How Did the St. Louis Rams Do in the 2014 NFL Draft?
The St. Louis Rams had two picks in the first round. The 2nd pick was compensation from he Redskins for allowing them to take Robert Griffith III. Lots of talk about them trading down to get more picks but that didn't happen. GM San Snead stayed pat and made some great drafts. The St. Louis Rams finished 7-9 last year most likely a lot to do with the injury to Sam Bradford. They will be concentrating on three key positions in the draft: WR as usual, Safety and the offensive line. Even thought they drafted Tavon Austin. They still need a true #1 receiver who can play outside the hash marks. With Roger Stafford coming back because of a negative medical by Oakland and his ability to play anywhere on the line, The St. Louis Rams can be very flexible in a stacked offensive lineman 2014 NFL Draft.
2014 NFL DRAFT PICK RECAP AND ANALYSIS
Greg Robinson T, Auburn Round 1 Pick #2
GM Sam Snead would have had to be crazy to pass on this Offensive Tackle. A future Pro Bowler, he will protect their investment in Sam Bradford and be the key for them turning a losing record to a winning one.
Aaron Donald DT, Pittsburgh Round 1 Pick #13
I thought for sure that the New York Giants would draft him with the #12 pick. I was wrong, they chose WR Beckham Jr. leaving the door for a shocked Snead to take him without even a thought. A true three technique player that will bring serious toughness to the St. Louis Ram defensive line.
Lamarcus Joyner DB, Florida State Round 2 Pick #9
Not personally sold on this defensive back. A little small for my liking with tight hips and probably not a first year starter for the Rams. I can see them using him as a backup at all the secondary positions with an emphasis on nickel duties. Should be an impact player in situational downs.
Tre Mason RB, Auburn Round 3 Pick #11
Another player who I am not sold on. Lacks ideal size to run through the tackles. Has great moves with excellent footwork and good speed but it will be seen if he can actually survive in the NFL which I doubt. A possible special teams return man and all around a special teams player
Mo Alexander SS, Utah State Round 4 Pick #10
Big Physical Strong safety with speed. The NFL Prototypical Safety. Can change direction quickly, has burst and top end speed. This guy can easily change a game with his hard hits and desire to race downhill to make a play in the box. Great pick and looking forward to him becoming a huge player.
E.J. Gaines DB, Missouri Round 6 Pick #12
Average player with the average skill set. Will need a lot of coaching and a great work ethic to be anything more than a substitute player.
Garrett Gilbert QB, Southern Methodist Round 6 Pick #38
Long term project. Conventional Big bodied pocket passer. Has good feet that will enable him to get away from pass rushers and a decent arm with touch. Needs to work on his mechanics and get a higher release point as evidenced by all the balls swatted in college. Strong pro day got people talking.
Mitchell Van Dyk OT, Portland State Round 7 Pick #11
6'7" 315 pound Offensive Tackle. Has the frame to add another 35 pounds. Comfortable at Right tackle. Has poor technique with his feet and could easily get beat by a speed pass rusher with some moves. Gonna have to hire a ballet instructor to get this guy right. Big and clumsy but plays with a chip on his shoulder and that may be enough to make him an asset. I could see him being transitioned inside as an anchor. I would predict we see him if at all on the right side at guard.
C.B. Bryant FS, Ohio State Round 7 Pick #26
Athletic with good football instincts and plays bigger than his size. Can't cover Tight Ends and doesn't go for the interception. May be a special teams player or a nickel safety but I would bet the former.
Michael Sam DE, Missouri Round 7 Pick #34
Decided to make a thing about his sexual orientation. For that reason, I will abstain from comment. Somethings just fall into the TMI category and shouldn't factor into who a player is.
Demetrius Rhaney C, Tennessee State Round 7 Pick #3
Had a huge day at his pro day and probably the reason he got drafted. Undersized to be a true center but could have value if they can find a spot for this quick versatile lineman. Wouldn't doubt seeing him transition to the defensive side and become a inside pass rusher. Remains to be seen.
Overall Team Draft Day Analysis
Rams did great in the first round, getting two stud players that will make an immediate impact from the first game for the next ten years. The rest of the draft was really vanilla meaning there were no spectacular finds. Some project players and some gambles. Paid a bit much for some and then will deal with the locker room taking a player who doesn't think of football first. Well, That's Snead's problem, not mine, hope he likes the "Tebow circus" cause it's coming to town.
Draft Grade: C+
I don't like the St. Louis Rams draft. The first two picks were gimmes. Takes real talent to find the gems in later rounds and just don't see draft picks that are inspiring or will be the guy to move the needle. Think the scouts did a lousy job and the Rams didn't get the receiver they needed. I think they were afraid of the talking heads saying, "again he St. Louis Rams take another receiver."
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