Random Ramsdom: Rams draft S Malcolm Jenkins in 2009 re-draft

Back in 2009, the Rams thought they were drafting a cornerstone piece of their offensive line when they used the second-overall pick in the draft to select Jason Smith out of Baylor. That pick didn’t just end up being lackluster due to built-in high expectations, it was a complete bust.

Instead of picking Smith, who was traded to the New York Jets after three lackluster seasons in St. Louis, the Rams go with Ohio State safety Malcolm Jenkins, who is arguably the best player in the entire draft following quarterback Matthew Stafford.

“Jenkins continues to be an effective starter and has earned three Pro Bowl nods, but he’s never been a No. 2 overall-caliber player,” says author Brad Gagnon. “He’s never been a first-team All-Pro, and he didn’t make that first Pro Bowl until 2015.”

“But that staying power would be particularly appealing to a Rams team that wasn’t any good from 2009 through 2016, at which point Jenkins would have been an upgrade over Lamarcus Joyner. They also could have used his Super Bowl experience when they made a championship run in 2018.”

In 11 seasons, and over 167 games played with 159 starts, Jenkins has recorded 874 tackles, 41 tackles-for-loss, 10 sacks, 17 interceptions, six pick-6s, 95 pass breakups, 18 forced fumbles, and 11 fumble recoveries with one being returned for a score.

Rams News:

Micah Banks highlights how the Rams supported Black-owned businesses on Juneteenth (TheRams.com)

The Rams, along with 10 other Los Angeles professional sports teams, are coming together to create The Alliance: Los Angeles (TheRams.com)

Troy Hill, not Jalen Ramsey, was named one of the 11-best outside corners by USA Today (The Rams Wire)

Jourdan Rodrigue and Rich Hammond discuss how the Rams’ secondary can elevate their game to another level (The Athletic)

NFL News:

NFL Nation talks which veterans are on the bubble for all 32 teams (ESPN)

DT Chris Jones and the Chiefs agreed to a four-year extension (CBS Sports)

Chris Trapasso discusses the rookies who are best-suited to thriving after an unusual offseason (CBS Sports)

The Browns are reportedly giving DE Myles Garrett a $125 million contract extension (Bleacher Report)

Odell Beckham Jr. reportedly almost retired following the 2017 season (Bleacher Report)

The NFLPA is worried about opening up training camps in “hot spot” cities (Pro Football Talk)