It's that time of year again, let's take a look at what a die hard Rams fan think and wants to happen....
Round 1: Pick 13 - Patrick Willis LB Ole Miss
Now this one has been almost a lock in most mock drafts I've seen. But I'm not completely sold on it. I am more so now that the Rams have said that Coakley won't be brought back. The Rams had a very good Linebacker group last season. Tinoisamoa, Witherspoon, and a combo of Coakley and Chillar. But Tinoisamoa battled injuries all season until finally he was forced to sit out. Tinoisamoa is a huge part of the Rams D. He had 91 tackles in 05 and 92 in 04. Last year he was injured most of the season and had only 35. But, with that being said, Willis is a monster and would make the Rams linebacker group almost unstopapble. This guy can play, 137 tackles and 3 sacks his senior year. Butkus award winner. SEC defensive player of the year. It would also help alot because they could move Witherspoon back outside and put Willis in the middle. With a line up of Witherspoon, Willis, and Tinoisamoa, the run defense would almost certainly be much better than last season. Don't be surprised if you see the Rams trade up to draft Gaines Adams or another big D-line name however.
Round 2: Defensive lineman
Most likely if the Rams select Willis in the first, you will see them go after a Defensive Lineman in the second. The Rams line other than Little last season was embarassing at times. Little totaled 13 sacks. All the other lineman put together recorded 9.5. Highest was Glover with 5.5. They NEED a dominant pass rusher that can get to the QB. Little is there only threat. However they also need a player who can stop the run. Being consistently towards the bottom of the league in run defense the last 2-3 seasons has to change. This being said, they did show signs of promise at times with Adeyanju. Who played in only 9 games last season(played in 13 but only a few plays in the other three) due to injuries. In his rookie season he showed that with some coaching he could develop into a solid starter at the other end position. I would draft a tackle here and start Adeyanju next season. Maybe Justin Harrell out of Tennessee or Tank Tyler out of North Carolina State.
Round 3: Wide Reciever
With Curtis most likley on his way out the Rams need a #3 wide out. They could use this to get a #3 WR who also has the speed to return kicks. One of the biggest special teams problems has been returners. Ever since Hakim left the Rams have gone through countless numbers of return men. Time to get a guy to take this position and keep it. If Jason Hill out of Washington State falls this far, he could be the guy. And with 4.32 speed he could definitely be a threat to break off big runs on kick returns. Plus he replaces the speedy Curtis. He has the speed to be a threat on the deep routes the Rams offense loves to break off.
Round 4: Offensive lineman
With Timmerman gone, and a number of others who are question marks whether they will be back, they should use this pick to get another lineman. The outside is covered with Pace and Barron. The inside has Incognito, Setterstrom more than likely set in as starters at Center and guard. Terrell and McColum were out all season last year with season ending injuries. McColum is a good bet to retire. 37 years old coming of a torn ACL. Terrell has shown he has what it takes to start but has fought injuries. Goldberg and Terrell will battle it out for this position but that leaves little depth behind the front five. This would be a good time to get a backup.
Updates and more rounds to come in the coming weeks......
I agree that DL is a good bet early on, even if the team has dipped into that pool quite a bit this decade circa the 1st round without a lot of success. Obviously if the team continues to rank near the bottom in run defense they need to keep throwing darts at the draft board until one hits. I would love to see them get Okoye from L'Ville if he lasts that long.
How would you feel about them pursuing Lelie at WR instead of taking one on the first day? I think it could work for him because Bruce just can't go on forever so in a season or two he could be back to the starting lineup. Until then it's another deep threat and playing on turf where he can use his speed. I think a lot of teams will be searching for that magical Colston pick on day two, including the Rams. Given Steussie's age OL is definitely going to get attention I just think a round earlier no big deal.
If I was picking for them I might go DT, LB, OL and then try for the dynamic punter everyone seems to be talking about in the 4th. Matt Turk is like 60 years old. A little better field position to help out the defense might be nice.
Norcal- I agree 100% on the DL in the first. I just can't see them using it for one unless they decide to trade up and get a big name player. I won't be mad if they get Willis though, the kid can play. But the DL is the most glaring weakness right now. I wouldn't mind Lelie. I still think they should nab Curtis because he could be more than capable of taking the #2 spot after Bruce is gone. But it wouldn't surprise me at all to see them get a WR out of FA. I just hope they get someone who can return kicks and be a #3 guy. There return game has been a joke since Hakim left. I still think they will draft Willis unless they want to trade up, but either way a DL or LB is a safe bet in the first 2 rounds.
nba- Hey man, you gotta cheer for your team in good times and in bad. Last year they showed they have some young talented D backs and I think they showed a heck of alot of improvement over the season before. Gotta let the new coaching systems settle in before you expect too much.
JR - Well it looks like they just locked in Drew Bennett. It's a pretty good move for them. He has good hands and like I said Bruce can't go on forever. Seems to be an adequate replacement for Curtis although definitely slower.
JR - Hey you're almost up in the mock draft. If you aren't able to check in I will probably give you Willis because it looks like he is going to be on the board. Houston is likely to select Peterson, SF is going with Meachem and unless Buffalo takes him he's yours. I assume from the above you'd want him.
Check back in on the mock draft if you can. You should be up tomorrow or Friday. If you aren't able to make it I will probably grab the best LB on the board.
Hey the Rams got quarterback Drew Tate (Iowa) signed as an undrafted free agent. Talk about a guy whose stock dropped, but a nice pickup.
Brian Leonard is going to make their offense so much better. He's a beast and will take some pressure off Steven Jackson. Sucks for fantasy owners, but so what.
My name is James Stocker. Call me Jim. I am a sports fanatic. I like everything St. Louis. The Rams, Cardinals, and for college, The Missouri Tigers. I am interested in Football mainly but am also a huge Cardinals fan, see my pic. My posts involve These three teams and major goings on in MLB and the NFL.
