Rams Rookie Report: Who Shined and Who Disappointed?

The St. Louis Rams 2014 rookie class left much to the imagination in their week one match up with the Minnesota Vikings. In all fairness, it was obviously their first collective opportunities to play in an NFL game.

The only rookie to start in the Rams opener was 6th round cornerback E.J. Gaines. He held his own opposite of Janoris Jenkins. He had three total tackles with two pbu’s (pass break ups) in 62 total snaps. He did however give up a touchdown to Greg Jennings right before the half after getting caught with his eyes locked on the quarterback. He tried like hell to keep the pass from being completed, even attempting to hook Jennings’ leg with his own so it wouldn’t come down in bounds. He also dropped a sure interception, one that could have been a pick six.

Aaron Donald showed flashes of the monster that he will soon become. His 29 snaps as a rotational player led to four total tackles, two of which were for loss. He got in the backfield a few times but they did not lead to anything that would show up on a stat line. His role and snap count is likely to increase as the season continues.

Nickel cornerback and 2nd round selection Lamarcus Joyner played 35 total snaps, 23 of which were on defense with the remaining reps on special teams. He had three total tackled in the game. He did not make any big plays but he didn’t give up any either.

Greg Robinson played in less than ten offensive snaps. Yeah…There are two things that are concerning here. One, he only got those snaps because Rodger Saffold got injured again! (In other news, Coach Fisher said he would be ok). Two, Robinson isn’t good enough (at this point) to start over Davin Joseph. I’m sure he will start sooner or later but as the 2nd overall pick, it damn sure better be sooner!

Cornerback Marcus Robinson and running back Trey Watts were both reserved to their respective special teams’ roles.

Defensive tackle Ethan Westbrooks, tight end Alex Bayer, running back Tre Mason, and safety Maurice Alexander were all inactive. However, Westbrooks’ role is expected to increase with the unfortunate loss of Chris Long.

Hopefully we will have more positives to discuss next week. Maybe a rookie will make a game changing or even a game winning play next week! Keep your fingers crossed!