Rams spend time with OL Mike Johnson at 'Bama Pro Day

by Ryan Van Bibber on Mar 11, 2010 6:44 AM CST in 2010 prospect watch

Reading the draft talk lately, you might be surprised to learn that the St. Louis Rams are doing their due diligence on players other than the four potential number one picks. Yeah, crazy, huh?

A team official was in Alabama yesterday for the National Champs' Pro Day. After taking diet notes about Mount Cody's secret to slimming down from 370 to 348 lbs, the Rams' representative spent some quality time with First-Team All American offensive guard Mike Johnson. Center drills, including shotgun and under center snaps, were post-workout test administered by the Rams.

Though he was primarily Alabama's left guard, he has started at left tackle as well. Johnson has played all offensive line positions in his career thus far, except center. According to Johnson, many feel he projects as a center in the NFL, hence the snapping drills.

CBS Sports and partner NFL Draft Scout have him pegged as a third round pick. Walter Football has him in the 4th round.

Obviously, the Rams are and will look at lots of player between now and the end of April, but this is an indication that offensive linemen are on their mind. I can't speak much to Johnson's ability, other than having seen a pretty damn impressive Alabama run game a few times this season, but finding versatile linemen, at least a guy who can move smoothly between guard and center, would be a good player to have.

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Okung over Bradford at #1 anyday!!!

I still believe the two young qb’s Rams have need the same training ANY #! QB pick would get.

They have not yet got this training as a future starter. Why? Bulger and Boller, now AJF.

So, if not McCoy or Suh, then Okung or Berry.

Then, if Mount Cody is there(if no DT for 1st selection) take him. If DT as 1st selection, take an impact DE with 2nd pick.

Rams really need to somehow get either an extra 2nd rounder this year or 3rd rounder this year. We need OLB and DE impact players before round 3 is up. Also, you know now that WR is high on Rams draft list. SO, anywhere between the 2nd and 4th rounds, expect a W.R. it appears!

by jlcdb70 on Mar 11, 2010 9:23 AM CST reply actions

Sounds like a Bell replacement

Johnson’s an interesting pick, having played on a very solid O-line. I’ve got him low 4th, but guards and centers are tricky prospects.

You don't seem to want to accept the fact you're dealing with an expert in guerrilla warfare, with a man who's the best, with guns, with knives, with his bare hands. A man who's been trained to ignore pain, ignore weather, to live off the land, to eat things that would make a billy goat puke. In *St. Louis* his job was to dispose of enemy personnel. To kill! Period! Win by attrition. Well, *Steven Jackson* was the best.

by 3k on Mar 11, 2010 12:39 PM CST reply actions