The St. Louis Rams now have two of the first six players from the 2008 NFL draft class after adding Vernon Gholston in a move the team announced Wednesday.

Only one of those players, No. 2 overall choice Chris Long, figures to stick around on the 53-man roster. But the addition of Gholston, the sixth player chosen that year, is at least intriguing. The Rams have a clear defensive vision with head coach Jeff Fisher and assistant head coach Dave McGinnis. Perhaps they see a situational role for Gholston as a possibility.

Gholston, who projects at defensive end in the Rams' system, spent the 2008 through 2010 seasons with the New York Jets. He collected zero sacks during that three-year period, starting only five games. He did not play in the NFL last season.

The Rams appear relatively set at defensive end with Long and 2011 first-round choice Robert Quinn. I thought they might consider addressing depth by bringing back veteran James Hall, who started last season. But the team decided to start anew with younger players in quite a few spots. Gholston, 26, has youth on his side. The Rams have been happy with Eugene Sims as a rotational end. Update: I didn't realize Sims was wearing a walking boot to protect an injury.

Rams offensive assistants Brian Schottenheimer and Andy Dickerson were with the Jets when Gholston was on the team. Those connections could give the Rams an initial feel for Gholston.

The Rams also worked out veteran defensive end Andre Carter, ESPN's Josina Anderson reported Wednesday morning. Carter, who began his career with San Francisco, had 11 sacks for New England last season, earning Pro Bowl honors. He suffered a torn quadriceps, however, and turned 33 in May.