Updated St. Louis Rams 7-Round NFL Mock Draft
By Erik Lambert
Nov 9, 2013; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi Rebels wide receiver Donte Moncrief (12) advances the ball during the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mississippi Rebels defeat the Arkansas Razorbacks with a score of 34-24. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports
As the month of May draws closer, the status of every NFL mock draft clears. What is the latest for the St. Louis Rams?
Round 1 (f/WSH) – Greg Robinson – OT – Auburn
To win in the NFC West division you have to dominate the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. The Rams offensive line is not there yet. They need more talent. Greg Robinson is still young but he can already physically dominate defenders as a run blocker and has the athleticism and long arms to become an anchor pass protector.
Round 1 – Ha Ha Clinton-Dix – FS – Alabama
Considering how good the pass rush is for the St. Louis Rams defense it makes complete sense that they would want a playmaking safety on the back end who can pick off passes hampered by pressure. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix is the best in this NFL mock draft. He has the size, range and instincts to start immediately.
Round 2 – Donte Moncrief – WR – Ole Miss
Nobody has really talked much about Donte Mocrief and that is a crying shame. The Ole Miss product is a classic diamond in the rough. He boasts size, strength, deep speed and a solid understanding of route running yet he’s considered by many as a third round pick. If the Rams study film properly, they’ll make sure that isn’t the case.
Round 3 – Bashaud Breeland – CB – Clemson
Corteland Finnegan was a nice addition for St. Louis last year but he’s gone now. The team needs to think about adding to the position sooner than later. Bashaud Breeland is somewhat raw coming out of Clemson but he is a Jeff Fisher type: long, physical, a good tackler and supports against the run without losing his ability to play tight coverage.
Round 4 – Cyril Richardson – OG – Baylor
Roger Saffold is not the most reliable guard given his health issues and with Chris Williams gone the team needs to plug up the interior. His draft stock took a rough hit during the combine and Senior Bowl but Cyril Richardson is still an intriguing talent. His size and strength will be an asset in the run game at the very least.
Round 5 – Jerick McKinnon – RB – Georgia Southern
Zac Stacy seems to have the starting job nailed down but the St. Louis Rams could really use more help at the position, particularly in terms of versatility as scat back. Jerick McKinnon blew the combine open with his athletic skill set. He has the speed and athleticism to become not just a runner but an extra receiver on key downs.
Round 6 – Cassius Marsh – DE – UCLA
The lack of a true position in the pros is going to hurt the stock of Cassius Marsh but he’s too good of a player to pass on this late. If Fisher and the coaches can get his body right in terms of size and speed, Marsh can become a terrific rotational guy at defensive end.
Round 6 (comp) – Rob Blanchflower – TE – Massachusetts
Jared Cook is the primary option at tight end but the St. Louis Rams still need to continue adding to the position. Rob Blanchflower is more the old school type. His strengths are as an in-line blocker but the production in college shows he has some potential as a receiver as well.
Round 7 – Keith Wenning – QB – Ball St.
Bradford and Shaun Hill seem set at the top two quarterback positions but there is nothing wrong with investing in a project third stringer. Keith Wenning is among the most polished passers coming out of BallState. He has good size, experience, high intelligence and isn’t rattle under pressure.
Round 7 (f/IND) – Nevin Lawson – CB – Utah State
Physically speaking there is little to hate about Nevin Lawson. He has the athleticism, fluidity and toughness to match up with receivers. His primary problems lay in technique. He’s not an immediate starter. The Rams take him on as a high upside project.
Round 7 (comp) – Eathyn Manumaleuna – DT – BYU
Gritty role players are just as important to a team as the stars. Eathyn Manumaleuna doesn’t stand out on the talent end but he is a dedicated football player who does everything asked of him. He can become a solid rotational guys at defensive tackle.
Round 7 (comp) – Dezmen Southward – SS – Wisconsin
Another developmental prospect with upside. Dezmen Southward is a special teams option with good athleticism who is still learning the safety position. With time he can get on the field but for the moment he’s a depth pickup.