Monday, May 12, 2014

Rams 2014 Draft Review

After months of waiting the 2014 NFL has concluded and the St. Louis Rams has addressed majority areas need as well as some surprise value picks. As an overview, Jeff Fisher and Les Snead focused on improving the offensive and enhancing the defensive line then gradually add picks based on key areas of need.

Round 1

Greg Robinson, Offensive Lineman, Auburn

Analysis: This was already been predicted by most draft expert early on. Greg Robinson would help the Rams provide protection to Sam Bradford as well as open better running lanes for Zac Stacy because of his impressive athleticism to go with the strength and excellent run blocking skills.

Aaron Donald, Defensive Tackle, Pittsburgh

Analysis: This was surprise for me as I was not expecting Aaron Donald to last to pick number 13 and of course Fisher and Snead quickly picked this freak of defensive tackle who lead the nation in tackles for loss to go with 11 sacks. Donald has very quick initial step opposing lineman are mostly slow to block him. He would provide the Rams the needed interior pass rush that the Rams needed.

Round 2

Lamarcus Joyner, Cornerback, Florida State

Analysis: Snead and Fisher traded up several spots to take Lamarcus Joyner because they suspected a team will take Joyner before the Rams could pick. Joyner will be the Rams' replacement to Cortland Finnegan and more as he is versatile enough to play a bit of a Free Safety ala Tyrann Mathieu.

Round 3

Tre Mason, Runningback, Auburn

Analysis: I was caught off guard and a bit disappointed when the Rams decided to pick Tre Mason over Free Safety Terrence Brooks of Florida State. Sure the did was a Heisman finalist and has rushed over 700+ yards against Mizzou in the SEC championship and of course both Fisher and Snead has Auburn ties.

Round 4:

Maurice Alexander, Safety, Utah State

Analysis: Most experts considered this pick a reach because he is virtually and unknown prospect but the Jeff Fisher and Snead are adamant that there are some team that invited him to workouts and didn't want to risk losing him. Alexander is big and physical he will likely be the backup to TJ McDonald and will be in very useful in special teams specially in the kick coverage teams.

Round 6

E.J. Gaines,  Cornerback, Missouri

Analysis: I was surprise and happy that Gaines was still available in Round 6 and the Rams gladly pick him because of his superb coverage skills. His selling point: he limited Mike Evans to only 4 catches for 8 yards which mean he can cover any receiver big or small.

Garrett Gilbert, Quarterback, SMU

Analysis: Clearly a developmental quarterback. This only shows that the Rams don't want to give Sam Bradford some quarterback controversy had they picked A.J. McCarron, Aaron Murray or David Fales in the earlier rounds.

Round 7

Mitchell Van Dyk, OT, Portland State University

Analysis: I view this as a depth/insurance in case Joe Barksdale gets injured.

C.B. Bryant, FS, Ohio State

Analysis: This is a case of picking the best available free safety available. Bryant is also versatile enough to play both FS and SS. The only caveat is that he is injury prone which cast doubt on his availability in the long run.

Michael Sam, DE, Missouri

Analysis: Among the late round picks, only Michael Sam made the news as the Rams took a chance on him. Personally his measurables are not that impressive but you can measure the person's resolve and heart to succeed despite adversities. He'll he won't be the SEC Co-Defensive player of the year for nothing.

Demetrius Rhaney, OL, Tennesee State 

Analysis: Rhaney is similar to Mitchell Van Dyk but for interior linemen. Scott Well's health is a concern and adding depth at center helps.

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