What position to draft first - the Pros and Cons

[AvengerRam]

I think its safe to say the the Rams will use their first pick for one of the following positions: TE, DE, DT, OLB, CB, S.

Here are the pros and cons of each:

Tight End
Pros: Scott Linehan likes to use the TE much more than Mike Martz did, and few think Brandon Manumaleuna is the answer. There is a true Blue Chip TE prospect available in this draft in Vernon Davis, though likely not at pick 11.
Cons: Defense is clearly the bigger need. While Davis is clearly the top prospect, there are some very good prospects who will be available in the second and third rounds.

Defensive End
Pros: Can never have too many pass rushers, or so they say. Rams are pretty thin at the position, with recently underperforming Leonard Little on one side, and unproven Anthony Hargrove on the other.
Cons: Outside of Mario Williams, who will go in the top five picks, there are no prospects clearly worth the 11th pick.

Defensive Tackle
Pros: A good DT can anchor a defense, particularly against the run. At least one of the top two prospects, Bunkley and Ngata, should be available at pick 11. Rams need a third DT in the rotation.
Cons: Drafting another DT in the first round would be a tough pill to swallow. Taking a DT could stunt the growth of Jimmy Kennedy by pushing him to a reserve status again.

Outside Linebacker
Pros: Clearly a need position. Some very intriguing propects in the draft, including Greenway, Sims, Ryans, Lawson and Carpenter. Drafting LB now would provide insurance in case Pisa Tinoisamoa can't be re-signed next year.
Cons: Most of the top prospects who will be there at pick 11 are either weak-side LBs or DE/LB tweeners, rather than true stong-side prospects, which is the biggest need. May not be a big difference between first and second round prospects.

Cornerback
Pros: Rams still don't have a "shut-down" type CB. There are several good prospects who will be available. Jeremetrius Butler is a question mark after his injury, and Travis Fisher will be a FA next year.
Cons: Another position in which first and second round prospects are very close in talent. Best prospects are either on the small side, safety/CB tweeners, or recovering from injuries.

Safety
Pros: Reasonable chance that the top prospect, Michael Huff, could fall to the Rams. Playing along with Corey Chavous, a safety could impact the defense very quickly.
Cons: Aside from Huff, safety prospects could be considered reaches at pick 11. Many of the prospects might have designs on playing CB, rather than safety, which is a bigger need.

[raleigh_ram]

I think we should continue with the D and choose Manny Lawson, he could fill to holes on OLB and DE. He's the perfect tweener. Hargrove, Green, Little, and Dukes, with Lawson is enough is fill anyholes. We could also pick up another true OLB(SS) later in the draft for back up. Then depending on who's left a TE--there has to be a good one. Then add depth to the D/O lines, Safeties, and DB's

[chiguy]

I agree with most of you wrote except the snipit about it stunting Kennedy's growth. If the guy we draft is already better, why wouldn't that be an argument for drafting the guy?