clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

St. Louis Rams: Reunited, and it feels so good...

From Mountaineers, to Tigers, to Seminoles -- the Rams are not shy about reuniting former college teammates.

By sambmeyer
Justin K. Aller

The St. Louis Rams have been fond of drafting players to reunite them with their college teammates, at least during the short Snisher Era. I, for one, am equally fond of this strategy. It could aid the transition from amateur to professional and tap into chemistry that already exists. It's too early to say what, if any, dividends this approach will pay, but one thing is for sure, the former collegiate teammates love it. It all started with the two Mountaineers when Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey were drafted in the first and third round, respectively. Then, it happened this year when the Auburn Tigers teammates Greg Robinson and Tre Mason were drafted in the first and third round, as well. Topping it all off, Lamarcus Joyner was drafted in the second round to help compliment fellow Seminole and recent FA signing Greg Reid. It's not just two players from the same college team playing for the same NFL team -- that is not uncommon -- what's fascinating is how closely the two positions pertain to each.

Tavon Austin, WR (8th overall) & Stedman Baily, WR (92nd overall) - 2013 Draft

Stedman stepped in when Tavon went down at the end of last season and proved to be a solid option on the offense when given the opportunity. That said, I'd like to see the two Mountaineers lined up together instead of one or the other. It will be interesting to see if Schotty will make that happen. Let's just hope there won't be any more PED issues for Stedman or else he may not even be on the Rams roster much longer.

Greg Robinson, OT (2nd overall) & Tre Mason, RB (75th overall)

Zac Stacy has all but locked up the RB1 spot, and Jake Long (if healthy week 1) figures to be the sure starter at LT, but Robinson and Mason could prove to be just as important in 2014. There is no question, the Rams will be a run first offense. According to Snead, the left side of the line is shaping up to be Long at tackle and Robinson at guard, so look for Stacy and Mason to get a lot of touches in that direction. If Schotty can figure out how to use all of the weapons, the Rams will be tough to stop. He finally has the line and talent to do it, now let's see if he can come through.

Lamarcus Joyner, DB (41st overall) & Greg Reid, DB (2014 Free Agent)

Greg Reid is a sneaky good signing with low risk, high reward, and Lamarcus Joyner is a versatile DB ready to step in week 1. The Rams defensive backs are similar to the wide receiver core: there's a lot of talent, but lack THAT GUY who stands out from the rest of the pack as the true number 1.

Once again, the Rams will be young and inexperienced all over the field, but they'll be exciting to watch. Priority number one should be to reduce the amount of penalties, especially on Special Teams. Last thing to note, Donald and Robinson did a month of pre-draft training together in Florida. They were matched up head to head because they were the two strongest guys at the camp. So I guess -- in a sense -- they are being reunited, as well.

More From Turf Show Times