St. Louis Rams: What Would Happen If They Drafted…
By Erik Lambert
Feb 22, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Auburn Tigers offensive lineman Greg Robinson runs the 40 yard dash during the 2014 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Every team in the NFL draft will have a short list of players they’re likely to take. Who are they for the St. Louis Rams and what can be expected with each pick?
Greg Robinson – Sam Bradford takes less sacks and Zac Stacy tops 1,000 yards
The offensive line settled down in the second half of the season last year but that doesn’t mean it can be defined as good. It still gave up 36 sacks and their left tackle tore his ACL. The St. Louis Rams have to bolster their front, especially at the tackle positions. Greg Robinson, talent-wise is the best in the 2014 draft class. He’s big, powerful, supremely athletic and has the game tape to prove he is a future mainstay in the pros. Already a dominant run blocker, he merely requires some refinement in technique to become a seal-off pass protector. If he is added to the mix not only with Sam Bradford take fewer sacks, but Zac Stacy will accomplish what he didn’t last season and top 1,000 yards rushing.
Jadeveon Clowney – Russell Wilson and rest of NFC West seek life insurance
St. Louis already has two bookend defensive ends in Robert Quinn and Chris Long but a talent like Jadeveon Clowney goes beyond needs or wants. He is a once-in-a-generation talent who, if properly nurtured can become one of the very best in the NFL for the next decade. To add him to the mix with Quinn and Long borders on being unfair and could drastically alter the landscape of the NFC West division. One thing is for sure. If he does end up with the Rams, Russell Wilson and the other quarterbacks will seek immediate protection for their families on the insurance market.
Sammy Watkins – Rams lead league in TD passes over 50 yards
There never really are very many players in a given draft that can be tagged as “can’t-miss” prospects. In other words players who are virtually guaranteed to have a bright pro career. Slowly but gradually it’s becoming clear that Clemson receiver Sammy Watkins may belong in that category. His game tape already showed a player who can take over games whenever he wants thanks to his gamebreaking speed, deceptive toughness as well as strength and superb hands. He is a Day One starter without a doubt in any offense. To put him on a roster with Tavon Austin, the speed demon the St. Louis Rams added a year ago could potentially alter how teams play them defensively moving forward. One thing is also clear. With them together the Rams could end up leading the league annually in touchdown passes of 50 yards or more. Speed kills.