St. Louis Rams 1st Round Options: 2013 NFL Draft

March 20, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; St. Louis Rams head coach

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.