The Rams Drafted Winners

[AvengerRam]

Here's an interesting statistic regarding the Rams' draftees. These are the 2010 records of the college teams from which the players were selected:

North Carolina: 8-5
Wisconsin: 11-2
Boise State: 12-1
Hawaii: 10-4
Ohio State: 12-1
Baylor: 7-6
SFA: 9-3
Oklahoma 12-2

Every team had a winning record, and the combined total of 71-24 (.747) is very impressive. You can alo factor in that four of the eight players came from Division I Top 25 teams.

I think there is something to be said for this. I'd much rather have players who not only excelled individually, but did so for teams that won a lot of games. In some cases, stats can be inflated for players on bad teams. For example, QBs and WRs on bad teams may have a lot of passing/receiving yards because they often played catch-up against prevent defenses. Same might go for tackling or sack totals that are accumulated because the defense is on the field constantly due to an inept offense.

Beyond these tangible numbers, there is a certain attitude that players acquire from playing for a winner. Call it a "winner's mentality" or a "refuse to lose" approach. However you want to describe it, it is very real.

Hopefully, these "winners" will help the Rams build a winning tradition.

[MauiRam]

Beyond these tangible numbers, there is a certain attitude that players acquire from playing for a winner. Call it a "winner's mentality" or a "refuse to lose" approach. However you want to describe it, it is very real.

Hopefully, these "winners" will help the Rams build a winning tradition.

Good points .. These guys will actually expect to win ..

[md8]

That is a good point. Some players get stats, but make mistakes (that don't show up in that stat sheet) which cost them games.

[rNemesis]

This is a very big deal, and you are spot on with this one, AvengerRam.

I have noticed this trend for years now but just thought it was somewhat of a coincidence. The thing is, it IS very real and existent. When you come from a winning program, you tend to play till the whistle or til the end of regulation and not give up because you know what it takes to win. You carry that with you to the next level and only continue the good habit.

As for guys who are great players but come from losing programs, they seem to take that losing mentality with them and indeed cannot find ways to come up with the win at the most crucial times.

[RealRam]

AV, please send your observation to Rams Park. Attn. All Players / Especially Rookies.

And let's go for MORE WINS!

[TekeRam]

I'm not surprised at all, really. Look at the players that the Cheatriots bring in. Guys who want, expect, and CAN win. We have been having a discussion about how our new receivers fit a mold where they don't need to be super fast, they just need to be able to run fairly good routes and have sure hands. Another thing they need to have? A winner's mentality. That is just as important than having a good 40 time.

[Trevor]

Nice observation! Makes me wonder if that may have been the case in the failed drafts in the past?