The 8th round: Sizing up the Rams undrafted rookie free agents

by VanRam on Apr 28, 2009 9:37 AM CDT in 2009 NFL draft Comment 7 comments

The ink on the 2009 NFL Draft grade cards wasn't even dry when Rams GM Billy Devaney got right to work signing undrafted rookie free agents. He signed 15 undrafted rookies, 5 offensive linemen, 2 WR, 2 LBs, 3 DL, 2 DB, and one FB.

One name you might recognize - most likely you won't - is that of Roger Allen. The 6' 2" 326 lbs guard from Missouri Western turned heads earlier in the spring when he was invited to Missouri's Pro Day where he cranked out 38 reps on the bench press, a number that would have been second best at the Combine this year. Allen attended the Combine, but couldn't work out because he was recovering from a sports hernia. He was scouted by six teams this year. The Saints and Chiefs were among the team interested. Though they have some depth at guard, the Rams can always use more depth on the offensive line. Obviously, Allen's got the small school thing going against him, but this could be a nice pick up among undrafted free agents for the Rams. Worth keeping an eye on him in camp. Here's more on Allen from Arrowhead Pride and his scouting report from Draft Countdown.

Speaking of depth in the middle, Colorado C Daniel Sanders was among the undrafted free agents. Sanders was a team captain with the Buffs, and got flagged for only one penalty the entire season. At 320+ lbs, he has size. Could he be a potential backup to Jason Brown? We'll see. In my mind, the most likely scenario for that is sliding Incognito over to C and installing Greco at RG. Nevertheless, the roster needs another true center. Sanders will get a look along with recently acquired free agent Tim Mattran. Here's scouting reports on Sanders and Mattran.

Also among the interior linemen is a two-time all Mountain West Conference selection, G Ray Feinga. At 6'4" 337 lbs he has the size. The scouting report from SI.com projected him as a 5th round pick.

Florida OT Phil Trautwein is an interesting player. A starter on two national championship teams, he's another converted TE and an all conference selection last year. This scouting report thinks he could become a RT with the proper adjustments.

Quentin Chaney was Oklahoma's third WR last season, his senior year. He caught 29 passes for 500+ yards and two TDs. He's got interesting size at 6'5" and 205 lbs. WR Jarrett Byers was a Division II All American and played with none other than QB Keith Null in the Cactus Bowl where the two connected for a 48-yard TD.

Mississippi State LB Dominic Douglas led the team in tackles last year with 116. He's an OLB who most likely projects as a special teamerr as a ceiling at the NFL level.

Kansas State DE Ian Campbell is the highest rated of the defensive linemen signed yesterday. He had 20.5 sacks in his college career, which peaked as a sophomore.

Here's the full list of undrafted free agents.

Roger Allen - G - Missouri Western State
Ekenemchukwu Asiodu - LB - Central Oklahoma State
Jarrett Byers - WR - Northeast Oklahoma State
Ian Campbell - DL - Kansas State
Quentin Chaney - WR - Oklahoma
Dominic Douglas - LB - Mississippi State
Ray Feinga - G - Brigham Young
Jerome Johnson - FB - Nevada-Reno
Mike Newkirk - DL - Wisconsin
David Oswald - T - Brigham Young
Cordelius Parks - CB - Northeastern
Kirston Pittman - DL - LSU
Mark Rubin - SS - Penn State
Daniel Sanders - C - Colorado
Phillip Trautwein - T - Florida

0 recs | Comment 7 comments | Share

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Hopefully

one or two of these guys will become a useful NFL player.

The Personal Finance Playbook.

by Toddius on Apr 28, 2009 9:55 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I think you mis-spelled the guy's name from Central Oklahoma State.

Did I ever tell you about the time Brasky and I went horseback riding, but there weren't any horses around? Anyway, Brasky throws a saddle on my back and rides me around Wyoming for three days. Well, wouldn't ya know it, my stamina increased with each day, and I develop tremendous leg muscles. So anyway, Brasky decides to enter me into the Breeders Cup under the name Turkish Delight. And Im running in second place, and I'm running, and I break my ankle. So anyway, they're about to shoot me. Then someone from the crowd yells out, God bless him, Dont shoot him, he's a human.

by Tackle Box on Apr 28, 2009 12:59 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

no way

i’m awesome at names i can’t pronounce.

by VanRam on Apr 28, 2009 1:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm just going to nickname him "Alphabet".

by Tackle Box on Apr 28, 2009 10:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Here's what BBD had to say about Feinga

Link

Ray Feinga – BYU – 6’5" 331 - Is actually pretty quick on his feet with great lateral movement and has great size. He was named to the All-Mountain West First Team and was part of a very successful BYU offense where he was used primarily in 1 on 1 situations. Has shown the ability to succeed in both pass and run blocking.

However, if I were determined to add someone with real potential, I’d have to target Vasquez, Parker, and Feinga. All three of those guys would be good late picks and you could probably get Parker or Feinga a round or two later than you’d find Vasquez.

by Tackle Box on Apr 28, 2009 1:03 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I would only hope

you misspelled his name. No one should spell that good. Anyway I projected Feinga to be a good late round OT for us. I think he’s an excellent signing. I think he, Cambell, Trauwein, and Chaney all have a spot in their respective rotations, as long as they don’t get injured or screw up. I have a preference for tall wide receivers. I also think Div2 All-American WRs are worth looking at. I had higher hopes for some bigger names, but that IS just me.

by dbcouver on Apr 28, 2009 1:26 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs