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Former No. 1 pick chats with users
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St. Louis Rams tackle Orlando Pace took part in a live chat with NFL.COM users on Wednesday, March 25. After becoming the first offensive lineman in 30 years to be selected No. 1 overall in the 1997 NFL Draft, Pace quickly adjusted to the pro level and started nine games during his rookie campaign. The 6-foot-7, 330-pound Pace left his mark on the college game as one of the most dominant linemen ever to play for Ohio State. In 1996, he made history by becoming the first player to win two consecutive Lombardi Awards, given to the most outstanding collegiate lineman. Pace's career with the Buckeyes culminated in a Rose Bowl win over Arizona State on New Year's Day 1997.
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Rams tackle Orlando Pace visited the NFL.COM chat room on Wednesday, March 25. |
Orlando Pace: I think, for one, Tony Banks will have a lot more confidence in the offense. Also, now that we've had time getting to know each other, the offensive line will be better.
RAMbler: Orlando, from your point of view, what's the biggest transition from college to the pro game?
Orlando Pace: I think the speed is a lot faster so you have to adjust ot that and become more of a student of the game. Learn the techniques.
Ross Yukawa: In the NFL, players are switching teams back and forth and its beginning to look a lot like baseball. Do you see yourself in a Rams uniform for a long time? I hope so. I grew up a L.A. Rams fan and lived and died with a lot of disappointments, but one great enjoyment I got following the Rams was watching Jackie Slater play his entire career as a Ram. I certainly hope you stay a Ram and help turn around the losing attitude and change the way the Rams are perceived around the NFL. Good luck next season! Kick Niner butt!
Orlando Pace: Yeah. I have a six-year contract and I think I'll be here for awhile. You never know, but hopefully I'll stay here in St. Louis.
Run, Jerald, Run!: Hi Orlando! I was wondering if you felt you had a tremendous amount of pressure on you coming out of college and being the dominating player you were there? Did you feel that you met the expectations in your rookie year? Thanks and good luck!
Orlando Pace: I think there was a lot of pressure and all and it was tough getting into camp late. I have to go into this year and play a lot better because I don't think I played as well as I could.
Ken Pavloff: Hello Orlando. Who was the hardest defensive end to block last year? What do you feel that you will need to work on in training camp this year in order to refine your techniques to become a dominant lineman?
Orlando Pace: I think I played against a lot of good players last year. There wasn't one in particular that was the hardest to block. With training camp under my belt this year I feel I can only get better at pass protection.
Mike Kenney: Orlando, I am probably one of the smallest offensive linemen that you have seen -- I have a fullback that is bigger than me! Your a big man, do you think that it is all size that matters now in the NFL or is there still a place for a guy with great skill?
Orlando Pace: Skill probably plays the biggest part actually. There are a lot of big guys, but skill and technique is the biggest thing you have to have.
pantherman: How tough do you think it will be to stop the Panthers' pass rush this year with all the signings they've made this offseason -- like getting Kevin Greene back, signing Jeff Brady and, of course, the pending addition of Sean Gilbert?
Orlando Pace: It'll be tough. They're tough every year. I think it will be a situation where we have to really be prepared to go out and play them.
jetfan: How was being a part of a great offensive unit at Ohio State with Terry Glenn, Eddie George and Korey Stringer and do you still keep in touch with your former Buckeye teammates?
Orlando Pace: Yeah, we all keep in touch. We work out in Columbus every summer together and we're all still good friends. I really enjoyed being part of that offensive unit.
Moderator: Thanks for joining us today Orlando. Any final comments for your fans out there?
Orlando Pace: I'd just like to say keep the faith in the Rams and we'll pull through!
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