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          NFL Nation

          Two Rams crack #NFLRank list

          • Nick Wagoner, ESPN Staff WriterAug 22, 2013, 03:36 PM ET
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              Nick Wagoner is an NFL reporter at ESPN. Nick has covered the San Francisco 49ers and the NFL at ESPN since 2016, having previously covered the St. Louis Rams for 12 years, including three years (2013 to 2015) at ESPN. In his 10 years with the company, Nick has led ESPN's coverage of the Niners' 2019 Super Bowl run, Colin Kaepernick's protest, the Rams making Michael Sam the first openly gay player drafted to the NFL, Sam's subsequent pursuit of a roster spot and the team's relocation and stadium saga. You can follow Nick via Twitter @nwagoner
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          EARTH CITY, Mo. -- Two Rams cracked the list on ESPN’s #NFLRank project Thursday morning, the first pair of St. Louis players to show up on the list.

          Thursday’s list reveals players ranked from No. 61 through 70 on each side of the ball. For the first time since the list reveal began Monday, a Ram popped up.

          On offense, left tackle Jake Long checks in at No. 61. Cornerback Cortland Finnegan sits at No. 63 on defense.

          Offense, No. 61: Long

          Stats & Info: Long has made the Pro Bowl in four of his five seasons, with last season being the first time he missed out. With Long on the field in 2012 for the Dolphins, Ryan Tannehill was sacked once every 18.3 drop-backs compared to once every 10.9 drop-backs with Long off the field.

          My take: Injuries were an issue for Long last year but the above stat makes it clear he was a net positive for the Dolphins. The Rams have taken steps to ensure Long will be healthy and ready for the regular season by giving him periodic rest throughout training camp. He’s also got a bit of a chip on his shoulder as some have said he’s not an elite tackle anymore. Based on what I’ve seen, Long is poised to bounce back.

          Defense, No. 63 Finnegan

          Stats & Info: Finnegan has played 3,174 snaps in the past three seasons. Only Titans safety and former teammate Michael Griffin has played more.

          My take: Finnegan is about as dependable as they come. He got off to a strong start with three interceptions in his first three games as a Ram last year but was slowed a bit by a hamstring injury at the end of the season. He’s been challenged more in this year’s camp by a faster group of receivers, but that should only have him more prepared for the regular season. Finnegan won’t wow you with big, flashy plays but he’s consistent and reliable.