2009 #2 NFL Draft Pick: St. Louis Rams - Jason Smith (OT, Baylor)

With the second overall pick of the 2009 draft the St. Louis Rams picked the 6’5”, 309 lbs. offensive tackle out of Baylor University. The Rams are hoping that Smith’s athleticism and quick feet help them complete an offensive line to protect QB Marc Bulger and open up the running game.

Smith is a pass protection machine but also knows how to run block effectively. The Baylor Bears gained over 65% of their yards on the ground when running to his side. They averaged 195.75 yards per game on the ground in 2008, that’s a gain of over 100 yards a game from 2007 when Smith was injured. He began at Baylor as a tight end but switched to right tackle in 2006. The fifth year senior is ready to make an impact in the NFL.

Smith went to high school at W.T. White in Dallas, Texas. In high school he played offensive tackle during his sophomore and junior years before switching to tight end for the senior season. The Dallas Morning News named him to the Top 100 area list for his senior season. As a senior tight end he caught 7 passes for 101 yards and one touchdown.

Smith is an all around athlete who should give the Rams some excellent blocking on the line. He excels in getting down the field in pass blocking and long runs. He is a player who keeps improving his game. That work ethic will be useful for Smith as he learns better techniques for the pro level. Smith also needs to add muscle to his legs to give more power to his blocking. This is a good overall pick for the Rams who are looking to rebuild a once potent offense.

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