Rams 2013 Post Draft Review

The NFL draft is in the books and St. Louis Rams management was able to fill the needs with high value picks. As a long time Rams fan I would like to share my opinion about each pick and grade them accordingly.  Take note that this review is based on my personal research of each prospects' scouting reports online.

Round 1 - Pick #8
Tavon Austin
Wide Receiver/Return specialist
West Virginia

Grade: A

It very clear that Rams management are in love with Tavon Austin since they held the private workout in Morgantown, WV. They are very impressed with Austin to the point that they trade up and draft him ahead of the Jets (who are rumored to be very interested with Austin too). Austin is practically an upgrade to Danny Amendola and will surely create mismatches against opposing teams. Aside from filling the slot receiver spot, Austin is penciled in as the team's kick and punt returner taking over for the ineffective Janoris Jenkins and Isaiah Pead.

Round 1 - Pick #30
Alec Ogletree
Outside Linebacker
Georgia

Grade: A-

If at first the Rams traded up to grab Austin, the Rams traded down from #22 to #30 and was still able to get their man. I suspect that the Rams where waiting to see if Kenny Vaccaro would drop to them but unfortunately the Saints pick him up by pick #15. So the Rams traded down and was able to fill the next area of need which the OLB spot. Alec Ogletree is the best cover linebacker in this class and should probably fill the other linebacker spot.

Round 3 pick#71
T.J. McDonald
Free Safety
USC

Grade: B+

The Rams finally addressed one glaring need by pick USC's T.J. McDonald. The son of former Pro Bowl safety Tim McDonald, this big, hard hitting safety is what Jeff Fisher likes in his safeties. Most draft experts question his coverage skills and viewed as a 4th or 5th rounder but Jeff Fisher viewed otherwise. I personally grade this a B+ as it will be determine by training camp.

Round 3 pick#92
Stedman Bailey
Wide Receiver
West Virginia

Grade: A-

It's now clear why the Rams QB's where smiling too much during the private workouts at West Virginia. Not only they where impressed by Tavon Austin but also with his fellow wide receiver buddy Stedman Bailey.  Bailey will be the possession receiver that Rams needed since the departure of Brandon Gibson. Even at 5'10" Bailey is also explosive and can play outside or at the slot. With him and Austin, the Rams can exploit some mismatches in opposing defenses.

Round 4 pick#113

Barrett Jones
Guard/Center
Alabama
Grade:A
I considered this as a steal for the Rams as Jones is very versatile that he can play ALL five positions very well that he has won Awards as the nations top offensive lineman. He is also very intelligent and a team player. I would assume Jones drop this low because of their concerns with his history of injuries. Jones will likely start at LG if not a backup to all five spots.

Round 5 pick#149 
Brandon McGee Cornerback Miami Grade:B McGee not only fills the need for a cornerback depth left by Bradley Fletcher but also a good special teams player because of speed and is very physical his specialty is the "gunner" during punts and kick offs.








Round 5 pick#160 
Zac Stacy
Running back
Vanderbilt
Grade:B
The Rams traded all 6th round pick to trade up in the 5th round and pick Zac Stacy. Stacy is not the typical "Big running back" in the Steven Jackson sense but he is.more of a compact "between the tackles" running back in the Ray Rice sense. .