EARTH CITY, Mo. -- With a one year sample size to evaluate the 2014 NFL rookie class, we can draw our share of conclusions. Of course, it's still way too early to make sweeping judgments on any of the players after just one season. But we saw enough from some to know that the future is awfully bright.
On Wednesday, ESPN NFL Insider columnist Mike Sando, with the help of some veteran talent evaluators, re-ranked the 2014 NFL draft.
To the surprise of nobody, St. Louis Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald ascended greatly from his original draft spot at No. 13 overall.
In the new rankings, Sando has Donald at No. 2 overall, only behind Oakland Raiders linebacker Khalil Mack. Donald only lasted to No. 13 in the first place because of his lack of size but it certainly turned out great for the Rams. At 13th overall, Donald was one of the draft's biggest bargains. His quickness, hand use and ability to create leverage make Donald one of the most exciting interior defenders in the league.
With a Defensive Rookie of the Year award and a Pro Bowl already to his name, Donald's future is undoubtedly bright and one could make the argument that he's already the best player in the 2014 draft class.
Elsewhere on the list, offensive tackle Greg Robinson checks in at No. 22. That's not all that encouraging considering the Rams used the second overall pick on him. Dallas offensive lineman Zack Martin, whom the Rams had as their second-ranked offensive lineman only behind Robinson, is No. 10 on the list.
But in fairness to Robinson, it was widely known that he was going to take some time to get up to speed as a pass protector. The Rams are expecting a big step forward for him in Year 2 but he's the very definition of a player better judged after three years in the league.
Those are the only two Rams to land on the list, a list that includes mostly first-round choices with the exception of Oakland quarterback David Carr, Miami receiver Jarvis Landry and a few others. I could make a good argument for Rams cornerback E.J. Gaines, too, but his due will probably come if he continues to be consistent.
I.C.Y.M.I.
A roundup of Wednesday's Rams stories appearing on ESPN.com. ... In the Ram-blings, we started the day with a look at how close the Rams are to contending. ... Missouri Governor Jay Nixon went on the offensive in talking about the lawsuits trying to slow progress on the St. Louis stadium project. ... This week's buzz video discusses the importance of the Rams getting their run game going. ... One of the Rams' top offseason priorities now is getting the offensive line up to speed in a hurry. ... The next chapter in our offseason roster review examines the need for improvement in a static secondary.
Elsewhere:
Darren Rovell takes a look at the top jersey sellers in the NFL in the past month.
Matt Williamson ranks the top 100 players for fantasy dynasty leagues.
Chargers reporter Eric Williams writes that San Diego and the Chargers have been talking about possible stadium options.
At 101sports.com, Anthony Stalter wonders how Tavon Austin fits in the Rams' power-run oriented offense.
At stltoday.com, David Hunn writes that the city is now looking for a judge to hear the case on city funding for the stadium proposal on the north riverfront.