Rams Might Be Willing to Scramble for Hearst
It’s 1983, Coach Chuck Knox wants a running back in the NFL draft, and so he swings a blockbuster trade to secure the third pick in the first round to select Penn State’s Curt Warner.
It’s 1993, Knox wants a running back in the draft, and so will history repeat?
Forget it.
The Rams obviously are not announcing their draft-day intentions, but Knox has indicated he might be willing to surrender two top draft choices once again for the opportunity to pick Georgia running back Garrison Hearst, today’s version of a new and improved Curt Warner.
But to get Hearst, the Rams must climb from the 10th spot in the first round to one of the top four spots, and that’s a problem.
New England has the first choice and is expected to take Notre Dame quarterback Rick Mirer or Washington State quarterback Drew Bledsoe. Seattle picks next and probably will take the quarterback New England leaves behind.
The Jets are expected to use the third selection on Florida State inside linebacker Marvin Jones. Phoenix picks fourth and reportedly has assured quarterback Joe Montana--per Montana’s wishes--that it would take Hearst.
That leaves the Rams parked in the 10th position, fingers crossed and most likely waiting to pounce on Notre Dame running back Jerome Bettis.
Hearst is a game-breaker and a highlight film in the making. Bettis is a sledgehammer, who pounds and pounds, and isn’t that what “Ground Chuck” is all about?
“Hearst gives you wind burns,” Ram offensive backfield coach Chick Harris said. “Bettis gives you rug and pad burns.”
The acquisition of Bettis might allow the Rams to trade Cleveland Gary and secure an additional pick on draft day. The Cowboys are looking for a backup for Emmitt Smith, and Gary gave Coach Jimmy Johnson something to consider last season when he ran 29 times for 110 yards, caught seven passes for 44 yards and scored two touchdowns against the Cowboys.
The Rams still need a speedy wide receiver, depth along the offensive line and an additional pass rusher. But the addition of a player such as Bettis would take pressure off quarterback Jim Everett and provide Knox with the solid ground-hugger he lacks.
But will Bettis still be there when the Rams make their selection? If not, then what? Washington offensive tackle Lincoln Kennedy? USC wide receiver Curtis Conway?
What happens if a highly regarded player such as Alabama defensive end Eric Curry falls down the board and into the Rams’ lap? Do they take Curry or Bettis?
Most draft prognosticators--including Knox--agree there are eight-to-nine blue-chip players available in Round 1. If all goes according to form, Mirer, Bledsoe, Jones, Hearst, Kennedy, Curry, Alabama defensive tackle John Copeland and Louisiana Tech tackle Willie Roaf will be gone when the Rams pick.
Knox also has included Bettis in that group, although most draft prognosticators disagree. They have the Rams taking Bettis.
If players such as Toledo defensive end Dan Williams, Conway and Texas A&M; safety Patrick Bates are selected before the Rams’ turn, the Rams’ chances of getting Bettis increase dramatically.
“No matter what happens,” Knox said, “I know this: There are enough good football players out there and we’re going to get a good one when we pick.”
OUT OF REACH
QB Drew Bledsoe (Washington State), 6-5, 223: The next John Elway. “In the eyes of most football people he’s your prototype quarterback in terms of height, weight and speed,” said John Becker, Ram director of player personnel. “The other thing he’s got going for him is tremendous arm strength. He’s got a quick delivery, and runs faster than people would think. He ran the 40-yard dash on a fast track in 4.7 seconds; not many people that size can run like that. He’s the complete package; he’s a franchise-type guy.” If he’s not the first player selected, he’s the second.
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QB Rick Mirer (Notre Dame), 6-2, 214: Mirer’s a Joe Montana clone, which explains the 49ers’ desire to acquire the first pick in the draft and the chance to nab him. “Mirer is a better athlete than Bledsoe,” Becker said. “He can pull it down and hurt you running the football. If he were in this league right now, he’d be in the top four guys in terms of mobility. His arm is not as strong as Bledsoe’s, but he’s got great athletic ability.”
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LB Marvin Jones (Florida State), 6-1 1/2, 244: The best defensive player available. “Let me put it this way,” Becker said, “if you’re assigned to block this guy, you got a real problem. He just makes plays.” An inside linebacker who covers 40 yards in 4.58 seconds.
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RB Garrison Hearst (Georgia), 5-9, 202: There were concerns about his knee, but after a workout in which he ran the 40 in 4.38 seconds, there were no longer any such concerns. “He didn’t look like a guy on his last leg to me,” Harris said. As good as Curt Warner was, this guy may be better. “A very, very special football player,” Becker said. “You have got to have a red ‘S’ on your shirt to do some of the things I have seen him do. If he’s playing with a knee problem, God almighty, what would he be like if he was healthy?”
OUT OF REACH
OT Willie Roaf (Louisiana Tech), 6-4 1/2, 303: Climbed over Washington’s Lincoln Kennedy at NFL Combine workouts after the season. Hasn’t missed a game in three seasons. “I can’t think of anything Willie Roaf can’t do,” Becker said. “He’s got size, speed and he’s an exceptional athlete. If you wanted to play this guy one on one in basketball, I’d say, ‘Good luck.’ This guy can move. He also wants to play football and he wants to be successful.”
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DT John Copeland (Alabama), 6-3 1/2, 280: Has garnered more interest than teammate Eric Curry. Copeland’s specialty is stuffing the run. “If you had 10 people in the room and gave them five hours to study Curry and Copeland, you might have 10 different opinions,” Becker said. “It’s not clear cut who is the better of the two. I’d be surprised to find these two names very far apart come draft day.”
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OT Lincoln Kennedy (Washington), 6-6, 350: He likes to strap on the feed bag, and that makes some teams nervous. He impressed scouts, however, at a recent workout and weighed in 25 pounds lighter than at the Combine workouts. “We’ve got no problem with Lincoln Kennedy,” Becker said. “If you’re the quarterback, and you’ve got Lincoln protecting your backside, you’re not going to have any problems over there. I looked at the videotape to see how many sacks this guy gave up as a junior, and I spent all day looking and couldn’t find any. I’d be very, very pleased to have either Kennedy or Roaf.”
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DE Dan Williams (Toledo), 6-3 1/2, 277: Lacks the polished skills to go in front of Copeland and yet Jets were seriously considering using third pick in first round on him. Williams and Florida State’s Dan Footman probably will be the third and fourth defensive linemen taken in the first round. “He can be a dominant guy,” Becker said. “He’s the only guy I’ve ever seen who can shove Kennedy right back into the quarterback. A lot of raw skills.”
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DE Eric Curry (Alabama), 6-6, 265: Used as outside pass rusher and compiled 10 1/2 sacks last season. NFL teams love outside pass rushers. “When you look at Bledsoe and you see the prototype quarterback, now you look at this guy and you’re looking at the prototype defensive end,” Becker said. “Very, very productive.” Failure to respond to workout requests recently has soured some teams on Curry. Will he tumble down the board on draft day?
THE 10TH PICK?
RB Jerome Bettis (Notre Dame), 5-11, 248: A third-year junior, who played his best in big games. “He’s a beauty,” Becker said. “Like Hearst, he has all three skills: He can block, he can run, he can catch. Where he’s different than Hearst is that he’s bigger but nowhere near as fast. Where Hearst is more a burst guy and has more run skills and can just outrun you, this guy is just going to run over the top of you. This is the guy who is going to wear you down in the fourth quarter.” Scored three times each in the Cotton and Sugar bowls. “I love his competitiveness,” Becker said. “If five guys have just brought him down, you’re going to see a volcano. He’s just going to erupt in his enthusiasm to jump off the bottom of the pile and get back into the huddle to run again. . . . I would be very surprised if Jerome Bettis isn’t a household name for anyone who follows professional football in the next few years.”
TOP 10 SURPRISE?
WR Curtis Conway (USC), 6-1, 181: New salary restrictions will force teams to look for players who offer versatility. Conway fills role as receiver and return man. Chicago, picking seventh, reportedly interested. “This is no Smurf; if you’re the quarterback, you’re looking at a great target when you go looking for Curtis,” Becker said. “He has great speed (4.41) and he can make things happen with the ball. If he’s not the best return man in America, he’s right there in the top two or three.”