Rams Team Information How about a fair evaluation for Brian Leonard?
By Hal Schaeffer | June 9th, 2008
The Rams are trying to get all they can out of last year’s number two draft pick, Brian Leonard, the running back out of Rutgers.
Or maybe not.
This in the face of some heavy criticism from Rams’ fans for making Leonard their pick in that spot in the first place. Just a glance at some of the blogging being done over at rabid fan sites such as
DELETED LINKS TO OTHER SITES will give you a good idea of what the fans have been thinking about Leonard.
There is a real division in the fans’ opinion. Many Ram boosters believe that the pick was a wasted one, that the Rams had greater needs at that point in the draft than at running back. And that if the Rams really needed a running back that badly, there were better choices. This side of the opinion poll goes on to say that Leonard really didn’t show much last year, making the selection seem that much worse. Leonard is criticized for being undersized, slow, and a poor blocker.
Those who like Leonard point to his record at Rutgers, where he was at one time being touted as a Heisman candidate. He gained 2,775 yards, scored 45 TD’s, and caught 207 passes in college. He was projected as a high round selection in the 2007 draft; in some quarters he was seen as a first-round pick, so his defenders say that taking him with their second choice was not a reach for the Rams. They agree that he may be hesitant at times with the ball, but they are quick to point out that that is a problem with the Rams’ star running back
Steven Jackson as well.
However, the most telling point that Leonard’s fans make is that Leonard did not get a fair trial last year because of the multiple injuries that decimated the Rams’ offensive line. How could anyone run effectively behind a group of backups and street free agents, several of whom were playing out of position? Despite the ineffective blocking, Leonard did manage a 100-yard game against the Cardinals, so there has to be some real talent there.
I believe that the last point illustrates what the Rams’ coaches believe, too, but their actions this year lead me to feel that they don’t quite know what to do with Leonard. Frankly, I think they expected more from him last year, and he didn’t deliver to their expectations. Oh, he had his moments, but his blocking was inconsistent, and he never quite got into the flow of the offense.
This year, the coaches are trying to save their second round pick. And their reputations as talent evaluators.
During the offseason, Leonard bulked up to about 234 pounds and had some cleanup surgery done on both shoulders. There is talk from the Rams that Leonard will be blocking more for Jackson, and that the added weight will help him be more effective in that role. He is also working out with the special teams, something that he didn’t do last year. Is this because the special teams need his talents, or is it because the Rams need to keep Leonard busy so they can justify their selection? Is this the best use of his skills?
I really don’t know, but what bothers me is the fact that Leonard’s role in the offense seems to be diminishing. I think the Rams want to make Antonio Pittman their first option behind Jackson, so they have to find other things for Leonard to do. If Pittman beats out Leonard for that spot, fine. But it seems to me that the decision has already been made, and that most of the talents that Leonard showed in college and that caused the Rams to draft him so high may be wasted.
I like Brian Leonard a lot, and I have no problems with the Rams picking him second. He’s a terrific athlete and a great character guy and a potential locker room leader.
I just hope the Rams use him to his full potential and not make another Travis Minor out of him.
He seems to me to be a great fit for Al Saunders’ offense. I’d like to see what he can do running behind a solid offensive line for a change, and as an option in third-down passing situations.
Let’s see the guy get a fair evaluation.
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