Draft Grade: St. Louis Rams
Notable Picks
2nd Overall: OT Greg Robinson (Auburn)
If Robinson can clean up his pass protection technique, he can be an elite tackle in the NFL. He is already a formidable run blocker and, starting on the right side of the line with Jake Long in at left tackle, Robinson will clear the way for St. Louis’ talented duo of Zac Stacy and his former teammate from Auburn Tre Mason.
13th Overall: DT Aaron Donald (Pittsburgh)
The Rams used their two first round picks this year to beef up their lines on both offense and defense. After adding the draft’s best OT, they then drafting Donald, who is the most athletic DT prospect entering the NFL this year.
There was talk of the Rams selecting Johnny Manziel if he fell this far, which he did, but instead the Rams opted to stick with Sam Bradford at QB and take the best player available. Donald is a formidable inside pass rusher, and he gives the Rams another weapon for opposing quarterbacks to worry about alongside Robert Quinn and Chris Long attacking from the edge.
41st Overall: S/CB Lamarcus Joyner (Florida State)
Joyner played cornerback in college, but he with his speed and tackling ability he can play all over the secondary. Given his height (5’ 8”), his best fit should be at nickel cornerback. The Rams struggled against the pass in 2013, so this pick makes a lot of sense.
75th Overall: HB Tre Mason (Auburn)
The position of running back has lost a lot of value in the NFL in recent years. A decade or less ago, a player like Mason would be taken much higher, maybe even the first round. Mason has all the makings of being an excellent back and he may be able to beat out Zac Stacy for a starting role in 2014.
Final Grade: A
The Rams came away from this draft with an excellent haul. Robinson, Donald, and Joyner should all be effective starters and they got a steal in Mason. They will need all the talent they can get, as they play in the toughest division in the NFL and will have to play San Francisco, Seattle, and the underrated Arizona squad twice a year.
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