St. Louis Rams sign seventh round pick RB Chris Ogbonnaya

by Ryan Van Bibber on Jul 18, 2009 1:14 PM CDT in News

The Rams have another rookie from their 2009 draft class under contract. Texas RB Chris Ogbonnaya agreed to a four-year deal with a signing bonus of $66,000.

Last week the Rams signed 3rd round pick CB Bradley Fletcher last weekend, and are expected to sign 4th round pick DT Darell Scott and 5th round pick WR Brooks Foster soon too.

Ogbonnaya was a third down threat for Texas in the Big 12 last season. His pedigree as a converted wide receiver makes him a player to watch in camp this season, as he could find a role in Pat Shurmur's West Coast offense.

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The problem was...

He never had much of a chance at UT until his senior year. There seemed to always be some running back in front of him on the depth-chart. Plus, they kept flip-floping him back and forth between WR and RB so he never really got established in his first 3 years as a Longhorn. To top it all off, Colt McCoy & Co. ran pretty much a passing offense. I love the Big 12 and follow all the games I can but I only saw the guy a few times until last year.

When I was following the NFL Draft this was the scouting report Draft Countdown had posted:

Strengths: Naturally athletic…Very good size and bulk…Strong and runs hard…A patient runner…Excellent hands…Runs great routes…Above average blocker…Smart…Special teams ability…A hard worker…Team leader.

Weaknesses: Just average timed speed…Not real shifty or elusive…Runs with a high pad level…Isn’t a big play threat…Poor change of change direction…Is inexperienced…Was not very productive…Limited upside…’Tweener?

Notes: Last name is pronounced “OH-bon-EYE-uh”…Began his college career as a wide receiver…Saw extensive action as a backup running back and special teamer from 2005-2007…Finally got an opportunity to play more as a senior and even earned 7 starts…A four-time Academic All-Big 12 selection…Was a semifinalist for the Draddy Trophy (Academic Heisman)…Has the ability to play either running back or fullback at the next level…Multitalented player who does everything well but nothing great…Could make a NFL roster as a versatile backup.

Notice his weaknesses… you don’t need a lot of speed… you don’t need to be elusive… you don’t need great change of direction… if they use you to JUST punch through the line for a few yards. So I like the guy and when you have 3rd and goal on the 2-yard line he may be just the ticket (and save wear-and-tear on Jax #39 in the process).

Just my 2 cents worth here.

Go Rams!

"We can't run. We can't pass. We can't stop the run. We can't stop the pass. We can't kick. Other than that, we're just not a very good football team right now." --- Bruce Coslett, New York Jets Head Coach circa 1990s

by Nbr1RamFan on Jul 18, 2009 3:31 PM CDT reply actions

Unless my memory is playing tricks on me

I seem to remember he looked good against Mizzou. He would carry on third down plays that would start outside, and he would suddenly cut it back up the middle and make several yards before they tackled him. That’s a valuable trait, being able to cut it back and make first downs. I also like that he has played special teams a lot. I think he has a chance to make the team and add value.

by andyrose on Jul 18, 2009 9:21 PM CDT reply actions