It's always an interesting exercise to go back and look at how the many draft analysts and experts ranked prospects when they were coming out of college.

On Wednesday, ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay did just that but with a twist: He ranked his top 32 prospects of the past four drafts and then sprinkled in his top prospects from this year. It was an enjoyable read if for no other reason than it gives you an idea of how some of the top players in this class stack up with top players of recent vintage.

In other words, it sheds some light on the relative strength of this year's class compared to the past four. In McShay's mind, there are four players worthy of landing in the top 32 of the past five drafts. He also includes a pair of St. Louis Rams in his rankings.

Quarterback Sam Bradford is McShay's fourth-ranked player of the past five years, coming out with a grade of 98 that puts him only behind Andrew Luck among signal-callers. A bit further down the list, at No. 18, is Rams defensive end Robert Quinn.

Bradford hasn't lived up to that lofty ranking yet, though McShay believes Bradford is still capable of reaching the potential that once had him as McShay's top prospect in the 2010 draft.

Quinn burst on the scene last year and is absolutely living up to the ranking McShay afforded him when he entered the draft in 2011. More impressive, that ranking was difficult given that Quinn didn't play the previous season at North Carolina, which made his evaluation tough.

As for this year's top prospects, McShay sees Jadeveon Clowney, Greg Robinson, Khalil Mack and Sammy Watkins as worthy of landing in the rankings. With two picks in the first 13, the Rams would do well to come away with one of those guys who stack up so favorably in the big picture of the past five years.

I.C.Y.M.I.

A roundup of Wednesday's Rams stories appearing on ESPN.com. ... In the Ram-blings, we began the day with a look at Mel Kiper Jr.'s top 100 players in this year's class. ... In this week's NFL Buzz, we looked at the Rams' pressing need for help in the secondary. ... Wednesday's prospect profile took a deeper look at Nevada offensive lineman Joel Bitonio. ... Next, we previewed the schedule release with four things to watch in anticipation of the schedule release. ... Finally, the schedule was released and we offered instant analysis on the Rams' 2014 slate.

Elsewhere:

At stltoday.com, Jim Thomas looks at the efforts of receiver Chris Givens to jumpstart his career.

Jeff Gordon ponders whether the Rams are doing the right things in developing their receiver corps.

Overthecap.com assesses the Rams' work in free agency.

Rams general manager Les Snead joins NFL Network's Rich Eisen on his podcast.

Stlouisrams.com takes a look at Auburn's Robinson.