Rams sign Draft and Rumph--OFFICAL

[RamWraith]

Rams sign Draft to a contract
By Jim Thomas
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
03/20/2007



After visiting the Rams late last week, free-agent linebacker Chris Draft left St. Louis without a contract. He has one now. Draft became the team's latest offseason addition agreeing to terms on a three-year contract early Monday evening.

At worst, Draft will back up all three linebacker positions in St. Louis. He could eventually challenge strongside linebacker Brandon Chillar for a starting job as well. Draft, 31, has started 71 games over nine NFL seasons. Last season in Carolina, he started 16 games-- the last 14 came in place of the injured Dan Morgan at middle linebacker. Draft registered 111 tackles, the second-highest total of his career, and recorded a career high 5 1/2 sacks.


The Rams also agreed to terms with cornerback Mike Rumph on a one-year deal. A first-round draft pick by San Francisco in 2002, Rumph has started 19 NFL games. He spent most of last season with Washington after spending his four years with the *****. Rumph, who has good size at 6'2", 205 lbs., will compete for the fourth cornerback spot in St. Louis.

[tomahawk247]

didnt Steven Jackson break Rumph's arm when Rumph tried to tackle him?

[Milan]

Mike Rumph is awful according to the ***** fans, but Draft was great last season wasn't he?

[Nick]

I love the Draft signing. This was a guy I wanted us to go after since before free agency. He at worst adds depth across the board at LB but should push Chillar for the starting SAM linebacker job (which the article confirms). I've never been very impressed with Rumph, but as a potential dime corner I can't really complain.

[Country]

Rumph may make the team, but he has not been very good and if the CB straved Redskins let him walk that should tell you something.

Draft is a great signing he should start at SLB over Chillar. Draft brings tackles and attitude to a defense that is desperate for both those things.

[Keenum]

VERY nice signings!

[RealRam]

Draft -- okay. Rumph -- we'll see in camp. Welcome both and Best Wishes! :r

[Revelstoke]

What does the signing of Draft due to the chances of Dexter C returning?

I keep reading that the Rams are interested in brining him back, but do you think with this signing the chances of that got slimmer?

[RealRam]

You're probably right on that, Revel. It may be that Coakley's time has come to be replaced by an incoming Draft, albeit not a young LB.

[Revelstoke]

Real, and we also have Jon Alston in the wings, he might not be a great fit size wise but if i'm not mistaken the boy can ball, so it would be nice to get him on the field.

[r8rh8rmike]

I like the Draft signing. We've been bitten by the injury bug too many times the last few years and he has the versatility to be a more than capable back up for all three LB positions as well as a potential starter on the strong side. Not much to complain about there. Rumph?? Maybe he can surprise us but I'm not holding my breath.

[BigDaddyPace]

Awesome!!!

I was hopeing we got this guy. Anybody but Chillar. True there is not alot of tred on the tire but should be an upgrade.

[UtterBlitz]

I don't think they should let football players be named draft. It is far too confusing.

[AvengerRam]

Given Draft's experience at MLB, I wonder if this opens up a greater possibility for 3-4 sets, with Witherspoon and Draft playing on the inside.

[UtterBlitz]

Given Draft's experience at MLB, I wonder if this opens up a greater possibility for 3-4 sets, with Witherspoon and Draft playing on the inside.

Do you think they will keep spoon in the middle like they have been saying?