By Nick Wagoner

Senior Writer

 

In what coach Scott Linehan likes to call the “eighth round,” the Rams agreed to terms with 12 undrafted free agents late Sunday night and early Monday morning.

 

Mixed in the group are some recognizable names with some small school guys with potential to be diamonds in the rough. And all 12 players will get a shot to make the roster, as many will remember undrafted Quinton Culberson making the team last season. Now, Culberson appears to be in line for a starting job.

 

The 12 newest Rams are Oregon State running back Yvenson Bernard, Hampton defensive tackle Vernon Bryant, Alabama receiver Matt Caddell, Virginia Tech linebacker Vince Hall, Louisiana Lafayette defensive end Rodney Hardeway, Virginia Tech receiver Joshua Hyman, Cincinnati tight end Doug Jones, West Virginia linebacker Marc Magro, Kansas running back Brandon McAnderson, Kansas State cornerback Justin McKinney, Liberty offensive tackle Stephen Sene and Auburn defensive tackle Joshua Thompson.

 

Bernard is probably familiar to many fans in Missouri or at least fans of Steven Jackson. Playing at Jackson’s alma mater, Bernard sported the dreadlocks look of his running back predecessor while racking up plenty of yards for the Beavers, including an MVP performance in the Brute Sun Bowl two years ago against the University of Missouri.

 

Bernard was a three year starter in Corvallis, rushing for 3,862 yards and 38 touchdowns along the way. Bernard was best known for his consistency, rushing for exactly 4.4 yards per attempt in his three seasons as a starter and posting rushing touchdown totals of 13, 12 and 13 in those years.

 

After electing not to choose a running back in the draft, the Rams added McAnderson in addition to Bernard. McAnderson was a key part of Kansas’ breakout 2007 season and helped the Jayhawks to an Orange Bowl victory in January.

 

For the most part, McAnderson was used as a fullback but also has the ability to work as the featured back. McAnderson was a lead blocker for his first three seasons before becoming a factor in 2007.

 

Last year, McAnderson ran for 1,125 yards, averaging 5.9 yards per carry and scoring 16 touchdowns. He figures into the mix for a potential backup running back job and could get a long look as a dual threat fullback.

 

The Rams grabbed a pair of receivers in the draft in Donnie Avery and Keenan Burton but added two more names to the mix in the form of Caddell and Hyman.

 

Caddell played all four seasons for the Crimson Tide, posting his best season as a senior when he caught 40 passes for 475 yards and two touchdowns.

 

Hyman also played four seasons for the Hokies, posting his best season as a freshman when he scored five touchdowns on 27 catches with 491 yards.

 

The Rams also did not draft a tight end because of a glut on the roster already, but added one developmental prospect in Jones. Jones was primarily a blocking tight end/fullback for the Bearcats, working as an H back in most cases.

 

Jones scored four receiving touchdowns as a freshman and another pair of rushing scores last season. He could figure into the mix as a fullback also, but will likely work as a “move” tight end for the Rams.

 

In Sunday’s draft, the Rams added two more offensive linemen to the roster and grabbed another with the addition of Sene.

 

Sene brings good size at 6’4, 321 pounds and finished his career at Liberty after two seasons with South Carolina. He can play anywhere but center on the line but projects best as a tackle.

 

On the other side of the ball, the Rams continued to add more depth to the linebacker position after picking up a pair in the seventh round.

 

Many might recognize Hall’s name after his outstanding career for the Hokies and his solid performance at the Senior Bowl. Hall projects as a weak side linebacker for the Rams after putting up 304 tackles and six sacks in his first three seasons. Hall played through an injury plagued 2007, including an appearance in the Orange Bowl on a sprained left knee.

 

Magro is more of a pure strong side linebacker and will get a look at that spot. Magro was Second Team All Big East Conference as a senior playing at middle linebacker. He posted 64 tackles, three sacks and two forced fumbles as a senior.

 

On the defensive line, the Rams added three more prospects to compete.

 

At end, Hardeway is 6’3, 230 pounds and more of an edge rusher. He could work in the “buck” end role that defensive coordinator Jim Haslett likes to use or also in some linebacker spots. As a senior for the Ragin’ Cajuns, he posted 33 tackles, 12 for loss with seven sacks.

 

Bryant is a 6’2, 292 pound tackle who worked mainly as a three technique tackle. He could work as an end at the NFL level, though. He had 7.5 tackles for loss with four sacks in 2007.

 

Thompson is a 6 foot, 302 pounds nose tackle who was a run stuffing specialist for the Tigers next to his more highly touted teammate Pat Sims. Thompson specializes in tying up blockers and was particularly strong as a junior when he helped Auburn limit opponents to just 3.7 yards per carry.

 

The final addition was in the secondary where McKinney is now in the mix. McKinney had a solid 2007 season for the Wildcats, posting 74 tackles, a forced fumble, three interceptions and nine pass breakups. He also worked as a returner with 20 kickoff returns for 444 yards and a touchdown.

 

McKinney is the nephew of former Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Greg Jefferson.

 

The signings of the 12 undrafted free agents is expected to be completed soon. And, of course, the Rams could add more players including at quarterback, where Linehan would like to get another prospect to compete for the third signal caller job.