Random Ramsdom 5/5: Jason Smith almost went to Arizona

by Ryan Van Bibber on May 5, 2009 2:13 PM CDT in St. Louis Rams news

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We're heading into one of those few quiet periods for NFL football. Still, there's plenty to talk about.

Jason Smith had an offer to play defensive end at the University of Arizona, before he chose the closer-to-home Baylor where they wanted him to play DE and TE.
This piece at NFL.com looks at some rookies that made an impression in rookie camps across the league this weekend. They point to Rams LB James Laurinaitis for his "natural instincts" and other qualities.
Still feel kind of jipped about the '01 Super Bowl? Well, you had a chance to get the ring back, one them, recently when a Patriots 2001 Super Bowl ring was put on eBay...and didn't sell.
Rams cheerleader auditions start Saturday.
Rey Maualuga may have to move to outside LB with the Bengals. Oh the irony. Wonder how a position switch will work for him? If the "two down" criticism holds any water, this could be a problem.

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ooh cheerleader try-outs

"Score some damn runs, or the baby pandas die"

by sergey606 on May 6, 2009 2:58 AM CDT reply actions

It's Maualuga vs. Dhani Jones, not Maualuga vs. himself

If the Rams had a Dhani Jones making line calls and scores of tackles, we’d be having the same conversation about Laurinaitis.

"Attaway to stomp 'em. Stomp the piss out of 'em. Stomp 'em when they're down. Kick 'em and stomp 'em. Attaway to go boys. Pound that old Budweiser into you and go get them tomorrow." -- Joe Schultz

by taiko on May 6, 2009 9:48 AM CDT reply actions

But isn’t that as much of a condemnation on their styles? Many saw Laurinaitis as being capable of holding the MLB spot in a 4-3 whereas Maualuga seemed better suited to playing a 3-4 where his coverage skills could be masked. Now in Cincy’s 4-3, with Jones already holdnig the spot down, Rey-Rey doesn’t really have an ILB spot to come in and make a week 1 difference.

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

by 3k on May 6, 2009 10:14 AM CDT up reply actions

Considering where Cincy drafted him, it's a moot point

Mid second round, they took the best talent available regardless of whether they had a 3-down spot for him. He’s still going to be the “physical tone setter” that Marvin Lewis has wanted ever since he left Baltimore. I’ll bet he does make a week 1 difference, even if he’s not on the field full time.

"Attaway to stomp 'em. Stomp the piss out of 'em. Stomp 'em when they're down. Kick 'em and stomp 'em. Attaway to go boys. Pound that old Budweiser into you and go get them tomorrow." -- Joe Schultz

by taiko on May 7, 2009 11:55 AM CDT up reply actions