No Sophomore Jinx Here: 2005 Draft Looking Pretty Good!

**AvengerRam** · -10-10-2006

While some try to evaluate a draft during the first preseason of the rookie class, it really takes two to three years to truly evaluate. With that in mind, the Rams' 2005 crop of rookies is starting to show signs of being one of the better groups in recent years:

Round 1: Alex Barron (Starting RT)
While Barron still makes errors, he has solidified the RT spot after it had been a revolving door for years. He will continue to improve, and will likely be Orlando Pace's successor at LT.

Round 2: Ron Bartell (Reserve DB/Special Teams)
Bartell has not found a clear position, swinging between CB and FS, but he has had some good moments on the field. He hasn't yet justified his draft position, but he probably hasn't reached his peak either.

Round 3: O.J. Atogwe (Starting FS)
Atogwe, after spending most of his rookie season on the bench, has emerged as a solid starter. He still needs to improve his positioning on zone coverages, but he has done a good job in run support and leads the Rams in takeaways. Projects as a long term starter.

Round 3: Richie Incognito (Starting OG/C)
Incognito, after sitting out 2005, earned the starting OG spot in preseason, and then moved to C when Andy McCollum was injured. While it is uncertain which will be his long term position, expect him to be a starter on the OL for years to come.

Round 4: Jerome Carter (Reserve DB/Special Teams)
Has made some contributions, including key interception. A good depth and role player, but likely not a future starter.

Round 4: Claude Terrell (Injured Reserve)
Showed reasonable promise as starting OG as a rookie, before weight and injury issues put him on the shelf. Probably will get another shot next year.

Round 5: Jerome Collins (No longer with team)
A project who didn't pan out.

Round 6: Dante Ridgeway (No longer with team)
Couldn't crack deep WR corps.

Round 6: Reggie Hodges (No longer with team)
A huge disappointment at punter.

Round 7: Ryan Fitzpatrick (3rd QB)
Showed some promise when thrown into action as a rookie. Could develop into solid number 2.

Round 7: Madison Hedgecock (Starting/Reserve FB)
After starting as a rookie, has alternated with Paul Smith this year. A good run blocker who needs to improve as a receiver.

So, all in all, the draft looks like this:

11 picks
8 players on team (including Terrell on IR)
4 starters (including Hedgecock)

Whlie perhaps not a spectacular draft in terms of future Pro Bowl players (Barron and Incognito probably the best bets there), a good draft in terms of building a team of young, solid, players.

***bruce4life*** · -10-10-2006

this is true unlike previous mike martz drafts where we only had 2 or 3 picks be productive this draft class for the rams has actually done something. no more koalona noa or