04.26.2009 4:38 pm
In Seventh Round, Rams Take Texas RB
Chris Ogbonnaya of the Longhorns, the combo back (and ex-WR) at UT. He is a good athlete with decent size, but his track record running the ball it a bit thin. He had just 140 career carries for 597 yards.
Most draft experts had him ranked ahead of sixth-round pick Keith Null, so he has that going for him.
He is considered an excellent receiver (owing to his background) and a pretty good blocker. Mizzou fans will remember him tearing up their team . . . but that wasn’t saying, given the Tigers’ defensive play in big games.
Analysis (from NFLdraftscout.com)
Positives: Passes the eyeball test. Patient, one-cut runner who can attack the hole when it is there. Some wiggle in open space for a big back. Will lower his shoulder and bowl over the unsuspecting defender. Rare hands and experience as a route-runner due to his time at wide receiver. Physical blocker. Packs a pop and gives good effort to sustain. High effort player. Good locker room presence.
Negatives: Bit of a ‘tweener. Lacks the bulk for fullback, the all-around skills to be more than a secondary running back and the straight-line speed to move back to wide receiver. Isn’t a nimble back who can consistently make something out of nothing. Has to take a few steps to generate his power. Runs a bit upright, leaving him prone to big hits and limiting his own power. Marginal speed to get to the second level. Can be caught from behind.
What is going on today???!!! Can anyone please enlighten me as to where the Rams benefitted by dropping back in Rounds 5 and 6 with Atlanta?? I didn’t see any extra picks come our way because of it. What gives? Any insight would be appreciated.
Overview (from NFLdraftscout.com)
One of the better stories in college football, Ogbonnaya finally got his chance to shine after Jamaal Charles declared for the 2008 draft. He entered his senior season having carried the ball only 66 times in three years and switching from tailback to receiver and back multiple times.
In Texas’ Colt McCoy-driven offense (the quarterback was the leading passer and rusher), Ogbonnaya only managed 73 rushes for 373 yards and four scores n 2008, but his 46 catches for 540 yards and three touchdowns also caught scouts’ eyes. His play on coverage units also makes him a draftable prospect.
We could have gotten Javon Ringer who is a beast. I was not that impressed with him at UT.
I think most draft experts had my chihuahua rated higher than Null.
The Rams picked up WR Laurent Robinson in the deal that had the Rams and Falcons switch picks in rounds 5 and 6.
Probably a good thing too, since they didn’t take any WR of any value in the draft.
Rich, we swapped picks with the Falcons when we acquired Laurent Robinson. Let’s hope Robinson is one of Devaney’s few good moves.
They got Laurent Robinson from Atlanta for an exchange of the five and six round picks.
Wonder if Null has any Vicodin left or if he sold them all to Leaf.
Predictions for ‘09:
Null: 0 pass yards
Foster: <100 receiving yards
Ogbonnaya: 0 rushing yards
Great late round pickups Billy!!!