their Greatest Show on Turf days. Even though he didn’t play a skill position, Pace was one of the most important players on that roster.
8. RB Eric Dickerson (1983-1987)
Mike Powell /Allsport
Dickerson would’ve been higher on this list had he not been traded by the Rams. But in his brief time with the team, he was wildly productive. He won Rookie of the Year, Offensive Player of the Year and made four All-Pro teams, leading the league in rushing three out of four-plus years with the Rams.
He was a transcendent running back, as evidenced by his numbers. Based purely on talent and ignoring longevity, not many players were better than Dickerson in Rams history.
7. RB Marshall Faulk (1999-2005)
Elsa /Getty Images
Faulk was a game-changer at the running back position. Although he only played seven years in St. Louis, his impact was massive. A three-time All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler with the Rams, Faulk was a dynamic player on offense. He’s one of just two players in NFL history with 1,000 yards rushing and receiving in the same season.
Faulk is third in franchise history in rushing with 6,959 yards and first in touchdowns (58). Without him, the Rams don’t make a run to Super Bowl XXXIV.
6. RT Jackie Slater (1976-1995)
Mandatory Credit: Steve Dun
Slater played a whopping 259 games with the Rams, 51 more than any other player in the team’s history. The Hall of Famer made seven Pro Bowls, and that number likely would’ve been higher if not for injuries. Slater remains an all-time great offensive lineman.
5. WR Isaac Bruce (1994-2007)
(Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Bruce hasn’t been inducted into the Hall of Fame (yet), but that doesn’t take away from his accomplishments with the Rams. He’s the franchise’s all-time leader in receptions (942), receiving yards (14,109) and touchdown catches (84), playing 197 games with St. Louis. A cog in the Greatest Show on Turf, Bruce is one of the best wide receivers in history and a big reason the Rams have their lone Super Bowl ring.
4. DE Jack Youngblood (1971-1984)
Tom Pidgeon/Allsport
Youngblood’s name is almost synonymous with the Rams, playing his entire career in Los Angeles. Despite all those playoff appearances, he never won a Super Bowl, making it all the way there in 1979 – on a broken leg, nonetheless. Like countless others, his sack totals would’ve been incredible as he recorded 20 in his final two seasons in the NFL alone.
3. DT Aaron Donald (2014-present)
Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
It’s difficult to properly rank Donald on this list because A) he’s only played five seasons and B) he’s been one of the best players in the NFL each year. With two Defensive Player of the Year awards, four All-Pro selections and five Pro Bowls, he has a better list of accolades than most players in Rams history.
Only four Rams have more sacks all-time than Donald, and based on his current trajectory, he’ll be No. 1 in the next few years. He’s almost a lock to make the Hall of Fame one day.
2. DT Merlin Olsen (1962-1976)
(Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
Olsen has a strong case as the best player in Rams history. He played 15 seasons with the Rams and holds the franchise’s all-time record with 14 Pro Bowl selections. It’s scary to think that he and Deacon Jones played on the same defensive line, considering how good both of them were at getting to the quarterback and making plays up front.
1. DE Deacon Jones (1961-1971)
(Photo by David Maxwell/Getty Images)
Jones was durable, consistent and as dominant as they come in the NFL, earning more All-Pro selections (five) than he had games missed (three) in his career with the Rams. He’s credited with inventing the phrase “sacking the quarterback.” It wasn’t an official stat during his playing days, but he came up with the term.
An eight-time Pro Bowler and Hall of Famer, Jones gets the nod as the greatest Ram of all time. He gave opposing offensive linemen nightmares, especially with his patented head-slap move, and would’ve had incredible sack numbers had they been officially recorded when he played.
NFL 100: Best players in Rams history
With a decorated history, the Rams have had quite a few Hall of Famers and standout players wear the horns.
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Don't shoot the messenger folks ... there is plenty here to debate.
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