The Los Angeles Rams (formerly the St. Louis Rams for much of this period) have experienced their share of draft-day highs but since 2000, several picks have lingered as cautionary tales. Whether due to injuries, poor fit, or unmet expectations, these selections still stand out as some of the most painful misfires in franchise history. Here are five of the worst Rams draft moments since 2000, revisited in detail.
1. Greg Robinson, OT (2nd overall, 2014 NFL Draft)
Few draft picks come with higher expectations than a top-two selection, and Greg Robinson was supposed to be a cornerstone left tackle for years to come. Coming out of Auburn, Robinson was praised for his elite athleticism and raw power. The Rams envisioned him as the anchor of their offensive line—a protector for the quarterback and a mauler in the run game.
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Instead, Robinson struggled mightily with technique and consistency. His pass protection was especially problematic, as he frequently allowed pressures and sacks. While he showed flashes as a run blocker, it was never enough to justify his draft position. After just a few seasons, the Rams moved on, trading him to Detroit. For a No. 2 overall pick, the return was underwhelming at best and disastrous at worst.
2. Jason Smith, OT (2nd overall, 2009 NFL Draft)
Another offensive tackle taken second overall, Jason Smith represents one of the most glaring “what went wrong” cases. Smith entered the draft out of Baylor with high marks for his athleticism and intelligence. The Rams believed they had found their franchise left tackle.
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However, injuries derailed his career almost immediately. Concussions and other physical setbacks limited his availability, and when he did play, he struggled to adapt to the speed and physicality of the NFL. Smith never developed into the player the Rams hoped for and was eventually traded away. The pick became symbolic of the team’s struggles during a difficult rebuilding era.
3. Tye Hill, CB (15th overall, 2006 NFL Draft)
The Rams selected Tye Hill in the first round to bolster their secondary, banking on his speed and playmaking ability coming out of Clemson.
Unfortunately, his NFL career never matched the promise. Hill struggled in coverage, often getting beaten by more physical receivers. Injuries also hampered his development, preventing him from gaining consistency or confidence. By the time his rookie contract ended, Hill had not solidified himself as a reliable starter, making his first-round selection a significant disappointment.
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4. Adam Carriker, DE (13th overall, 2007 NFL Draft)
Adam Carriker was drafted 13th overall out of Nebraska to strengthen the Rams’ defensive front. At 6’6″ and over 290 pounds, Carriker had the size and versatility to play multiple positions along the line. The expectation was that he would become a disruptive force against both the run and the pass.
Carriker’s rookie season showed some promise, but injuries quickly became a recurring issue. He struggled to stay healthy and never consistently produced at a high level. While he remained in the league for several years, including a stint with Washington, he never lived up to his draft status in St. Louis. For a mid-first-round pick, the return was underwhelming and contributed to the team’s defensive struggles during that era.
5. Trung Candidate, RB (31st overall, 2000 NFL Draft)
With the final pick of the first round, the Rams selected Trung Candidate out of Arizona, hoping to add depth and explosiveness to their backfield. Given the team’s offensive success at the time, the expectation was that Candidate could develop into a valuable contributor.
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Instead, his impact was minimal. Candidate struggled to find a consistent role in the offense and never emerged as a reliable option at running back. He bounced around the league after his time with the Rams, but never made a significant mark. While late first-round picks carry less pressure than top-five selections, this was still a missed opportunity for a team looking to sustain its offensive dominance.
