March 20, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; St. Louis Rams head coach Jeff Fisher speaks during a press conference at the annual NFL meetings at the Arizona Biltmore. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

What happens with this pick will really depends on who the Rams select with the 16th pick. The Rams, while improved, still have some pretty big holes on their roster. They really need 2 new starting safeties, Quintin Mikell was released while Craig Dahl signed with the 49ers this offseason. The Rams also need a #1 WR to pair with Chris Givens, as well as a slot WR to replace Danny Amendola who left for New England. They could use an upgrade at the offensive guard position to help protect Bradford and open up running holes. Some dark horse positions to watch for would be DT,  Kendall Langford who wasn’t very good last year needs some competition and a TE who could pair with Jared Cook, giving Bradford more weapons.

Jan 26, 2013; Mobile, AL, USA; Senior Bowl north squad defensive back Jonathan Cyprien of Florida International (37) prior to kickoff of a game against the Senior Bowl south squad at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Jonathan Cyprien – He has risen up the draft boards extremely quick since the season ended. He has the prototypical size that you want in a NFL safety. Cyprien has a very aggressive playing style which can lead to a lot of big plays, but at times can lead to big plays for the opposing team. Always goes full speed and gives his full effort. Has great ball skill and has shown the ability to extend and grab the ball out of the air. Played his best games against the best competition he played, including Louisville and potential top 5 pick next year, Teddy Bridgewater. Played a lot of two deep coverage at FIU, so some question his ability to be a true center fielder, but shows glimpses of that ability. At times will try to tackle up high on the ball carrier, causing him to miss some tackles.

Sep 8, 2012; Winston Salem, NC, USA North Carolina Tar Heels guard Jonathan Cooper (64) lines up in the game against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at BB

Jonathan Cooper –  The Rams have to protect Sam Bradford better if they want to have a chance at the division title against Seattle and San Fransisco. Signing Jake Long was a huge addition if he can stay healthy. Moving Roger Saffold to RT would be be the ideal move, but there have been rumors of him wanting to be traded. If they can keep him they would have a great set of bookends. Cooper is an athletic OG who can get outside and get to the second level extremely well. If they make Pead their #1 RB, they will need someone out in front of him. Cooper gets to the 2nd level as well as any OG who has came out recently. He can however, be pushed back by a bigger, stronger defensive tackle if he allows his pad level to rise.

Nov, 26, 2011; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils quarterback Anthony Boone (7) is pressured by North Carolina Tar Heels defensive tackle Sylvester Williams (92) on fourth down in the fourth quarter. The Tar Heels defeated the Blue Devils 37-21at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Height: 6’3″

Weight: 313 pounds

Position Rank:

Drafted By: Denver Broncos (1st round, 28th overall)

40 Yard Dash:  4.99

Bench Press:  27

Vertical Jump:  26.5″

Broad Jump:  8’6″

Career Stats

2012

2011

Scouting Report/Player Notes

Big, strong defensive tackle prospect who is going to come into work every day and earn every bit of playing time he gets. Has an incredibly quick first step for a defensive tackle, and it’s not a surprise to see him clock a sub-5 second 40 yard dash. He’s not as consistent as you’d like, but I think this is a player who can really upgrade the defensive line of whatever team drafts him with his character, personality, strength, and quickness. He has compared himself to Warren Sapp, and while he’s not quite that talented, he can make a big impact as a pass rusher and run stuffer. Williams has an elite ability to get off the snap as well as to disengage from blockers. He has the upper body strength to simply throw guys to the side, and he has the lower body strength to be able to drive people back with a bull rush. His pass rush arsenal isn’t fully developed yet, but he has a great swim move. Doesn’t give up on plays. The one thing that scares me a bit about Williams is the fact that he will be a bit older as a rookie (25), but I still think he’s improving being that he was out of football for a bit. I think he can be a day one starter for a team, and if nothing else, he can step in and provide a very strong option in a defensive tackle rotation. He is a solid first round pick.

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