2014 NFL Draft: St. Louis Rams Select E.J. Gaines in Sixth Round

Dak Dillon-USA TODAY Sports

The St. Louis Rams have selected Missouri cornerback E.J. Gaines with the 12th pick of the sixth round, 188th overall. They’re now left with five picks, four of which will come in the draft’s final round. Gaines, who was referred to by Mizzou head coach Gary Pinkel as his best defensive player, was solid enough during college to draw first round comparisons from some draft experts such as Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller. Unfortunately, quad and groin injuries kept him from taking advantages of opportunities at the NFL Scouting Combine and the East-West Shrine Game, and he ended up being passed up by other players.

For now, Gaines should serve as a special teams player while also competing with 2013 fifth-rounder Brandon McGee for the team’s fourth cornerback spot. The Rams’ fourth corner may see more action than in years past if nickelback Lamarcus Joyner, drafted in the second round, sees some time at free safety as he did at Florida State.