Despite draft order changes, Rams' draft prospects remain bright

[AvengerRam]

Right now (12/4/12) the Rams hold the 15th and 18th picks in the first round. This is a big change from a few weeks ago, when the Rams had the prospect of two Top 10 picks.

Ultimately, this might be a draft in which having two picks between Nos. 11-20 might be just as good as having a couple of Top 10 selections, as there are not many clear "Blue Chip" players in this draft.

That's not to say there aren't a lot of very good prospects. I just think its a matter of a lot of A-/B+ guys, rather than a handfull of A/A+ prospects.

Given the Rams needs, this might work out very well. For example...

Wide Receiver/Tight End: There is no A.J. Green type player in this draft. The closest guy in terms of measurables is Keenan Allen, and he has had a fairly mediocre season (by high first pick standards). There are several players, however, who look like good mid-first round prospects, including Allen, Terrance Williams, DeAndre Hopkins and Robert Woods. Additionally, if the Rams want to bolster their receiving corps through the TE position, Tyler Eifert could be a nice option in the mid-first round.

Offensive Guard: The Rams' current draft position would allow fans to avoid the "should an OG be considered in the Top 10" debate. If Chance Warmack were there at pick 15, for example, I doubt anyone would argue that he's not worth that pick.

Right Tackle: As Rodger Saffold continues to play solid football at the LT spot, the Rams may focus on upgrading the RT spot. Guys like Jake Matthews and D.J. Fluker fit as mid-late first round picks.

Safety: Safety is a position that, like OG, is usually (though have been a handful) not considered with Top 10 picks. However, a guy like Eric Reid in the 15-20 range would make a lot of sense.

Of course, there are still 4 weeks left before we'll know the draft order. For now, stay tuned...

[SWFCRAM]

I don’t remember the Patriots/Steelers/Giants drafting in the top ten very often for a long time, but they just keep adding talent by identifying the right players. After the success of last years Rams draft, I now believe we have the people making the decisions who will bring the right players in. At long last we are in good hands.

[HUbison]

Other than Luke Joekel (and probably Lewan), there aren't any need position (which I define as OT, OG, S, WR, TE, SAM) players that won't be there after the top 10. As AV mentioned.....Matthews, Warmack, Reid, Allen......most, if not all, will most likely be there. Add to that Matt Elam, Justin Hunter, Tyler Eifert, Eric Fisher, Barrett Jones, Tavon Austin, Jon Cooper, Terrance Williams, etc., and there's more than enough talent to bring us two starters (hopefully) in the middle of the 1st round.

[ManofGod]

At #15: Barrett Jones
why: because he fits multiple needs on the O-line and gives us leverage if we continue to have the injury issues we've had in the past int his area.

#18: Tyler Eifert
why: Bradford has excelled in the past we a dependable TE, he has everything you want in a TE and if all goes well, he will be a match up nightmare.

Now we just have to wait & see how things fair in the combine.

[mcpeepants232003]

if we stick at 15 and 18 I'd like.

15- Jake Metthews
18- Tyler eifert

obviously so much depends on who we sign in free agency

[sosa39rams]

There is definitely a lot of good options where we currently are. We can grab an elite TE prospect in Tyler Eifert. We could upgrade our offensive line with additions like OG Chance Warmack, Barrett Jones, or OT's Taylor Lewin or Jake Matthews.

I really like the position we are currently in. I'd LOVE to see us snip Quintin Mikell and go out and grab a S in FA (Somebody very good like Louis Delmas or Jairus Byrd) and spend a pick on a rookie to line up across from him in the 2nd round (Tony Jefferson or Matt Elam).

[Ramhearder]

I'm glad we have moved back because that means we are winning!

I think it makes it a lot easier for me to swallow that we are picking later as we are choosing now people that I feel can't bust. I am very apprehensive about Luke Joeckel and even Taylor Lewan at this point. I think Warmack and Matthews will probably have the best careers as far as OL goes out of all the first round OL prospects go. The only thing that we may lose out on is a trade back.

I would not be opposed to picking up two starting safeties (if we can get Baccari Rambo in the third or 4th as our second safety picked) in the draft.

["sb2sb2sb"]

It would be cool if both picks somehow end up back to back.

[AvengerRam]

Update: the Rams now hold picks 16 and 20 (12/11/12)

[HUbison]

Update: the Rams now hold picks 16 and 20 (12/11/12)

With the updated picks, Walterfootball.com did a mock today with the Rams taking Chance Warmack, Kenny Vacarro, then Zach Ertz in the 2nd. Now, I know some are expecting a WR in the 1st, but I could more than live with this mock.

[AvengerRam]

The Rams now hold picks 16 and 23.

[AvengerRam]

With one week to go, the Rams sit at #17 and #22 in Round 1.

As much as it pains me to say so, we really need to pull for the Cowboys this week. If they can beat the Redskins, we'll be locked in at two top 20 picks.

[mcpeepants232003]

With the updated picks, Walterfootball.com did a mock today with the Rams taking Chance Warmack, Kenny Vacarro, then Zach Ertz in the 2nd. Now, I know some are expecting a WR in the 1st, but I could more than live with this mock.

I don't like Ertz as much as Eifert. I know he's got the measurables but he's just not a fluid athlete. Eifert just makes things look so easy. Ertz is stiff imo and I don't think he'll be a great receiving tight end and that's what we need. Plus I'd rather have Matthews than Warmack.

[Vinnie25]

Effin Cowboys, with the Redskins win we'll be lucky if our 2nd pick is in the 22-25 range