May 15, 2008
Mr. Irrelevant could play an important role
Orlando Pace, the No. 1 overall pick in the 1997 NFL Draft, said he didn’t realize that Rams rookie LB David Vobora was Mr. Irrelevant as the last overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft.
“Is he?’’ Pace said. “That’s how irrelevant he is, I didn’t even know that. I guess that’s Mr. Irrelevant for you.’’
All joking aside, the 6-foot-1, 236-pound Vobora could end up playing an extremely relevant role for the Rams.
“He is in a good spot because of where our linebacker depth is,’’ Rams coach
Scott Linehan said. “If he can handle doing double duty with special teams (and defense), then he has a great chance of making the team.”
Vobora had 148 tackles, including 6.5 for a loss, one sack and one interception last season as a senior for the University of Idaho.
“He is a really bright kid and was a very productive,’’ Linehan said. “He is a pretty good athlete. I think that has probably been a little underestimated as well.”
About Vobora, Linehan added, “He comes from greatness at the University of Idaho.’’
Linehan played quarterback for the Vandals from 1982-86..
Vobora is among several extremely productive college LBs vying for a roster spot with the Rams.
Chris Chamberlain, taken 24 spots ahead of Vobora in the seventh round with the 228th overall pick, had 165 tackles, including 12.5 stops for losses, three sacks and three interceptions last season for Tulsa.
Vincent Hall, an undrafted free agent, had 100 tackles and 3.5 sacks last season at Virginia Tech despite missing four games with a broken wrist.
Marc Magro, another undrafted free agent, had 83 tackles and eight sacks last season for West Virgina.
“I think both (Vobora) and Chamberlain as well as (Hall and Magro were all very productive linebackers,’’ Linehan said. “That was the number one thing that stood out and we wanted it to be a priority with the linebackers that we brought to this team. They are guys that have a nose for the football.’’
Vobora said he was trying to arrange a contract as an undrafted free agent when the Rams selected him with the final pick of the draft.
“I was actually outside on the phone with my agent trying to deal with some free agent stuff and then Coach Linehan with call waiting beeped in,’’ Vobora said. “I flipped over, and he said, ‘Hey, you’re our guy. We would like to get to you earlier, but this is a good opportunity for you.’’
Vobora will be the guest of honor during a week-long celebration of the underdog known as Irrelevant Week on June 22-28 in Newport Beach, Calif. He’ll be showered with gifts, including a Rolex watch and a trip to Disney World.
“There is a lot of good stuff,’’ Vobora said. “Apparently, I get to judge a Miss Irrelevant pageant with some cheerleaders, so you can’t argue with that.’’
Linear Mode
