Boise State wide receiver Austin Pettis was one of the most productive players in the history of a program that has enjoyed its share of success lately, and his extensive resume appealed perfectly to an offense in search of versatile, young playmakers.
That’s why the Rams were thrilled to swoop in and make the Boise State wide receiver their third round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft Friday night.
“Big receiver, smart guy, can play all three positions,” Rams General Manager Billy Devaney said. “He gives us a lot of flexibility. He can play outside, can play slot, great hands. I think it’s a good addition and another weapon in the ever expanding arsenal.”
Pettis, who played in 53 games during his four years with the Broncos, left the Boise State as the school’s all-time leader in receptions (229) and touchdown catches (39). Only two players in WAC history caught more career touchdown passes than Pettis, who hauled in 10 touchdowns last season and 14 during his junior year. He totaled 71 receptions last season as Boise State enjoyed a 12-1 season.
Devaney described Pettis as a player with good speed for his size and said his big plays came from a variety of different positions and places on the field.
“He can score from way out,” Devaney said. “He’s caught a ton of deep balls, but he’s also been an underneath guy. They’ve come from all over the field.”
When the Rams interviewed Pettis at the NFL Scouting Combine in February, he wowed coaches and scouts with his extensive knowledge of Boise’s offense.
“He could tell you everything about the wide outs, but I’m not so sure he couldn’t design the offensive line and what their protections were,” Head Coach Steve Spagnuolo said. “He was really impressive.”
Pettis’ football IQ played a role in his success at the college level, and the Rams believe it will allow him to get on the field and contribute early in his career.
“A guy as smart as he is, he’s going to be able to play right away,” General Manager Billy Devaney said. “He’ll pick this stuff up. (QB Sam) Bradford’s going to love him.”
Although Devaney said that the Rams weren’t specifically targeting a receiver with Pettis’ size, the 6-2 ½, 202-pounder does give them a little bit of a different flavor at the position. 
“He’s tough down in the red zone because he’s a big target, which is a bonus,” Spagnuolo said.
Pettis was a two-year captain and leader at a program that went 48-3 during his four seasons. Spagnuolo said he loved the winning pedigree Pettis brings, and Devaney sees him as a team player who will help on more areas than just offense.
“He’s a natural athlete,” Devaney said. “He holds for PATs and field goals. He’s the backup punter. He’s blocked four punts in his career. (Special Teams Coordinator) Tom McMahon is going to love this guy. He’ll play a lot of different roles for us.”
