Is Harvey Unga the Rams' answer behind Steven Jackson?

by Ryan Van Bibber on Jul 13, 2010 5:00 AM CDT in 2010 St. Louis Rams offseason

The connection between the St. Louis Rams and BYU running back Harvey Unga seems to get more and more conspicuous each day. The Rams are said to be one of a handful of teams that are particularly keen on Unga. Will they make a move for him in the NFL Supplemental Draft set for this Thursday?

Unga told ESPN 101 in St. Louis today that teams have spelled out their vision for the big guy's NFL role. Personnel types see the 6'1" 244 lbs rusher as a running back. Here's more from Unga on what he can bring to the table for teams:

I can be the third-down back--and that can 3rd and short or 3rd and long, they think it'd be great to have a big guy like me even on a 3rd and long play where if they need to throw me the ball they know I'll catch it and make the best of it. There's a lot of different things I believe teams will be able to use me for.

The Rams really seem to be culling a stable of running backs with the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, a must for the West Coast offense. As for backing up Steven Jackson, Unga's already been something of an unofficial understudy with the staff at BYU using film of SJ39 to educate Unga on how to play the game.

Teams will gather 'round a laptop in a scaled down version of their draft rooms Thursday to submit their picks in the NFL Supplemental Draft. Unga could fetch a third round pick, according to Michael Lombardi at NFL.com.

Third round, huh? On one hand that seems like a steep cost given this far from April 2011 when the Rams would have even more options available to them. On the other hand, this team could use an advance on its 2011 draft picks and Unga might be just as good as any player they could draft in the third round next spring.

Poll

Is BYU running back Harvey Unga worth the Rams 2011 third round pick in the NFL Supplemental Draft?

Yes

519 votes

No

330 votes

849 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 13 comments | 0 recs |

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Comments

I like Unga as a 5th round pick

I voted “no” but the fact that there’s quite an amount of interest in him might force the Rams to spend a high pick on him. It’s not that i don’t want Unga here, i think he’d be a good addition. I just think there’s going to be better players available to pick in the 3rd round next April

by IrishRamsFan on Jul 13, 2010 6:14 AM CDT reply actions

My sentiments exactly

I can take a beating ... I'm a Rams fan.

by Midasknight on Jul 13, 2010 11:21 AM CDT up reply actions

I'd go maybe 4th

Next April’s high 3rd round seems too high for a team with no room for error and still needing to pick up a few starters and lots of depth. And I’m not too big on drafting RBs in high rounds. Get a good O line and your RB just got a lot better.

But, I’d definitely put in a bid for this guy [or some other qualified RB. I haven’t seen this dude play any, so I’m just assuming he’s alright] since they definitely need the backup.

I’ll give him props for breaking BYU’s ‘morals’ code. Maybe that’s worth a higher-round pick?

by mullinsm on Jul 13, 2010 6:26 AM CDT reply actions

6th at best

Watch the film on this guy. He runs like fullback. No way these moves work in the NFL. I would only spend a 6th on him if he is a fantastic blitz blocker – because that is what a 3rd down back does 70% of the time anyway in our offense.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IslHdkd9pD8&feature=player_embedded

by 2cents on Jul 13, 2010 9:14 AM CDT reply actions

3rd is pushing it

but this guy can play. The Rams should make the move and let him back up SJ this coming season. It will help Jackson to have another back dealing punishment to the opposing defenses.

by 110 South on Jul 13, 2010 9:23 AM CDT reply actions

I'd prefer no higher than 4th...

but, as Van says, it might be worth it to get an advance on the 2011 draft and have another decent player to build around on the team. I might take a chance on him with a 3.

by tbell61 on Jul 13, 2010 10:46 AM CDT reply actions

Rounds 1-3 should be utilized for starters, not BU RB's

With potentially needing WR, DL & OLB in next offseason, I would not use a 3rd here, maybe try with a 5th.

by RBramfan on Jul 13, 2010 11:00 AM CDT reply actions

EXACTLY

A GM you are in the making.

by jlcdb70 on Jul 13, 2010 11:32 AM CDT up reply actions

Who's that lady, who's ....that....lady....

who’s that UNGA, never heard of ya,! who’s that UNGA, never heard of ya……..

by jlcdb70 on Jul 13, 2010 11:34 AM CDT reply actions

BUT, don't you think Unga is better than Brian Leonard?

who was a second round pick (albeit a poor choice).

What about Unga compared to Toby Gerhardt who went in the 2nd round? Unga’s about a second slower on his 40 time, with an extra 13 lbs (listed as an inch taller too), but has very similar skills as a receiver and blocker.

Turf Show Times

by Ryan Van Bibber on Jul 13, 2010 2:20 PM CDT reply actions

I agree that Unga is a 5th or 6th round pick.

If the Rams really think he can be a decent back-up, go with the 5th round pick.

One thing I’m not clear about with this draft. If two teams both indicate they want him in the same round, how do they decide which gets him? Do they base it on the 2009 season records, do they toss a coin, or how do they decide, because clearly the 2011 draft order will be different than it was this year?

by andyrose on Jul 13, 2010 4:14 PM CDT reply actions