2011 NFL Draft Results: St Louis Rams Get S Jermale Hines

In the fifth round of the 2011 NFL Draft, the St Louis Rams selected Ohio State safety Jermale Hines, finally selecting a crucial need for the first time since Round 1. 

What is there to know about this late round pick?

Size/Speed

Height - 6'1"

Weight - 219 lbs

40-yard time - 4.68s

Strengths: Very Strong Guy

Hines is a big, physical defensive back who should find himself at the SS role in the NFL. 

He possesses very fundamentally sound tackling skills and doesn't allow runners to get by him in open space.

He is very reliable when coming up to the line and making plays in the running game and has above-average athleticism that allows him to make up for early mistakes on plays.

Weaknesses: Instincts

During his time in college Hines struggled to read plays quickly, usually taking some time to recognize pass or run. 

At the college level he was able to make up for it with his speed and athleticism, but that won't be the case in the NFL.  His poor play recognition also caused him to frequently bite on pump fakes.

He doesn't understand the concept of taking routes to the running back, often times taking confusing angles to get to the back. 

Bottom Line: Much Better Pick

The Rams have finally drafted to a need here. Hines won't step in and make an impact immediately, but he could develop into a nice safety with his good size and tackling ability. 

Not a bad selection at all for the fifth round, there is nothing wrong this pick.

Grade

B