It’s no secret that the Rams wanted Bobby Wagner in the 2012 draft. Les Snead has said it, Jeff Fisher was a big fan of Wagner that year and unfortunately for the Rams, the Seahawks took him at No. 47 overall in the second round.
The Rams had a shot to draft him if they didn’t trade back from the 45th pick, moving down five spots in an attempt to add more picks. But they missed out on Wagner, despite being interested in him.
Wagner even thought he’d get drafted by the Rams, who at the time were in St. Louis. He shared the story on the Pat McAfee Show Wednesday, saying he got a call from the Rams’ linebackers coach (Blake Williams) saying they were going to pick him.
“It’s kind of funny because in 2012, I remember I was getting ready to get up to use the bathroom and on my way to the bathroom, I get a phone call and it’s the linebackers coach for the Rams,” he recalled. “And basically just like, ‘Hey Bobby, after Seattle picks, we’re about to pick you.’ And I was like, OK cool. So I’m getting ready to go tell my family and then Seattle picks me. So, I originally, this whole journey, I thought I was going to be a Ram originally. And it just came full circle.”
Wagner has now landed with the Rams as a free agent, inking a five-year deal worth $50 million. And he’s glad to be back home with the chance to play in front of his family more often.
It took 10 years, but at least the Rams eventually brought in the All-Pro linebacker. Better late than never, right?
