Seven Ram Players Selected for Pro Bowl Team

Eric Dickerson, who had trouble finding running room this season, was surprised to hear that four offensive linemen were among the seven Rams voted into the Pro Bowl by their peers this week.

“Four offensive linemen made it?” Dickerson questioned.

He was less surprised to learn that he hadn’t made it after being selected in each of his first two seasons.

With 1,136 yards, he ranks fifth in rushing in the NFC.

The seven Rams chosen--the Chicago Bears topped the squad with eight selections--are cornerback LeRoy Irvin, punter Dale Hatcher, kick returner Ron Brown, guards Dennis Harrah and Kent Hill, tackle Jackie Slater and center Doug Smith.

“I’m glad for Dennis (Harrah),” Dickerson said. “Dennis should have made it last year. Last year, we should have had more linemen. After all those yards (an NFL record 2,105), we had two linemen (Hill and Smith) go. I could not believe Dennis and Bill Bain did not make it.”

Coach John Robinson said: “It’s safe to make a statement that the thing runs maybe a year behind. It’s as much a vote for what you did a year ago, so the emerging players--a Mike Wilcher--are ignored.”

Wilcher leads the Rams with 12 1/2 quarterback sacks.

Irvin, Hatcher and Brown were selected for the first time, Hill for the fifth, Slater and Smith for the second, and Harrah for the fourth. The Rams have had an offensive lineman in the game for 19 consecutive years, but Harrah hadn’t been picked since 1980.

“I’m very excited,” he said. “I’m just glad to be back in it. I’ve worked hard to get back in that group.”

Smith may not be able to play in the game if his nerve problem is not resolved. He was put on injured reserve last week.

Hatcher, a third-round draft choice from Clemson, is the only rookie on the NFC team. He leads the league in net punting average at 38 yards and is second with 31 punts inside the 20-yard line.