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by Cameron Schott Cameron SchottContributor
Previous Next Round 1, Pick 1: Ndamukong Suh, DT, NebraskaSlide 2 of 11
I have waited to make the Rams NFL mock draft because yesterday was the last day for underclassmen to declare for the draft. So now that we know pretty much all the players who will enter, there will be no guessing if a player will stay or leave.
Plus if you are a Rams fan, like myself, then this is our Super Bowl! I waited all year to see who we would get in the draft. Now let's look at what the Rams really need.
Rams Needs:
Quarterback- Marc Bulger is past his prime and gets hurt too often. Boller and Null aren't exactly what you call franchise quarterbacks. They can take a risk here because they may have a chance at Jake Locker next year.
Backup Running Back- Steven Jackson is the best player the Rams have, but he can't play every down. A running back isn't a huge need, but the Rams need a decent backup. Last year the three backup running backs combined for 228 yards the entire season.
Wide Receiver(s)- Donnie Avery can be pretty good, but besides him the Rams have no depth. Their number two receiver is Danny Amendola, who they got primarily to return kicks.
Cornerback- The Rams were 25th in passing defense, and their corners didn't get an interception the entire year. They need some help here.
Defensive Tackle- A strong defensive tackle will toughen up the line and stop the power run game. It will also take some pressure off of Chris Long.
Outside Line Backer- James Laurinaitis was a great pick, now they have two more backers to go.
They can also use offensive linemen or a tight end, but these are the biggest needs the Rams have. I spent a lot of time on this so let's take a look at the first pick!
Round 1, Pick 1: Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
Rams should play it safe here by taking arguably the best player in the draft.
Quarterbacks are hit and miss and Rams should look to strengthen up their defensive line. Suh is a quick 305 pound monster that teams can build a defense around. Anyone who saw the Big 12 Championship game knows that Suh is one of the best players in the country. Suh anchored Nebraska's defense and should translate his success into the NFL.
Strengths: Very quick for his size and uses his hands well. Has good technique and can read plays very well. An amazing playmaker who can always find the football and make big plays.
Weaknesses: Can struggle with a double team and can be inconsistent. Also has had some knee injuries in the past.
Awards:
2009 AP Player of the Year
2009 Heisman Finalist
2009 Consensus First Team All-American
Two Time First Team All-Big 12
2009 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year
2009 Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year
2009 Outland Award Winner (Best interior defensive lineman)
2009 Chuck Bednarik Award Winner (Best defensive player)
2009 Bronko Nagurski Award Winner (Best defensive player)
2009 Lombardi Award Winner (Best lineman or linebacker)
2009 Bill Willis Award Winner (Best defensive lineman)
Next Round 2, Pick 33: Colt McCoy, QB,
Ya, ya, he got hurt, but so have so many other players in this draft. I said this before the BCS Championship game and I'll say it again: the Rams should take Colt McCoy in the second round. McCoy's injury should not require surgery and he can still be a NFL quarterback. If he performs well in the combine, the injury should mean nothing.
Strengths:
McCoy is an experienced leader that makes good, quick decisions. He has a quick, accurate release and is mobile. McCoy knows how to win.
Weaknesses:
McCoy is coming off a shoulder injury on his non-throwing arm. He doesn't have a strong arm and floats deep balls. Has not taken many hits or snaps under center.
Awards:
2008 and 2009 Walter Camp Award Winner (Player of the Year)
2009 Maxwell Award Winner (Player of the Year)
2009 Chic Harley Award Winner (Player of the Year)
2009 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Winner (Sr. Quarterback of the Year)
2009 Davey O' Brien Award Winner (Quarterback of the Year)
2009 First Team All American
2008 and 2009 Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year
2009 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl Offensive MVP
2008 Heisman Runner-up
2008 Archie Griffen Award Winner (Player of the Year)
2006 Freshman of the Year
Round 3, Pick 65: Jordan Shipley, WR, Texas
The Rams can already have some chemistry coming out of the draft by picking two former teammates. Jordan Shipley and Colt McCoy are best friends and former roommates. Shipley was Texas' best receiver and was also a punt returner. This may be a little early to pick Shipley, but he will probably be the best receiver on the board at this time and will be taken later in the third round if the Rams pass on him here.
Strengths:
Shipley is fearless competitor who never gives up. He is a great slot receiver with great hands and great speed. An advanced route runner who can make great catches. Also a punt returner.
Weaknesses:
An undersized, skinny receiver. May have trouble escaping the jam at the NFL level and doesn't have much potential as an outside receiver.
Awards:
2008 Second Team All-Big 12
Round 4, Pick 97: Jamar Wall, CB, Texas Tech
If the Rams don't pick a corner by the fourth round, most of them will be gone. Jamar Wall is a huge competitor and a big hitter. Wall had nine interceptions during his time at Texas Tech, and can help the Rams get some turnovers. He can cause fumbles with his hits as well.
Strengths:
Can play any type of coverage and stays with his man. Closes in quickly and is a big hitter.
Weaknesses:
Wall is not a great athlete who can stay with NFL receivers. Isn't very tall and does not have great speed.
Awards:
2008 Big 12 Honorable Mention
Round 5, Pick 129: Charles Scott, RB, LSU
Charles Scott can go anywhere from the third to fifth round. With the first pick in the fifth round, I think the Rams will take him. He was a exceptional player at LSU and can have big runs to the outside as well as running people over. If the Rams don't get a running back by the fifth round, they mine as well not get one.
Strengths:
Can run on the outside or in between tackles. A hard worker with good instincts when he has the ball.
Weaknesses:
Has suffered a collarbone injury and was out for the majority of the season, the main reason he dropped this far.
Awards:
2008 Second Team All-SEC
Round 5, Pick 152 (From Philadelphia): Sam Maxwell, OLB, KentuckySlide
Maxwell is expected to go anywhere from sixth round to a free agent, but he can be a hidden gem. Maxwell had 5.5 tackles for a loss and six picks last year and may be a late round steal.
Strengths:
The kid knows how to make plays. He has a nose for the football and can catch the ball carrier in the back field.
Weaknesses:
A bit undersized and a little slow, but makes up for it with his hard work.
Previous Next Round 6, Pick 161: Freddie Barnes, WR, Bowling GreenSlide
The Rams should probably take two receivers because of their lack of depth, and Freddie Barnes can be there in the sixth round. Barnes was a former quarterback and set a NCAA record with 155 receptions last season. Most people probably haven't heard of him, but he can be a no name star in the NFL.
Strengths:
A good route runner with great hands. Has a high knowledge for the game and can maybe play quarterback with the problems the Rams are having!
Weaknesses:
Unexperienced at the wide receiver position and played in a system offense that won't translate to a NFL offense.
Awards:
2009 Fred Biletnikoff Awards Finalist (Best receiver)
Previous Next Round 7, Pick 193: Jimmy Graham, TE, MiamiSlide
Projections for Jimmy Graham go anywhere from fifth round to a free agent. I don't think he will be that high of a pick, and could drop to early seventh round. Graham is like Tony Gonzalez, where he plays basketball and football. It can be interesting to see where Graham will land. The Senior bowl can make or break him.
Strengths:
Has huge potential and is a big, physical player.
Weaknesses:
Has almost no experience and is a raw player.
Previous Next Round 7, Pick 211 (From Atlanta): Stevie Brown, S, MichiganSlide 10 of 11
I have waited to make the Rams NFL mock draft because yesterday was the last day for underclassmen to declare for the draft. So now that we know pretty much all the players who will enter, there will be no guessing if a player will stay or leave.
Plus if you are a Rams fan, like myself, then this is our Super Bowl! I waited all year to see who we would get in the draft. Now let's look at what the Rams really need.
Round 7, Pick 211 (From Atlanta): Stevie Brown, S, Michigan
Stevie Brown is a dual position athlete who can play either safety or linebacker. He is also big on special teams, which means you're getting a lot out of a guy in the seventh round. He is projected to either go in the seventh round or become a free agent, but I think the Rams will take him with their final pick.
Strengths:
Can play linebacker or safety and plays on special teams. Also has huge potential and can be a pro bowl player.
Weaknesses:
Has had a lot of games where he was a non factor and can have games where he has more negative hype than positive.
Begin SlideshowUp Next If you liked this, check out the next slideshow:
The Best Draft Classes of Each NFL Team; Modern Draft Era
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Previous Next Round 1, Pick 1: Ndamukong Suh, DT, NebraskaSlide 2 of 11
I have waited to make the Rams NFL mock draft because yesterday was the last day for underclassmen to declare for the draft. So now that we know pretty much all the players who will enter, there will be no guessing if a player will stay or leave.
Plus if you are a Rams fan, like myself, then this is our Super Bowl! I waited all year to see who we would get in the draft. Now let's look at what the Rams really need.
Rams Needs:
Quarterback- Marc Bulger is past his prime and gets hurt too often. Boller and Null aren't exactly what you call franchise quarterbacks. They can take a risk here because they may have a chance at Jake Locker next year.
Backup Running Back- Steven Jackson is the best player the Rams have, but he can't play every down. A running back isn't a huge need, but the Rams need a decent backup. Last year the three backup running backs combined for 228 yards the entire season.
Wide Receiver(s)- Donnie Avery can be pretty good, but besides him the Rams have no depth. Their number two receiver is Danny Amendola, who they got primarily to return kicks.
Cornerback- The Rams were 25th in passing defense, and their corners didn't get an interception the entire year. They need some help here.
Defensive Tackle- A strong defensive tackle will toughen up the line and stop the power run game. It will also take some pressure off of Chris Long.
Outside Line Backer- James Laurinaitis was a great pick, now they have two more backers to go.
They can also use offensive linemen or a tight end, but these are the biggest needs the Rams have. I spent a lot of time on this so let's take a look at the first pick!
Round 1, Pick 1: Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
Rams should play it safe here by taking arguably the best player in the draft.
Quarterbacks are hit and miss and Rams should look to strengthen up their defensive line. Suh is a quick 305 pound monster that teams can build a defense around. Anyone who saw the Big 12 Championship game knows that Suh is one of the best players in the country. Suh anchored Nebraska's defense and should translate his success into the NFL.
Strengths: Very quick for his size and uses his hands well. Has good technique and can read plays very well. An amazing playmaker who can always find the football and make big plays.
Weaknesses: Can struggle with a double team and can be inconsistent. Also has had some knee injuries in the past.
Awards:
2009 AP Player of the Year
2009 Heisman Finalist
2009 Consensus First Team All-American
Two Time First Team All-Big 12
2009 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year
2009 Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year
2009 Outland Award Winner (Best interior defensive lineman)
2009 Chuck Bednarik Award Winner (Best defensive player)
2009 Bronko Nagurski Award Winner (Best defensive player)
2009 Lombardi Award Winner (Best lineman or linebacker)
2009 Bill Willis Award Winner (Best defensive lineman)
Next Round 2, Pick 33: Colt McCoy, QB,
Ya, ya, he got hurt, but so have so many other players in this draft. I said this before the BCS Championship game and I'll say it again: the Rams should take Colt McCoy in the second round. McCoy's injury should not require surgery and he can still be a NFL quarterback. If he performs well in the combine, the injury should mean nothing.
Strengths:
McCoy is an experienced leader that makes good, quick decisions. He has a quick, accurate release and is mobile. McCoy knows how to win.
Weaknesses:
McCoy is coming off a shoulder injury on his non-throwing arm. He doesn't have a strong arm and floats deep balls. Has not taken many hits or snaps under center.
Awards:
2008 and 2009 Walter Camp Award Winner (Player of the Year)
2009 Maxwell Award Winner (Player of the Year)
2009 Chic Harley Award Winner (Player of the Year)
2009 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Winner (Sr. Quarterback of the Year)
2009 Davey O' Brien Award Winner (Quarterback of the Year)
2009 First Team All American
2008 and 2009 Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year
2009 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl Offensive MVP
2008 Heisman Runner-up
2008 Archie Griffen Award Winner (Player of the Year)
2006 Freshman of the Year
Round 3, Pick 65: Jordan Shipley, WR, Texas
The Rams can already have some chemistry coming out of the draft by picking two former teammates. Jordan Shipley and Colt McCoy are best friends and former roommates. Shipley was Texas' best receiver and was also a punt returner. This may be a little early to pick Shipley, but he will probably be the best receiver on the board at this time and will be taken later in the third round if the Rams pass on him here.
Strengths:
Shipley is fearless competitor who never gives up. He is a great slot receiver with great hands and great speed. An advanced route runner who can make great catches. Also a punt returner.
Weaknesses:
An undersized, skinny receiver. May have trouble escaping the jam at the NFL level and doesn't have much potential as an outside receiver.
Awards:
2008 Second Team All-Big 12
Round 4, Pick 97: Jamar Wall, CB, Texas Tech
If the Rams don't pick a corner by the fourth round, most of them will be gone. Jamar Wall is a huge competitor and a big hitter. Wall had nine interceptions during his time at Texas Tech, and can help the Rams get some turnovers. He can cause fumbles with his hits as well.
Strengths:
Can play any type of coverage and stays with his man. Closes in quickly and is a big hitter.
Weaknesses:
Wall is not a great athlete who can stay with NFL receivers. Isn't very tall and does not have great speed.
Awards:
2008 Big 12 Honorable Mention
Round 5, Pick 129: Charles Scott, RB, LSU
Charles Scott can go anywhere from the third to fifth round. With the first pick in the fifth round, I think the Rams will take him. He was a exceptional player at LSU and can have big runs to the outside as well as running people over. If the Rams don't get a running back by the fifth round, they mine as well not get one.
Strengths:
Can run on the outside or in between tackles. A hard worker with good instincts when he has the ball.
Weaknesses:
Has suffered a collarbone injury and was out for the majority of the season, the main reason he dropped this far.
Awards:
2008 Second Team All-SEC
Round 5, Pick 152 (From Philadelphia): Sam Maxwell, OLB, KentuckySlide
Maxwell is expected to go anywhere from sixth round to a free agent, but he can be a hidden gem. Maxwell had 5.5 tackles for a loss and six picks last year and may be a late round steal.
Strengths:
The kid knows how to make plays. He has a nose for the football and can catch the ball carrier in the back field.
Weaknesses:
A bit undersized and a little slow, but makes up for it with his hard work.
Previous Next Round 6, Pick 161: Freddie Barnes, WR, Bowling GreenSlide
The Rams should probably take two receivers because of their lack of depth, and Freddie Barnes can be there in the sixth round. Barnes was a former quarterback and set a NCAA record with 155 receptions last season. Most people probably haven't heard of him, but he can be a no name star in the NFL.
Strengths:
A good route runner with great hands. Has a high knowledge for the game and can maybe play quarterback with the problems the Rams are having!
Weaknesses:
Unexperienced at the wide receiver position and played in a system offense that won't translate to a NFL offense.
Awards:
2009 Fred Biletnikoff Awards Finalist (Best receiver)
Previous Next Round 7, Pick 193: Jimmy Graham, TE, MiamiSlide
Projections for Jimmy Graham go anywhere from fifth round to a free agent. I don't think he will be that high of a pick, and could drop to early seventh round. Graham is like Tony Gonzalez, where he plays basketball and football. It can be interesting to see where Graham will land. The Senior bowl can make or break him.
Strengths:
Has huge potential and is a big, physical player.
Weaknesses:
Has almost no experience and is a raw player.
Previous Next Round 7, Pick 211 (From Atlanta): Stevie Brown, S, MichiganSlide 10 of 11
I have waited to make the Rams NFL mock draft because yesterday was the last day for underclassmen to declare for the draft. So now that we know pretty much all the players who will enter, there will be no guessing if a player will stay or leave.
Plus if you are a Rams fan, like myself, then this is our Super Bowl! I waited all year to see who we would get in the draft. Now let's look at what the Rams really need.
Round 7, Pick 211 (From Atlanta): Stevie Brown, S, Michigan
Stevie Brown is a dual position athlete who can play either safety or linebacker. He is also big on special teams, which means you're getting a lot out of a guy in the seventh round. He is projected to either go in the seventh round or become a free agent, but I think the Rams will take him with their final pick.
Strengths:
Can play linebacker or safety and plays on special teams. Also has huge potential and can be a pro bowl player.
Weaknesses:
Has had a lot of games where he was a non factor and can have games where he has more negative hype than positive.
Begin SlideshowUp Next If you liked this, check out the next slideshow:
The Best Draft Classes of Each NFL Team; Modern Draft Era
Continue Reading
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