Scouts and coaches from the St. Louis Rams weren't as high profile as reps from some teams were this week at the Senior Bowl and last week at the Shrine Game. Nevertheless, they were busy enough for observers on the scene to take notice.
The Combine starts February 24, 2011, and once that event gets underway it'll be a non-stop frenzy of 2011 NFL Draft talk until April 28, when the draft begins. Hell, it's already been a frenzy with the Shrine Game and the Senior Bowl. In an effort to keep up with things, let's review which players the Rams have spoken with or otherwise shown an interest in through the last two weeks.
Starting with a couple of defensive tackles...
North Carolina DT Marvin Austin - Austin was getting beaucoup buzz before he got suspended for the 2010 season as one of the top picks in the country. His draft stock is down, but it recovered some value in Orlando last week.
South Florida DT Terrell McClain - The Rams talked to McClain last week and again this week when he was added to the Senior Bowl roster to replace Stephen Paea. McClain isn't as naturally gifted as Austin, but he is quick and disruptive up front.
See the others below the jump.
Buffalo CB Josh Thomas - A physical, big hitting cornerback...someone at Rams Parks must be starting a collection. He's fast too, and, naturally, a raw prospect that would be a late round pick.
Central Michigan LB Nick Bellore - He fits the profile of larger linebackers preferred by Spagnuolo. And had solid tackling numbers in college, but he seems hard to place for the Rams at this point, other than a potential undrafted free agent who could get in the mix at camp.
East Carolina WR Dwayne Harris - Smaller, thick and a great YAC guy, Harris made some waves this week in Mobile. He has shown good hands throughout his career. Could be an interesting return option for the Rams too.
Oklahoma State RB Kendall Hunter, West Virginia RB Noel Devine and Kentucky RB Derrick Locke - All three fit the bill as speedier complements to Steven Jackson, fast on the outside, catch the ball well on screen and draws and could potentially return kicks. Here's a lengthier write-up on all three.
Texas A&M-Kingsville WR Ryan Lincoln - Who? Where? Hey, don't diss the small school prospects...there's gold in them thar hills. Lincoln looks a little like Dwayne Harris. Lincoln is not at the Senior Bowl, but the Rams got in touch with his agent recently.
Stay tuned...