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04.27.2008 11:23 am
Rams draft a cornerback
Jeff Gordon

And it’s Justin King, a speedster from Penn State.

Is King, a converted receiver, just is a faster version of ‘07 pick Jonathan Wade?

Can he become a sturdy tackler in run support? Can he develop good coverage skills?

We’ll see. But the Rams know this much: This dude can run like the wind.

“We’ve added two players (King and Donnie Avery) at skill positions who can flat out fly,” coach Scott Linehan said.

The Rams believe King has the size and coverage skills to add depth at cornerback. Many draftniks disagree, arguing that he has poor defensive instincts.

“I wouldn’t say he’s raw,” Rams personnel czar Billy Devaney said. “He started every game the last two years.”

King has already graduated from Penn State. The Rams described him as a Dean’s List student and a high-character individual, despite his involvement in a high-profile off-field incident.

Linehan said King is like the Rams chosen before him “These guys are all the top character grades you can get,” Linehan said. “We will continue that trend.”

No, Billy Devaney said, the team will not gamble on suspect character as the day grows long and picking becomes slim.

“Late rounds, free agents, we’re not compromising on that,” Devaney said.


Article printed from Tipsheet: http://www.stltoday.com/blogzone/tipsheet

URL to article: http://www.stltoday.com/blogzone/tipsheet/rams-draft-day/2008/04/rams-draft-a-cornerback/

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