The St. Louis Rams #2 NFL Draft Pick: Who Would I Take?
By Erik Lambert
Dec 7, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Auburn Tigers wide receiver Trovon Reed (1) and Auburn Tigers offensive linesman Greg Robinson (73) celebrate after the 2013 SEC Championship game against the Missouri Tigers at Georgia Dome. The Auburn Tigers defeated the Missouri Tigers 59-42. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports
My rundown through the entire first round of the NFL draft continues as I examine the St. Louis Rams who hold the #2 pick in the first round.
The Pick: Greg Robinson – OT – Auburn
Anybody can see that the Rams are EXTREMELY interested in duplicating the lucrative trade deal they made with Washington back in 2012 for Robert Griffin III. Either way though, to me there is no question that Auburn left tackle Greg Robinson should be the pick. Physically he has every tool in the cupboard from the power, to the length and size and even the endurance and athleticism as exhibited in the fast-paced Tigers offense.
Why: Sam Bradford more reliable protection in NFC West
The fact of the matter is St. Louis has not had a truly able offensive line in years. What’s worse, they are now playing in an NFC West division with three of the best defenses in football in Seattle, San Francisco and Arizona. If their mission is to get the most out of Sam Bradford, who will be coming off a torn ACL, then the time has come to make a legitimate commitment to protecting him. Jake Long was a nice investment last year but he suffered another knee injury and is only getting older.
Argument: Jake Matthews and Khalil Mack rate higher on many boards
Among some of the issues with this pick will be the question of whether Robinson is even the best left tackle on the board. Several people would consider that honor to go to Texas A&M stud Jake Matthews. Certainly the second generation talent makes a strong case. He has plenty of physical ability, experience playing on both the left and right sides, polished technique and is better prepared to start in a pro-style offense. Then there is Khalil Mack. Though officially designated an outside linebacker, his physical talent is enough to the point where he can play beyond that position, including defensive end. He is a rare breed of player that does everything from rushing the passer to tackling to playing coverage and doing it all as good or better than anybody. Jeff Fisher might love having him on that developing Rams defense.
Counter-argument: Robinson isn’t even polished and already dominates
Yet facts are facts. Game tape never lies. Down the stretch of the season, despite his inexperience, Robinson dominated every defensive lineman who crossed path including some of the top prospects in the 2014 class. If the biggest argument against him is rawness, then it’s clear he’s good. The talent is said to exceed that of Eric Fisher, who went #1 in 2013. The St. Louis Rams won a Super Bowl the last time they had a dominant left tackle.
That is why I would take Greg Robinson if I were in charge. What are your thoughts?