2013 NFL Draft: St. Louis Rams Draft Grade
By Blake Meek
Apr 25, 2013; New York, NY, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell introduces wide receiver Tavon Austin (West Virginia) as the eighth overall pick of the 2013 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
1st Round 8th Overall — Tavon Austin WR, West Virginia — A
The Rams had to get a playmaker for Sam Bradford and they got the most explosive one in the draft. Austin can make plays from the WR and RB positions as well as in the return game. Since they had the extra 1st this year, giving up a 2nd to move up wasn’t a big deal.
1st Round 30th Overall — Alec Ogletree OLB, Geogria — A+
Ogletree was a player who had the talent to be picked in the top 15 picks. He had some off the field issues, but to get him at 30 was an absolute steal. He can start at the WLB position for the Rams, which is a position of weakness on that defense.
3rd Round 71st Overall — T.J. McDonald S, USC — C
This was the only pick by the Rams I didn’t really like. I had McDonald as a 4th round prospect and their were much better safety prospects available. McDonald hits like a truck, but he isn’t very good in coverage and gets beat deep often.
3rd Round 92nd Overall — Stedman Bailey WR, West Virginia — A
Bailey was one of my favorite WRs in the draft and a 2nd round prospect. He isn’t the biggest or the strongest, but he has great hands and runs great routes. He will quickly become one of Bradfords favorite targets.
4th Round 113th Overall — Barrett Jones OL, Alabama — A+
Jones is an absolute steal here. If not for the foot injury late in the year, he is a late 1st/early 2nd round pick. He can play any position on the line, though inside is where he should be in the NFL.
5th Round 149th Overall — Brandon McGee CB, Miami — B+
I had McGee as a 4th round talent, so the pick is good value. The Rams have their 2 starters in Janoris Jenkins and Cortland Finnegan. However, they had very little depth and McGee provides that and the talent to possibly eventually start.
6th Round 160th Overall — Zac Stacy RB, Vanderbilt — B+
at 5’8″ and 216, Stacy is a compact built RB who can run with power and great vision. He isn’t going to blow anyone away with his speed, but he does also have some experience as a return man.
Overall — A
If they had taken a different safety instead of McDonald, this draft could have been an A+. Austin was just the kind of player they needed on that offense and Ogletree was absolute robbery at pick 30. Bailey will give Bradford a reliable target, who will be that offenses Welker more than Austin will IMO. Austin will be used in more variety of ways than that. Jones might have been their best pick, he can start at center or either guard spot as soon as his foot heals. McGee and Stacy are both great late round picks.