Rams draft Iowa’s Donnal

IOWA CITY - Iowa offensive tackle Andrew Donnal was selected by the St. Louis Rams in the fourth round of Saturday's NFL draft.

Donnal (6-foot-6, 313 pounds) was the third Iowa player chosen so far in the draft. The Washington Redskins picked fellow tackle Brandon Scherff in the first round Thursday, while the Baltimore Ravens drafted defensive tackle Carl Davis in the third round Friday night.

Donnal started 13 games last year for the Hawkeyes and he was named honorable mention all-Big Ten. He started three games at guard as a sophomore before tearing an ACL. He rotated at guard and tackle as a junior.

The St. Louis Rams identified offensive line as a need position. Donnal was the third lineman drafted in the first four rounds. Wisconsin tackle Rob Havenstein (6-7, 321) was selected in the second round and Louisville tackle Jamon Brown (6-4, 324) was picked in the third.

Donnal said he had a good feel for the Rams during a visit during the NFL Scouting Combine.

'I think he was perhaps a little overlooked because of their left tackle (Brandon Scherff),” Rams Coach Jeff Fisher said. 'But we saw some really good things and felt like we'd have a chance for him.”

'He tested really well for a tall, big man,” Snead said.

Donnal is the 15th offensive lineman drafted under Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz.

l Comments: (319) 339-3169; scott.dochterman@thegazette.com