Rams' Draft History: Busts & Breakthroughs

0:00On April 21st, over the past 50 years, the Los Angeles Rams have dodged most of the NFL's biggest draft disasters. A USA Today breakdown by Nate Davis spotlighted the league's top buss, and the Rams only landed two players plus one trade package on that list. That's rare for franchise with so much history. Take Running Back Lawrence Phillips, snagged six overall in 1996. The Rams traded up for him, shipping out talent like Sean Gilbert and Jerome Betis. But Phillips flamed out quick, averaging just 3.4 yards per carry before getting cut after his second season amid off-field issues. Sam Bradford, the first overall pick in 2010, looks promising at first as offensive rookie of the year. Injuries derailed him, though, and the guys taken right after, like Namukong-Sah and Trent Williams turned into stars. Bradford bounced around, never making the playoffs. Then there's the 2012 trade for Robert Griffin, the third's draft rights. The Rams flipped it into players like Michael Brockers,

1:03Janoris Jenkins, and Alec Ogletree. Some solid contributors, but the hall didn't spark a turn around or build a dynasty in St. Louis. Those misses fuelled years of mediocrity, but now under Sean McVey and LesNeed, the Rams' draft flight pros and competed the top. They're primed to keep stacking wins come draft time.