With the 154th pick, St. Louis selects Clifton Ryan, DL, Michigan State

[z.nrd]

http://www.nfl.com/draft/profiles/2007/ryan_clifton

Look close at that profile. The positives.

This guy is a 4/3 style NT all the way.

He has what you look for when drafting NTs.

[Nick]

Rotoworld's take:

Ryan (6-3/310) will be a penetrating type in St. Louis' 4-3, although he dabbled at end as a Spartan. The Rams have discussed using more 3-4 sets and added two versatile DLs in Ryan and No. 13 pick Adam Carriker.

[Country]

Solid size and run stuffing, so th pick looks good.

[timsum1283]

Strengths:
Very strong...Has decent size and bulk...Good speed and mobility...Versatile with experience at multiple positions...Pretty quick...Has a solid motor...Has nice range in pursuit...Lots of experience against top competition...He still has some upside.

Weaknesses:
He might be a 'tweener without a true pro position...Instincts and awareness are questionable...Not real physical or powerful...Average athleticism...Doesn't get a big push...Not real explosive...Isn't stout versus the run...Not a elite pass rusher.

Notes:
Could project to either end or tackle at the next level...Would probably play inside with a 4-3 team and outside in a 3-4 scheme...Has talent but the key will likely be finding his ideal pro role...Underrated prospect who could be a pleasant surprise.

http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/sco...iftonryan.html

[Nick]

Look close at that profile. The positives.

"Might be a better fit for the under tackle position, as he lacks the quickness to play on the edge"?

I agree, there are some points in there that could translate. I think it's a bit of a stretch at this point to say he's a nose tackle "all the way" though. Biggest question in that regard for me is the concern about his weight room strength translating to the field and inconsistency with his leg drive.

[RamsFan16]

If he moves to Defensive End I'll be upset. Why? A 5.16 40 is why.

He played Nose Tackle his senior year at Michigan State, why move a NT to DE?

[z.nrd]

I don't think it's a stretch at all.

Cofield did not play NT in college either.

Now if Linehan comes out and says this guy is an end, fine, I'll relent.

But comparing the "positives" it's almost as if the Rams stole a page out of the Giants 2006 draft strategies.

He is thick, good lower body strength, quick, has some burst, has quick hands, can get low and use leverage, clogs rush lanes, takes good angles from the 2-gap, has leg drive, can anchor, can hold his ground.

That's Cofield. The Jason Ferguson style of NT all the way.

Not saying he will make it. But this guy projects to the pros as an NT.

[Nick]

I don't think it's a stretch at all.

Reread my post, Zac. I didn't say it was a stretch that he could do it. I said it was a bit of a stretch at this point to claim he's a NT "all the way." Your post suggests there's no ifs, ands, or buts about it. But there's plenty of analyst opinion that suggests a three-technique role instead, and we have no idea how the staff wants to use him. The Rams sound like they're thinking outside the box with Carriker, so who knows where they want to try Ryan. I simply don't think we can be sure yet about how he will be used. But I agree that he has some qualities you'd look for in an interior run stopper.

[SavageRam]

clogs rush lanes, takes good angles from the 2-gap

I hope these strengths carry over well for him to the pro level. This has been sorely missing.

[Nick]

7. Clifton Ryan, DT, Michigan State
Strong defensive tackle has been a fine performer on the Spartans front line over the past three seasons. He is stout against the run, and has the ability to play in either scheme. He also shows a good bull rush to push the pocket and pressure the passer. He is well developed and should help immediately in a three tackle rotation. He carries a starting grade and could do so fairly early in his pro career.

http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/news?s...vals&type=lgns

[Nick]

Well Linehan has spoken, and you were right on the money about him being used at nose, z.nrd.

With the 154th pick in the draft, the Rams drafted Michigan State defensive end Clifton Ryan. Linehan said Ryan will move inside for the Rams.

“Right away he will compete for a roster spot as a nose guard,” Linehan said.

http://www.stltoday.com/blogs/sports...es/#more-11362

[tomahawk247]

do you think they were targeting this guy? if they already see him as a NT prospect they must have done their homework

[z.nrd]

I think he was on their value board.

[AvengerRam]

You have to like what Gil Brandt had to say about him on NFL.com:

He gave it up for his Michigan State team every time it asked him to. He was the one steady force on that team during a tumultuous season. He’s a utility D-lineman who will give you effort every time. If he gets a starting job, he will never lose it.

Don't forget, last year the normally silent Marc Bulger felt the need to call out the team's effort. No coincidence that the Rams are spending this weekend drafting "effort" players.

[RAMMAN68]

Don't forget, last year the normally silent Marc Bulger felt the need to call out the team's effort. No coincidence that the Rams are spending this weekend drafting "effort" players.
__________________

That's a good point; throw in the possible impact these guys have on the team, it should carry over to the rest of the players.