Little staying with the Rams; Combine notes of interest

by Ryan Van Bibber on Feb 23, 2009 7:00 AM CST in 2009 Off-Season

Alex Smith, Michael Vick, whoever the 49ers make their QB, consider yourself warned. DE Leonard Little will be in a Rams uniform again this season, the last year of his contract. Little's not an every down guy anymore, but he still has the ability to be a force in the pass rush. To make sure the Rams get their money's worth from Little and everyone else on the defensive line they'll have to address a huge need for a big guy at NT. To me, this is one of the Rams top three needs, right after the offensive line (tackle and center) and in sort of a muddled tie with middle linebacker and cornerback. All of those needs trump WR in my mind too.

One potential sleeper DT to watch is Sammie Lee Hill from Stillman College in Alabama. Small school, big guy. Hill measures 6'3" 329 lbs. NFL.com's Vic Carucci says he has the versatility to play in the middle of a 3-4 or a 4-3.

Billy Devaney and the Rams personnel people really, really like Wake Forest LB Aaron Curry.

Curry was the first guy we put (tape) on, and we were like, 'Wow! This guy is special.'

He didn't say much about Curry's potential to play in the middle, where the Rams need help, but he did note that Curry has the "size" for that role. Curry could easily be a top 3 pick this year...

...he'd certainly be a better pick than anyone from the QB class, which has been mostly underwhelming, upping the likelihood that Detroit will shy away from a QB with their first overall pick.

Speaking of draft order, NFLDraftScout.com has adjusted their prospect rankingsafter Alabama OT Andre Smith pulled a disappearing act. The top five are now: 1) OT Jason Smith, 2) LB Aaron Curry, 3) OT Eugene Monroe, 4) CB Malcolm Jenkins, 5) WR Michael Crabtree. Anyone of those guys would be address a huge need for the Rams. It could be a can't loose first round.

Tweet Comment 6 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

TURF SHOW

I AM A NEW READER AND JUST WANT TO SAY THIS IS THE BEST RAMS SITE I HAVE SEEN. THANKS FOR YOUR HARD WORK

by idiot wind on Feb 23, 2009 7:21 AM CST reply actions

Thanks, brother. Just a suggestion: limit the caps lock.

Jay Zygmunt, now that you have fired yourself, please have yourself hired by Seattle. Thanks.

by 3k on Feb 23, 2009 7:38 AM CST up reply actions

Curry

I really want Aaron Curry. Not only will he fill the much needed help in our linebacker corps, he is also a tank that will take down any big running back coming his way. Let’s go with Curry, and address OT either in the 2nd round or through free agency.

by PCarn on Feb 23, 2009 8:47 AM CST reply actions

If Curry Can and is Willing...

to play the middle as reports are saying – he would defenitley be a good pick seeing how this draft is HEAVY with OT and may be able to draft one of quality in 2nd (or receive another pick with a Holt trade).

Outfielders For Sale! This weeks special...GMJ - see Tony for details!

by gorams77 on Feb 23, 2009 1:17 PM CST up reply actions

Agreed.

I watched him at the Combine today, and he put on a show. He unofficially ran a 4.56 40, which was tops for linebackers. He was also first amongst the linebackers in vertical jump (37.0), broad jump (10’4") and 60-yard shuttle (11.35) He has the physical ability to do just about anything he wants on the football field. Every drill he ran today was just phenomenal. The more and more I think about this, the more and more I think Curry is the right choice for the Rams. As PCarn said, the team can address OT in the 2nd round, due to the depth at the position in this year’s draft. With his body — 6-foot-2, 254 lbs. — and physical ability, he can play Mike in the NFL.

by BruinFanBaby on Feb 23, 2009 4:55 PM CST up reply actions

Why keep Little?

Another aging worn down hero…. Little, Pace and Holt need to be gone. We won 2, count ‘em 2, games with these guys in the lineup last year. Ya think they’ll improve with age..? If we’d dump half the 2008 team and replace them with rookies or also-rans, I still think we’d win twice as many games (4) this year.

by edpjr on Feb 23, 2009 7:45 PM CST reply actions