Grading the St. Louis Rams' 2014 Draft Picks After the Preseason

By Chris Ross

Grading St. Louis Rams' 2014 Draft Picks After Preseason

Jeff Fisher
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The St. Louis Rams made waves in the 2014 NFL Draft, particularly with the drafting of Michael Sam. Outside of Sam, the Rams added a ton of young talent to the roster, and for a team looking to take the next step, they did well by adding so much talent. With that said, here is a report card for every Rams draft pick following the preseason.

Greg Robinson- C+

Greg Robinson
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Greg Robinson- C+

Greg Robinson
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When he was in the lineup, it was clear that Greg Robinson still needs some development. He has a ton of potential, but Robinson still needs to improve as a technician before he’s ready to be in the starting lineup.

Aaron Donald- B-

St. Louis Rams 2014 Draft Class News Conference
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Aaron Donald- B-

St. Louis Rams 2014 Draft Class News Conference
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Although he didn’t play much this preseason, Aaron Donald was still able to come away with a sack in August. Donald is extremely explosive, and even on a talented Rams defensive line, Donald should make an impact as a pass-rusher.

Lamarcus Joyner- C+

Lamarcus Joyner St. Louis Rams
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Lamarcus Joyner- C+

Lamarcus Joyner St. Louis Rams
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Lamarcus Joyner was drafted to give the Rams a versatile player in the secondary, and that’s exactly what he gave the team this preseason. Joyner can play corner and he can play safety, and he will eventually be a starter.

Tre Mason- C-

1. Tre Mason RB St. Louis Rams
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Tre Mason- C-

1. Tre Mason RB St. Louis Rams (1)
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Expected to compete with Zac Stacy earlier this offseason, Tre Mason showed why Stacy is the starter in St. Louis with an underwhelming preseason. Mason was only able to muster 2.9 yards per carry, and he needs to improve before he’s ready for a big role in the offense.

Mo Alexander- C

Mo Alexander
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Mo Alexander- C

Mo Alexander
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A depth selection through and through, Mo Alexander looked decent against second and third stringers, but he wouldn’t look so great going against starters. Alexander may one day develop into a starter, but that day is far away.

E.J. Gaines- B-

E.J. Gaines
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E.J. Gaines- B-

E.J. Gaines
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A fluid athlete with good ball skills, E.J. Gaines looked good in coverage this preseason. Gaines was a steal in the sixth round, and will challenge to be a starter in the next few seasons.

Garrett Gilbert- D

St Louis Rams Rookie Minicamp
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Garrett Gilbert- D

St Louis Rams Rookie Minicamp
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Garrett Gilbert failed to make the Rams' roster, even though the team really lacks talent at the position. That’s probably not a good sign.

Mitchell Van Dyke- D

NFL: St. Louis Rams-Training Camp
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Mitchell Van Dyke- D

NFL: St. Louis Rams-Training Camp
Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

Mitchell Van Dyke was also released this preseason.

C.B. Bryant- D

St. Louis Rams helmet
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C.B. Bryant- D

St. Louis Rams helmet
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C.B. Bryant is the third late round pick to be released by the Rams.

Michael Sam- C+

Michael Sam - Copy
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Michael Sam- C+

Michael Sam
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While Michael Sam is yet another late round pick to be cut by the Rams, there’s no doubt he made an impact this preseason. Sam displayed some pass-rushing skill and will likely latch on elsewhere.

Demetrius Rhaney- D+

Demetrius Rhaney
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Demetrius Rhaney- D+

Demetrius Rhaney
Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Demetrius Rhaney was put on the Rams’ IR.

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