Our Biggest Draft Need

First there was Trent Dilfer, with his comments on KJR Radio, plainly lambasting unnamed teammates for their lack of heart and commitment.

Then Chike Okeafor delivered his parting shots, stating, "It’s just in the attitude. There is a different attitude here. One thing over there (Seattle), I felt alone. Not surrounded by enough people who thought like me, felt like me, played like me on a day to day basis, and loved the game like me."

Then we had Rams wideout Torry Holt's comments on Saturday's ESPN's draft coverage -- When asked how the Rams managed to beat the Seahawks three times this season, said that they matched up well on paper, but three times said, "We thought we could out-mentally tough them(sic)."

First I would like to applaud Ruskell and his supporting administration for the great job they've done in rectifying the 'character' issue. But the job ain't done yet.

Mike Sando reports in the Trib some quotes that indicate Chad Brown has shared the same sentiment:

“I have played in a Super Bowl for the Pittsburgh Steelers and I have been on the No. 1-ranked defense in the league and I have been on the last-ranked defense in the league,” Brown said. “And there’s definitely a difference in attitude and consistency of preparation and focus that goes into it, and I can provide insight into that.

“I was in Seattle for eight years and have three playoff losses to show for it. I need some playoff victories and hopefully a Super Bowl victory to round out this game that has given me so much.”

I realize that Chad is actually commenting on past history, and in context, he is advertising his wares, talking about what he has to offer to the next team. But it does confirm the consensus, that this teams biggest need in the 2005 NFL draft was not defensive end, not linebacker, not wide receiver, not an edge rusher.

It was character. And they addressed this need nicely.