1. RB, specifically a power back since they let Steven Jackson go in free agency. Unfortunately, this draft really lacks a blue-chip player who could be used as a feature back. The Rams could well need one. Daryl Richardson disappeared down the stretch last season and Isaiah Pead was invisible most of the season. All indications are the Rams trust these two as the future of their running game, though they had several RBs in for pre-draft visits.
2. WR. The type of WR depends on how you use Chris Givens. They could draft an outside-the-numbers WR to complement another dubious succession plan, making Brian Quick a starter, which would move Givens into the slot in the Danny Amendola role that Danny is no longer here to fill. Or they could draft a pure slot receiver and have Givens work outside. Either way, Givens is the only thing close to a proven weapon in the Rams receiving corps; they need depth and they need guys who can play. My suspicion is they don't have either. The Rams had a lot of WRs in for pre-draft visits.
3. OLB. The Rams are not re-signing Rocky McIntosh or Mario Haggans; the position is basically vacant at this time. I'd say it's Josh Hull or Sammy Brown if the Rams had to play a game today. Like I said, basically vacant. The Rams didn't put much priority when the position was basically vacant this time last year, but several LBs have been in to Rams Park this year.
4. Safety. The safety positions are also barely filled at present with Quintin Mikell unsigned, and Craig Dahl thankfully transferred to the 49ers. For now it's Darian Stewart and Rodney McLeod. Neither is a very proven quantity, and they only have Matt Daniels as depth behind them. If the Rams are worried about their safety situation, they're not showing it. Only one safety was here for a visit. Either they've got a secret fiendish plan, or they're pretty confident they can re-sign Mikell.
5. Others. There's no starter set at LG, but the Rams have plenty of competition there, including 2012 draft pick Rokevious Watkins. Tackle depth could be desirable with Rodger Saffold in his walk year and unhappy about being moved to RT. A reliable backup center would be useful given Scott Wells' injury run last year. Trumaine Johnson's after-hours escapades give a little urgency to get a 4th corner - one bad weekend and that guy's a starter.
Phew. And given that the odds of Trader Les actually using both of the Rams' first round picks are probably about 2:1, the possibilities for the Rams' draft this year are endless. Making things further interesting, the top player on the board is going to be one of the defensive tackles the way I'm seeing things. Snead has said multiple times this offseason that he is determined to add playmakers to this roster. He wouldn't really take another defensive tackle when the Rams already have two starters locked in, would he?
I say no. Here's who else I'm kicking out:
* Fluker. I think he's a guard, not a tackle, and nobody likes him as a pass protector at tackle.
* Eddie Lacy. Undeniable talent and has what the Rams desperately need, but I'm not thinking about him till 22. Too many questions.
* Alec Ogletree. Besides the character issues that are probably drawing Fisher and Snead to Ogletree, it sounds to me like he's more suited to play ILB in a 3-4. Plus, scouting reports question his dedication, intensity, passion for the game - that's not in the profile of a Fisher pick.
* Wide receivers. Patterson's too damn raw when I've already got Quick. I like a lot about Keenan Allen but there's a good chance I can get him or an equally serviceable WR later.
RamView's pick at #16:
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| ESPN.com |
Yes, I know I'm breaking a rule again by projecting a pick to the Rams who didn't have a pre-draft visit at Rams Park. And I fussed and puzzled over other mock drafts that projected Reid to the Rams. But there's so much that's so good about him, I find myself unable to pass him up. I like Reid over Kenny Vaccaro for his ball skills. He's got excellent 4.5 speed, excellent size at 6'1" 213, he's a great leaper, a big hitter and an excellent, aggressive run supporter. He's explosive, covers a lot of ground and has a great head for the game. He recognizes routes well and made all the secondary calls for LSU, for those worried about losing the one apparently good part of Craig Dahl's game. Reid's a leader on the field, a young man of great character, and the only flaw I can find about him is that he's not already a Ram. Well, we can fix that.
Eric Reid's not an offensive skill player, but I believe he's the best player the Rams can get in this scenario, and he fills a significant need.
On the clock go the Steelers. I'll try to speed this thing up a little.
-$-
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