One is a tackle and one is a middle linebacker. But, in reality, the Rams' first two picks in the draft are clones of each other.

Passion. Intensity. True football players.

That's what the Rams believe they got with the addition of first-round offensive tackle Jason Smith and second-round middle linebacker James Laurinaitis.

"He's a quality person, first of all and I do think he brings a lot of juice in his play," coach Steve Spagnuolo said of Smith. "He's passionate about what he does. If you got to watch the TV portion of it, he was actually crying. He's passionate and he wanted to be here. That's the other thing that (general manager) Billy (Devaney) and I were really impressed with. For whatever reason, you'd have to ask him, but he really wanted to be a St. Louis Ram. That means a lot to us."

Asked about examples of that passion, Spagnuolo said: "It's not too hard to figure out. Billy uses the word and I use it too: he's a great finisher. He doesn't take plays off. You can see him make his block or his assignment. When that (initial) guy is on the ground he goes on to the next guy. Great finisher is probably the best way to figure that out and he shows that on tape."

As for Laurinaitis, the Rams explored trading into the end of the first round, but nothing materialized. Devaney said, "Some of the best trades are the ones that you don't make."

Added Devaney, "He has the size you're looking for. He loves football. We talked about getting bigger as a team and I think he adds some size to our team and our linebacker corps. He's another guy, and I know you probably get tired of hearing it, the smart, passionate, productive kind of deal, but we're sticking to it. And the scouts are sticking to it."

Spagnuolo pointed to Laurinaitis' leadership and production.

"Like Billy said, he's smart and he's played a lot of football at a good school, been in a lot of big games, made a lot of big plays," he said. "You have to like that in any defensive player. That gets me excited."

Smith said deep down he wanted to be a Ram. Why the Rams?

"Obviously, they are at the bottom, they want to be at the top," he said. "I could feel that when I was there. I could feel that talking to the guys and then I had the opportunity to go watch the team work out and I'm feeling like I'm part of them.

"I'm saying, 'Why not us? Why not us? Why are we not the ones?' And I was like, 'Whoa, whoa, whoa,' I'm not even there yet. But why not us, you know? So obviously I have a job to do and I'm going to have that same mentality, 'Why not us?' Why not me? Why not today? Why not this game? Why not this year? Why not this playoff? Why not this Super Bowl? Let's make dreams and visions become reality."

BEST PICK: Offensive tackle Jason Smith, the second pick in the draft, should be the best pick, but considering the Rams have just two experienced tackles under contract following the release of Orlando Pace, the selection of Smith is an upgrade for the present and future. Eventually, he is expected to be a mainstay on the left side.

COULD SURPRISE: CB Bradley Fletcher has size, speed and toughness, and could come in and compete immediately for a spot in the cornerback rotation or in the nickel defense.

A closer look at the Rams' picks:

Round 1/2 -- Jason Smith, OT, 6-5, 309, Baylor

The only question is whether Smith begins his career on the right side or is inserted immediately at left tackle. Doesn't have classic offensive tackle size, but his passion for the game is unquestioned.

Round 2/35 -- James Laurinaitis, MLB, 6-2, 244, Ohio State

Instincts and intelligence are outstanding, registering 130 tackles last season. Lacks tremendous speed, but makes up for it with ability to flow to the ball.

Round 3/66 -- Bradley Fletcher, CB, 6-1, 196, Iowa

Rams believe he will be a good press-type corner because of his size and "length." Is considered tough, will play the run and contribute on special teams. Might also see some time at safety.

Round 4/103 -- Darell Scott, DT, 6-3, 312, Clemson

Should provide needed depth at defensive tackle, especially considering he can play either spot. Has some quickness to generate a pass rush, but is also strong enough to tie up blockers.

Round 5/160 -- Brooks Foster, WR, 6-1, 211, North Carolina

Didn't produce a lot in college on a team loaded with receivers, but the Rams like his speed and size. Had arthroscopic knee surgery after the season, but is said to be ready for offseason work and training camp.

Round 6/196 -- Keith Null, QB, 6-4, 220, West Texas A&M

Prolific Division II passer, who threw for 5,097 yards and 48 touchdowns as a senior. His position coach was former NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf, who resigned during the 2008 season.

Round 7/211 -- Chris Ogbonnaya, RB, 6-0, 220, Texas

Wasn't fulltime starter, but is considered a tough runner with excellent receiving skills. Was recruited to Texas as a receiver. Caught 46 passes last season, averaging 11.7 per catch, and had more receiving yards (540) than rushing (373).