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Rams rookie review: Week 2
By Nick Wagoner
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/11718/rams-rookie-review-week-2
EARTH CITY, Mo. -- A look at playing time and production of each of the St. Louis Rams' drafted rookies and a quick glimpse at the undrafted rookie class in Sunday's 19-17 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
OL Greg Robinson, first round, No. 2 overall: After filling in for Rodger Saffold near the end of the opener, Robinson couldn't even get on the field with the offense when the Rams brought in an additional lineman near the goal line against the Bucs. He played five snaps, all on special teams. Though it's way too early to render judgment on what Robinson's career will become, it doesn't matter how you slice it, the fact that the No. 2 overall pick isn't contributing more is a disappointment.
DT Aaron Donald, first round, No. 13 overall: Though the sack totals aren't there yet for Donald (or any Rams, really), his presence has been felt from snap to snap. He played 25 snaps against the Bucs and was consistently disruptive. He was only credited with a tackle for loss in the unofficial statistics, but his work was better appreciated with a closer watch of the game. He is coming along nicely and is probably deserving of more playing time.
DB Lamarcus Joyner, second round, No. 41 overall: A back injury kept Joyner out of practice late last week and ultimately rendered him inactive against the Bucs.
RB Tre Mason, third round, No. 75 overall: Mason struggled in the preseason and doesn't provide help on special teams which rendered him inactive for the second consecutive week.
S Maurice Alexander, fourth round, No. 110 overall: Alexander was inactive in week 1, but he was able to chip in on special teams in his NFL debut against Tampa Bay. He played 10 snaps, all on special teams and did not register any statistics in the unofficial stats.
CB E.J. Gaines, sixth round, No. 188 overall: Gaines continues to be a pleasant surprise, getting his second consecutive start on the outside and providing mostly solid coverage and even better tackling. His six tackles tied him for the team lead, and he added half a sack, a tackle for loss and a quarterback hit. He was also credited with a blocked field goal, but we're saying no sale on that one because replays clearly showed it was safety T.J. McDonald who made the play. Regardless, Gaines has been solid in his first two games, and the Rams should feel good about what they have in him moving forward.
C Demetrius Rhaney, seventh round, No. 250 overall: Rhaney is on injured reserve for the season with a knee injury.
Undrafted rookie roundup: The Rams continue to get help from their undrafted rookies, including the debut of defensive lineman Ethan Westbrooks. He was active for the first time in a regular-season game, playing 17 snaps on defense, though he did not register any statistics. ... Cornerback Marcus Roberson chipped in on special teams again with a tackle on his 10 snaps. ... Running back Trey Watts and tight end Alex Bayer were inactive.
By Nick Wagoner
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/11718/rams-rookie-review-week-2
EARTH CITY, Mo. -- A look at playing time and production of each of the St. Louis Rams' drafted rookies and a quick glimpse at the undrafted rookie class in Sunday's 19-17 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
OL Greg Robinson, first round, No. 2 overall: After filling in for Rodger Saffold near the end of the opener, Robinson couldn't even get on the field with the offense when the Rams brought in an additional lineman near the goal line against the Bucs. He played five snaps, all on special teams. Though it's way too early to render judgment on what Robinson's career will become, it doesn't matter how you slice it, the fact that the No. 2 overall pick isn't contributing more is a disappointment.
DT Aaron Donald, first round, No. 13 overall: Though the sack totals aren't there yet for Donald (or any Rams, really), his presence has been felt from snap to snap. He played 25 snaps against the Bucs and was consistently disruptive. He was only credited with a tackle for loss in the unofficial statistics, but his work was better appreciated with a closer watch of the game. He is coming along nicely and is probably deserving of more playing time.
DB Lamarcus Joyner, second round, No. 41 overall: A back injury kept Joyner out of practice late last week and ultimately rendered him inactive against the Bucs.
RB Tre Mason, third round, No. 75 overall: Mason struggled in the preseason and doesn't provide help on special teams which rendered him inactive for the second consecutive week.
S Maurice Alexander, fourth round, No. 110 overall: Alexander was inactive in week 1, but he was able to chip in on special teams in his NFL debut against Tampa Bay. He played 10 snaps, all on special teams and did not register any statistics in the unofficial stats.
CB E.J. Gaines, sixth round, No. 188 overall: Gaines continues to be a pleasant surprise, getting his second consecutive start on the outside and providing mostly solid coverage and even better tackling. His six tackles tied him for the team lead, and he added half a sack, a tackle for loss and a quarterback hit. He was also credited with a blocked field goal, but we're saying no sale on that one because replays clearly showed it was safety T.J. McDonald who made the play. Regardless, Gaines has been solid in his first two games, and the Rams should feel good about what they have in him moving forward.
C Demetrius Rhaney, seventh round, No. 250 overall: Rhaney is on injured reserve for the season with a knee injury.
Undrafted rookie roundup: The Rams continue to get help from their undrafted rookies, including the debut of defensive lineman Ethan Westbrooks. He was active for the first time in a regular-season game, playing 17 snaps on defense, though he did not register any statistics. ... Cornerback Marcus Roberson chipped in on special teams again with a tackle on his 10 snaps. ... Running back Trey Watts and tight end Alex Bayer were inactive.
