Rams News

Mayes' patience might
have increased his value
04/12 08:12 PM

By Jim Thomas
Of the Post-Dispatch Staff
Little more than a year ago, Alonzo Mayes considered turning pro. But he took one look at a pretty good draft crop of tight ends -- Tony Gonzalez, David LaFleur, Damon Jones, Freddie Jones -- and decided to return to Oklahoma State for his senior season.
``Me being a no-name, it was really beneficial to stay in school,'' Mayes said.
He's no longer a no-name. After catching eight passes for 126 yards and two touchdowns in an overtime loss to Missouri in Game 7 of the 1997 season, Mayes was en route to a monster season. His season totals at that point were 29 catches for 424 yards and seven TDs.
But that's where they stayed. He suffered a season-ending shoulder injury against the Tigers, undergoing surgery in November.
Although his game still needs polish, and his weight has fluctuated in the past, Mayes seemingly has all the tools to be a top-flight NFL tight end. With 4.75 speed in the 40, he runs well for someone his size (6-5, 256).
``I'm just one of these people trying to get into a good situation for the rest of our lives,'' Mayes said at the NFL scouting combine. ``I'm just trying to get a piece of what's out there.''
He looked like a sure first-round draft pick, projected to go somewhere in the bottom half of the round. But recent reports of a positive drug test for marijuana at the combine may cloud his status.

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