EARTH CITY, Mo. -- For a brief moment, the St. Louis Rams had an extra roster spot, the type of spot that made some wondering if they plan to add a veteran to the offensive line wonder if it was a precursor to an addition.
As it turned out, releasing defensive end Mason Brodine was indeed the first step to bringing in an offensive lineman. But for those hoping for tackle Joe Barksdale or guard Justin Blalock, consider that wish not granted.
One day after releasing Brodine, the Rams signed undrafted free-agent interior lineman David Wang. Wang played collegiately at Virginia Tech where he started 36 games for the Hokies, some at guard and some at center.
In addition to those starts, Wang brings an interesting family athletic history with him to St. Louis. His parents, Robert and Nancy Wang, were members of the Chinese Olympic team where his father was a high jumper and his mother a hurdler. Wang's older brother, Ed, played for the Buffalo Bills.
Brodine had been a long-term project for the Rams on the defensive line but never appeared in a game as he spent the bulk of his time in St. Louis on the practice squad. The team attempted to switch him to tight end last year before an ankle injury ended his season in training camp.
The Rams are now back at the full 90-man roster limit.
