Rams sign another blocking tight end

Looks like the Rams got the message from this and many other quarters that their tight ends were woefully inadequate as blockers last season. The latest addition to the Rams' ever-growing stable of blocking tight ends is Brody Eldridge, who was acquired on waivers last Friday after getting released by the Colts on Thursday.

Eldridge is 6'5", 265 lbs and is 25 years old. The Colts drafted him out of Oklahoma in the 5th round of the 2010 draft. His two-year career receiving totals: 14 catches for 74 yards. Mike Mayock ranked him and 49ers TE Nate Byham as the top blocking TEs in that year's draft.

Scouts Inc. ranks grades Eldridge at 53 out of 100, a good backup:

Eldridge is a good-sized tight end with average initial quickness and marginal downfield speed. He saw most of his action when the team went with two tight end formations and was used primarily for blocking. He shows good upper body strength once engaged in the block and will use his hands to control and steer opponents. He could use additional lower body strength as he matures in order to seal the corner off and to hold his ground more effectively. He catches the ball well enough when it is thrown within his frame but will struggle when having to extend to catch the ball thrown high or low. 

There's a lot of beef in Rams camp this year competing for what figures to be very few jobs at fullback and blocking tight end: Michael Hoomanawanui, Brit Miller, Matthew Mulligan, BEN GUIDUGLI, Cory Harkey, Mike McNeill, Todd Anderson and now Eldridge, and that's not considering DeAngelo Peterson or Jamie Childers in the blocking TE mix. It's a relief to see the front office recognizes the need.

Still not sure where the Rams stand vs. the roster limit. No one appears to have been cut recently.

-$-

Photo: NBC Sports