E.J. Gaines Has Impressed With St. Louis Rams

Former Tigers In 2014: E.J. Gaines

187 players.

The Rams liked what they saw in the off season from former Mizzou corner back E.J. Gaines, seen here coincidentally intercepting a pass against another former Tiger, T.J. Moe, in practice. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

That’s how many names were called before E.J. Gaines heard his. It was an unpleasant surprise for most Mizzou fans. Now he has a place with the St. Louis Rams.

After being drafted well below where he expected, Gaines was on a mission to prove everyone wrong. How could 187 players be better than him?

In training camp and preseason he started to show everyone why they were wrong.

With various injuries to Janoris Jenkins, Trumaine Johnson, Brandon McGee, as well as the Rams 2nd round pick Lamarcus Joyner, Gaines quietly made his way up the depth chart all the way to even starting the first preseason game against the Saints.

In the game he was solid in coverage and run support and finished with a team high 6 tackles. His one big mistake was on a 25-yard touchdown pass allowed to New Orleans Saints wide receiver Brandin Cooks. He played a team-high 52 plays in that first game.

Over the course of the rest of the preseason Gaines further solidified his spot on the Rams’ roster including an interception in their final preseason game when he picked off the Dolphins’ Seth Lobato in the 2nd quarter.

Gaines finished the preseason with 10 tackles and an interception.

While Gaines may not be starting immediately, even with Tru Johnson out for 4-6 weeks, he definitely should see the field pretty early in nickel packages. Expect him to be called upon in St. Louis in 2014.