Rams News

Viewpoints by Chris Wilbers

Although free agency hasn't exactly been a storybook one for the Rams (losing out on the bidding wars for Gabe Wilkins and Sean Gilbert), one can't help but be impressed by what this team accomplished during the draft.

I know, I know. The Rams failed to work a deal to land Andre Wadsworth. They came up short in acquiring the rights to Curtis Enis. (Funny how the talk surrounding Enis changed before and after draft weekend. Before, pessimists were saying, "Not Curtis Enis. Not another Penn State halfback-turned-flop in the pros." Afterwards, it was, "Why couldn't we get Enis? He could have been the answer in the backfield." So much for appeasing everyone.)

Still, regardless of the setback, St. Louis fans shouldn't have any trouble warming to their newest Rams.

Looking for former legal problems? Or wild, uncontrollable talents? You won't find any among the team's top two selections, Grant Wistrom from Nebraska and Robert Holcombe from Illinois.

In fact, it seems the most trouble Wistrom has found himself in was during his high school career at Webb City, Mo., when he pulled down a 'B' grade for a class. As it turns out, it was the only class during the four years in which he didn't earn an 'A.'

"I think it was in English, too," Wistrom admitted. "And my mom's an English teacher."

Nevertheless, some media pundits tried to compare the former Husker to Lawrence Phillips, saying the Rams were taking another gamble in selecting Wistrom. What gamble? That he's too clean cut for the Nebraska image? That he'll destroy the legacy of red and white that Phillips and Christian Peter have worked so hard to tarnish?

The only real concern the team faces is Wistrom retaining his speed with added weight, and keeping his dog away from training camp. The rookie has already assured the media the pup will be safe at home when this year's festivities begin in July.

While the pick did come as a small surprise, perhaps it shouldn't have. Two years ago, when Rams head coach Dick Vermeil was serving as an analyst for a Nebraska game on ABC, Wistrom caught his eye. What's more, Vermeil said if he were a pro coach, he'd draft him.

Once Enis came off the board, the head coach got his chance.

"I reminded him about that when I came in to visit (before the draft)," Wistrom said. "I was hoping he'd keep his word."

Some question the decision only because he came from Nebraska, as Phillips, Peter and others have left the impression that players from that university can't succeed on the next level.

It's not like Nebraska players can't play football on a professional basis. Neil Smith quickly comes to mind, and he seems to have done pretty well for himself, also playing defensive end. Irving Fryar has also done quite well. Comb any NFL roster, and you'll usually find at least one former Husker.

But even if none of them had panned out, the Rams owed it to themselves to take the best player available. And if they get a solid citizen in the process, all the better.

The same could be said for Holcombe. Many figured he was a first-round caliber back who the Kansas City Chiefs simply passed on. Instead, they decided offensive tackle was a bigger need, choosing Victor Riley from Auburn. If Riley stumbles ­ as some predict he will because of a lack of motivation ­ they may be kicking themselves for years down the road, as Holcombe appears capable of big things in the blue and gold.

Think I'm just an optimist, a dreamer?

Apparently, I'm not the only one thinking this way. Draft "expert" Mel Kiper recently predicted Holcombe will be a quick NFL contributor, easily outperforming Enis. What's more, he said he thinks the Illinois back will contend for Rookie of the Year. Then again, if anyone deserved a little success, it would be Holcombe. Imagine never winning a game your senior season. (I know. For Rams fans of late, this actually isn't much of a stretch.) Pessimists may say this could turn into a bad situation, having a halfback who's accustomed to losing, especially on a team that's experienced so much of it over the past decade.

But Holcombe seems different. He's a fighter. A warrior. While his team lost ... and lost ... and lost (you get the point), he refused to surrender, rushing for 5,105 yards during his four-year collegiate career. It's even more impressive when you consider opponents built their game plans around stopping him.

What's more, despite the fact that his team suffered the imperfect season in 1997, he was named a third-team All-American. Not too many players would have the patience and the will to keep working for a team that wasn't rewarded with victory.

Not Robert Holcombe.

He seems appreciative for the chance to play ­ a far cry from Phillips' attitude two years ago ­ and he's shown himself to be a tough, hard-nosed player who will shoulder the workload necessary to become an effective NFL back. His addition gives the Rams two backs who aren't afraid to take a hit ... and keep churning forward.

Throw in Leonard Little, Az-Zahir Hakim and the others, and this team could have several players contribute very quickly.

Really, the only people disappointed by the Rams' selections may be the Steelers, as St. Louis snatched away Little, the defensive end from Tennessee that Pittsburgh had its heart set on.

While the Rams were on the clock ­ having just traded up two spots in the third round with New York ­ the NFL told Pittsburgh it had the next choice. So as Little was on the phone with the Steelers about being their next pick, Vermeil interrupted the conversation to tell him the Rams were selecting him.

Little said he really wasn't sure where he was headed until he saw it on television. And sure enough, he's headed to St. Louis.

Some in the Pittsburgh media claimed the Rams made the deal only as revenge for the Jerome Bettis trade of two seasons ago. Pretty strange way to avenge a trade: sabotaging a third-round draft pick.

But even if there were evil intentions (which I strongly doubt), it worked out pretty well for the Rams, as they now have a talented defensive end, as well as several potential contributors on board. Obviously, one shouldn't judge this draft solely by first impressions, but most agree the team definitely helped itself during the two days in April.

Now comes the tough (and hopefully fun) part: translating that potential into production and ­ more important ­ wins.

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