In A Perfect World: St. Louis Rams 7 Round Mock
By Dan Viens
This week I’ll be taking a look at specific draft needs for the 4 NFC West teams. My objective is to find fits in each round that match team needs, as well as accurate projections for that player’s value. My first criteria is, of course, my own opinion, because sharing and debating opinions is a big part of what this site is all about, right? However, as a reference, I’m using Rob Rang’s overall prospect rankings from cbssports.com, as well as those of the nationalfootballpost.com, because….that’s just the kind of geek that I am.
My only other rule here is that I will be cross-checking the mocks I’m doing for each NFC West team so I’m not projecting the same player to different teams.
And remember, check the title…. this is “In A Perfect World” so my objective here is to formulate a perfect draft day scenario for each club.
Please, leave comments, opinions, critiques, criticisms….. and if you’re on Twitter follow me at @HawkCoug08
Here we go!!!
ST. LOUIS RAMS 2012 7-ROUND MOCK DRAFT
Let’s face it, the Rams have a long way to go. 15 wins against 65 losses speaks for itself. But the Rams have three things going for them as we approach this year’s draft.
- A young franchise QB in Sam Bradford
- A proven head coach in new hire Jeff Fisher
- Five of the first 97 picks as a result of trading the 2nd overall pick to the Washington Redskins
There are some decent young pieces in place in DE Chris Long and MLB James Laurinaitus, and Fisher brought in veteran free agents CB Courtland Finnigan, DE Kendall Langford and C Scott Wells to address major needs. Still, the Rams and new G.M. Les Snead are going to have to use their picks wisely in this draft if they want to accelerate the rebuilding process in St. Louis.
Here’s my best-case scenario for how I can see the 3-day event unfolding for the Rams:
Round 1 (pick #6): Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
As we get closer to the draft, analysts will begin to over think this pick, and you may see some different projections, but sometimes the obvious choice is the correct one. Blackmon is simply the best receiver prospect in this draft, and the #1 WR Bradford needs. He’s 6′ 1″, 207 lbs, and ran a 4.48 40-yard dash at his recent pro day, putting to rest any concerns about his timed speed. He’s a physical receiver with great hands and body control, and he’ll be Bradford’s primary target from day one.
Round 2 (33): Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford
Martin seems to be sliding after a less-than-impressive pro day. In a perfect world, he’ll slide all the way to this spot, because the Rams other pressing need is to fortify their offensive line. Roger Saffold has been solid when healthy, but Jason Smith has been a bust, and there are reports the Rams are contemplating moving him to guard. Martin isn’t physically overpowering, he’s more of a finesse-type tackle without elite athleticism, thus his sliding stock. But he did a respectable job protecting Andrew Luck’s blind side in a pro-style offense. The Rams could move Saffold to the right side, providing them with two young building blocks on the OL.
Round 2 (39): Doug Martin, RB, Boise State
Finally, the Rams secure not only an able young compliment to Stephen Jackson, but a guy versatile enough to take over as the starter once the Jackson Era comes to a close. Martin is compact at 5’9″ and 223 lbs, but is a tough, willing inside runner who also possesses a good enough burst to get outside. He’s a solid receiver and blocker as well, and has built a legendary reputation at BSU for his weight-room work ethic.
Round 3 (66): Josh Robinson, CB, Central Florida
The Rams got the physical CB they needed to match up against some of the bigger WR’s in the division when they signed Finnigan in free agency, now they secure one of the best pure cover corners in the draft in Robinson. Don’t let the small-school fool you, Robinson turned down the likes of Michigan, Auburn and Clemson to remain close to home. He’s got average size, but stood out at the Senior Bowl, where many scouts saw him as the best cover guy in the game.
Round 4 (97): Alameda Ta’amu, DT, Washington
The Rams have a couple of outstanding young DE’s in Long and Robert Quinn, now they get an anchor in the middle. Ta’amu is simply massive at 6’3″ 348. Once thought of as a first-round talent, his stock has slipped after showing a lack of explosion on tape and at the Senior Bowl. But he can eat up blockers and help free up Lauranaitus in the run game.
Round 5 No pick (Traded to Denver for Brandon Lloyd in 2011)
Round 6 (161) Rishaw Johnson, OG, California (PA)
Not a sexy pick, but the Rams need to be better up front, period. Johnson is an interesting late-round guard with starter potential. Spent his first three seasons at Ole Miss before being dismissed after his junior season for violating team rules. As a senior as Cal (PA) however, was voted team captain. Voted first team Division 2 All-American.
Round 7 (194) Austin Davis, QB, Southern Mississippi
Four-year starter who broke just about every one of Brett Favre’s school passing records. He’s athletic, accurate, and has a decent arm to go along with off-the-charts intangibles and leadership skills. The Rams would do well to develop a young QB to serve as Bradford’s long-term backup, and Davis would be excellent value here.