Well, I am not sure what our pick will be, it's way too early and I am not sure if there are rounds where we have multiple picks or missing one so I'll just do 7 picks. Here it is:

Round 1: Terrence Cody NT Alabama - I know that we have taken DLs in 2 of the last 3 First Rounds but I think Cody would be such a huge help for us. We have struggled a bit with inside rushes and pass rush in the first few games. With Cody, we could move Carriker over to LDE since he's been a bust at DT for us and he'd give us a guy a lot like Grant Wistrom. Our DL would be quite large and Cody would occupy double teams as well as stuff the middle opening things up for Long and Carriker on the edge on passing plays. I think Cody is just our best option at improving our defense because he'd do so much for us.

Round 2: Javier Areans CB Alabama - Another Bama player but our CBs have not played very well in the first few games. Bartell is a solid CB but Wade has struggled, I like Arenas because he is a good, athletic cover CB who is only getting better and better and he gives us a great returnman. I think Arenas has a lot of upside at CB and is probably the best cover CB in the SEC right now(better than Lindley and Haden) but he's small which will hurt his draft stock.

Round 3: Jordan Shipley WR Texas - I really hope Shipley is available here. He's not overly big but he has good speed and great quickness that allow him to get open. He's also an intelligent WR with great hands. You can never have enough WRs like Shipley. He's a reliable option who runs sound routes and will find ways to get open.

Round 4: Ed Dickson TE Oregon - The Rams really need a reliable option at TE that can make some plays downfield. McMichael has been a huge disappointment for the Rams. I really like Dickson's receiving skills and athleticism out of Oregon. Although if he keeps playing as well as he has, he'll probably go before the 4th round.

Round 5: Rusty Smith QB FAU - He went to a smaller school but played in a fairly pro style offense that will get him ready for the NFL. Smith isn't an exceptional athlete but he has a great frame, he has good arm strength, can make all the throws and has good enough mechanics. Smith is definitely a worthwhile risk in the 5th round as he has everything needed to be a successful NFL QB but will need some mechanical tweaking and work on recognizing NFL schemes.

Round 6: John Jerry OG Ole Miss - Jerry is a massive OG who is a marginal athlete. Still, he is a mauler who can run block which is what the Rams could use. He also doesn't seem to make as many stupid errors as Incognito does. Jerry could definitely challenge Incognito for his job and give the Rams a massive run blocker next to Jason Brown to run behind.

Round 7: Preston Parker WR North Alabama - Parker is a great athlete and a dangerous WR who can make big plays after the catch. He definitely has character concerns but in the 7th round with his potential, it's a worthwhile pick. He has massive potential and a ton of athleticism.

I think we go either DE/CB/WR/QB first round. Drastic overhaul, big names. Thats how we but some buts in the seats. And start winning some games

Personally, I think that's how you go from the right path of rebuilding to being the Lions. I wouldn't mind Bradford but I think if it's not Bradford, Cody is our best option. He makes the entire defense around him better and would make our run defense great. I personally think Carriker would be much better at LDE so that would essentially fill 2 holes imo. A monster nose tackle who can occupy multiple blockers and stuff the run is invaluable but Cody is even better than that as he's a great athlete and a skilled pass rusher.

Calm down everybody... yes, I am back and ready to discuss the draft and off-season (really, the best part of the season for Rams fans these days)...

1st- I don't think Cody really fits the type of player Spags looks for (both position wise and character wise (not saying he has bad character, just seems to clash with what Spags wants)). He is one dimensional, Spags loves diversity... so, if they go DT with the first pick, it is Suh, who is an animal and adds to the Rams pass rush.

2nd- I think the Rams may be done adding CBs for awhile (or at least early on). They have Bartell, Wade, Fletcher and King there right now... 2nd seems high to be taking another corner, maybe 4th or 5th but my hunch is more depth from free agency.

3rd- WR will be addressed early but not in the form of Shipley (honestly, I am not trying to rip your draft apart Know, sorry about this)... He reminds me of Amendola, shifty, slot guy and we really do not need two of them. We need a complete wideout, which makes me think we take one early on (could you imagine Arrelious Benn being there in the 2nd, wow! (again, not saying he will, but he very well could with what is going on at Illinois this year)).

So, with all of this nonsense thrown out there on my part, I will attempt my first "what will happen" prophecy...

- I don't think the Rams go QB with the first pick... call me crazy, but it does not seem like Devaney or Spags' style. I don't see them wanting to spend that much money on a position where the most busts happen in the early rounds (especially with what they are running in StL)... I really think Suh will be the guy.

- Also, I don't think they go DE early... Spags (or the Giants) have shown that you don't need to draft DE in the first round (MK was the 32nd pick, so pretty much a second rounder)... You can get good quick DE's later on.

- RB will be addressed in the first three rounds (I know, not going out on much of a limb there)... The Rams are going to pound it down people's throats (just like in NY) and there are not a lot of great or even good backs available this upcoming year... If CJ Spiller lasts till the 2nd he could be an option

- The Rams really have five serious needs (which means they can really only address three at the most through the draft if they are lucky (with impact guys that is))... Those needs (in no particular order) would be: QB, WR, RB, DE, DT... They will release Bulger this year, so they will need somebody... SJ39 cannot do it all himself, a compliment would be nice... Avery is a complimentary speed WR, not a one. Burton is a possession WR and Robinson has potential. Amendola is a slot so they really just need a number one (easier said than done)... DT has been steady this year in the run and has been quite promising but Carriker has been injured for most of the last two years and Ryan is one-dimensional really. A really good one could make that front seven even better, demanding double teams and freeing up space for the DE's to be one-on-one and the LBs to run freely... Chris Long is another one of those complimentary players (I know, I have thrown that word around way too much today)... He could be a six to eight sack guy with a dominant DE on the other side but I don't think he can do it himself.


1st Round - (Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska)- Big time DT who would instantly start for the Rams and make a huge impact... Would help the Rams to start and enter Top Ten in Defense next year (yes, I am drinking the Kool-Aid)

2nd Round - (Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois)- Tough, physical WR who fits the type of player Spags loves. Would do wonders in West Coast offense going over the middle and freeing up the outside for Avery.

3rd Round - (Evan Royster, RB, Penn State)- Give SJ39 a break, please... He needs it. He is an elite RB but whenever he comes out of the game, the Rams are S-C-R-E-W-E-D (screwed).

4th Round - (Zac Robinson, QB, Oklahoma State)- Has West Coast QB written all over him. Mobile in the pocket and can bootleg outside effectively and throw on the run (reminds me of Jeff Garcia).. could sit and wait a year and watch whoever is in front of him (Boller maybe?)

So, if you actually took time to read all of that, pat yourself on the back because I am impressed... And Mr. K, sorry, I really didn't mean to sound harsh about your first few picks

This isn't a make people feel good sight lol. It's a mock draft site and you're more than entitled to your opinion. I am feeling that we won't go WR early right now after the Gibson trade. Gibson is developing quite nicely and Robinson showed a lot of promise. I feel that we will go after a CB early as our secondary has been pretty bad, those guys are young but they just haven't shown much to me. Cody is more of a dream pick for me, I know it won't happen but I love the guy as a Pro. He's not going to be a mega sack guy but I disagree about him being 1-Dimensional. He needs to improve his endurance which he is trying to do(dropped 60 pounds in the last 2 years at Bama) but he's an absolute load to block against the run and pass which will open things up for other players as he eats up double teams. I am just not as high on Suh as most are. I do think there is a high likelihood he'll be our pick but I am not loving Nebraska DLs after Carriker(although he may be better off being used in the J-Tuck role) and Suh just doesn't strike me as a special player. I think he'll be a good NFL player because of his effort, motor and work ethic but he just doesn't make me think he'll be an elite DT. I could be wrong though.

However, I totally agree with your assessment on QBs. The Rams have never been a team to draft QBs high, I think our last first round pick at QB was in the late 50s and agreed on Devaney and Spags not seeming like guys who draft QBs early. I love Rusty Smith from FAU as a mid round selection. Personally, I think we can take a RB later as this draft is quite deep but I do agree if a first round HB like Spiller or Dwyer drops, we have no reason to pass on them.

Oh and please no. Kyle Boller was absolutely horrible. We'd be better off keeping Bulger for another year than starting Boller, I am not a big Zac Robinson fan either. He just doesn't seem like a special player, he's a good athlete but he's not physically great and hasn't been too good this year without Bryant.

We really need to get this page going. I come on here a lot to see if anybody replies to any threads but nothing (what gives). So, I guess I will thrown in my opinion as well to this discussion.

1. As far as Quarterbacks, I don't see any that are worth a first round pick (at least where we will be picking in the first)... If somehow, one of those big Quarterbacks slips to the second rounds (or late first), then sure, take the gamble. But lets be honest, they won't slip there. Bringing in a rookie QB next year would just mean another year of awful. Personally, I expect one to come in through trade or FA.

2. I too am content with the WR position for now. I like what I see out of Robinson and Gibson. Avery (I have always felt) is a complimentary receiver, so he will do. Amendola is our Wes Welker, so again, I guess he will do. My concern though is that Robinson and Gibson (at least in my eyes) top out at being No. 2 receivers. So, Dez Bryant would be incredibly tempting (personally, I like him more than Crabtree... but, maybe him not playing this year will rule him out with Spags' "Four Pillars" philosophy). We definitely need to add a legit TE though, something very important in the WC offense.

3. The Rams are trying to build a Giants-esque type of attack... so, with that said, we need more RBs. Dwyer would be really ideal for me in the second round (but he probably does not get there).

4. Getting some type of pass rush is a must! Whether it is a OLB that can rush, DT up the middle, or going the traditional DE route. We need pressure. Spags' defense lives and dies on pressure. No pressure, not much success. Maybe McCoy from Oklahoma is an option at the top of the first... I don't know what their plan is, but we need more skill up front for getting to the quarterback.

5. We need to add help for James Laurinaitis in the LB corp. Vobora is serviceable but nothing better. Lenon, again, nothing special. This is a good year for LBs in free agency or you could grab a Sean Weatherspoon from Missouri at the top of the second. We still need more talent in that aspect (especially since we traded Witherspoon).

.

Welcome to CDS. It's still a bit early in the calendar year for a lot of our regular draftniks, and still a little early for a lot of draft talk, and I'm not much of a Rams fan (or even much of an NFL guy outside of the AFC-E, as I'm too busy scouting college throughout the year) but I did just want to say thanks for being here and for your insights.

I would agree with almost all of this although I do think that both Gibson and Robinson could have #1 WR potential. Gibson looks like a really dangerous player after the catch while Robinson's speed and size combo is great. However, they both need a lot of seasoning. Our LB core is a mess right now, we don't have a great athlete or a big popper and it shows. Laurinaitis gives us that instinctual guy who makes plays all over the field but we really need that intimidating hitter. Also, I definitely think we need a pass rusher. My main philosophy on drafting Cody was that his immense size and strength would open up Chris Long and Carriker to get to the QB because they will not be seeing double team. However, I don't think Spags will go for Cody because he likes the smaller penetration guys.

It will be interesting to say the least how long Spags sticks to the "Four Pillars" philosophy. Is it until they have the foundation of the team laid out or does it stick to it so vehemently that it actually hurts the team?

Personally, I think Spags understands he cannot be so naive that you build a team purely by how good people are off the field. I believe the "Four Pillars" are to turn this ship around, because that message is something that will resonate with current players who Spags needs to follow him now.

With that said, I think Spags sticks to this style this draft as well. This rebuilding is far from over and the Rams need players who want to be there, want to be part of changing the culture, want to win.

I like the 4 pillars but if a high reward prospect with some character problems is there in the 4th, I'd say take the risk, we sure as hell could use a big time payoff but it really depends on the player.

Yeah, I agree whole heartedly... the Rams need to hit on playmakers in the middle rounds of the draft. The Rams may be drafting good solid, "FOOTBALL PLAYERS" but sometimes you have to go with the difference makers. We need more guys like Desean Jackson, Chris Johnson, etc., who can just score in the blink of an eye.

That is what I look for in this draft... guys that can just flat out take it to the house on offense or make the big play on defense (sack specialist for example).

1st- Suh
2nd- Sam Bradford ( I have a feeling he will drop)
3rd- Golden Tate
4th- OLB
5th- RB
5th- CB
6th- OL
7th- OL

IMO Bradford and Tate are 1st rounders. Do u think you guys will go DL AGAIN?

It is way too early to judge where Spags and Billy D. stand on the draft but I can tell you this much... I don't think QB is their choice. Does not seem like Spags style. He is a defensive guy that relies heavily on pressure on the QB so any type of pass rusher is a possibility in my opinion.

Just say no on Cody or Bradford, Cody is just the kind of guy who will see a massive signing bonus as a sign to allow himself to become massive, think "Big Daddy" Wilkenson, Bradford has all the signs of a future Tim Couch: build, laid-back demeanor, basketball playing background, I hope I'm wrong but he looks like an above-average QB made to look great when he was surrounded by great talent, wait later and get a development guy like Tyler Sheehan or Dominic Randolph IMHO, take what's strong in the draft don't reach based on need, DT, OLB/DE and CB are all positions of great depth, load up there, if Jason Campbell becomes available grab him he's been held back by ^1/2 witted ofensive schemes but has great talent and could be a 2-4 year answer while you develop a young QB. Tate is gone by the 3rd if he comes out, but David Gettis will be there, he's bigger and faster, he's a score in the blink of an eye guy and if Arenas is gone Leroy Vann will be there in the 5th or 6th and he's the same guy from a smaller school. Eric Norwood or Michah Johnson could give you a hitter/Playmaker in your LB corps, and Corey Wotton is a powerful DE who may be able to rush the passer and is solid against the run he should be there in the 2nd and possibly a bit later.

I think Avery could be that guy if we have another WR to open things up for him.(instead of him almost always being doubled) We also should throw him a few more of those short WR passes/screens. He really excels at those, same with Amendola.

I really like Johnson and Norwood, Norwood just seems to make plays all over the field. I have to disagree on Cody but we'll have to wait and see, I like the guy but he definitely will need to keep his weight under control(and he's doing a good job trying to do that at Bama).

The Rams need to generate a pass rush some how. They rely on a scheme that needs a.) Consistent pressure on the QB, and b.) Cornerbacks that can press, man to man coverage. They currently have Bartell and Fletcher that fit the above for CBs (although Fletcher's health is in doubt for all of next year). As far as pass rushers they have Little who is almost done and is not quite as dynamic as he used to be, Chris Long, who will never be the dynamic pass rusher, just a flat out motor guy that could eventually rack up 8 - 10 sacks if he learns more moves, and James Hall that is just average (and a free agent next year).

The Rams are getting to the point where they need to improve quickly so this draft is vital for them to hit a homerun on for a few players. They need playmakers, period. They need game changers. Whatever position they come from, get them.

The problem is the only game changing DE that is worth drafting in the top of the first round is Dunlap who just ran into some legal problems and has motor problems. Dunlap is an extremely high risk prospect who could turn into Mario Williams or Jamaal Anderson. When he is giving a consistent effort, he's dominating but he doesn't give the effort all the time and mostly dominates off athleticism in college so he'll need a lot of refining in the NFL.

Although I really like Greg Hardy in Round 2 and Greg Middleton in Round 4 or 5 but I think both have character problems, motor problems and work ethic problems so I doubt we'll go after them. Still they both have the potential to be dynamic pass rushers.

There are some other solid DEs: Greg Romeus, O'Brien Schofield, Corey Wotton, Chris McCoy of MTSU, who is 6'3 ^1/2 278 and quicker than Long, Derrick Morgan, and smaller school guys: Arthur Moats, Austen Lane, Dane Fletcher and Jeremy Maddox will all be good pros, some of these guys project to OLB, but Wotton looks like a 3-4 DE. There are plenty of good round 2-5 guys to be had who can rush the passer.

I forgot Brandon Lang in my post as well but Wotton is more like C. Long to me where he'll be a solid pass rusher but is more of the powerful, run stopping type.

I like Lang too. He looks to be fully recovered from his knee injury now, so I think some team is going to get a nice player in him.

Also, after yet another good performance tonight, Oregon State's QB, Sean Canfield might be someone to groom for the future. He's really had a nice season, and I think he has a future in the NFL. Not the greatest runner, but has good size, accuracy, instincts, and potential.

I raved pretty strongly about Canfield early in the season in one of my game writeups. I am glad to see that others are seeing what I see.

Raw, but talented for sure. Has as good a chance as anyone in this draft of pulling a Tom Brady...

The others are Mike Kafka at Northwestern, Dominique Randolph at Holy Cross, and Josh Portis at Cal (PA).

While Canfield may have the potential to be a good QB, I think we call agree that he would be a project... someone that would need to sit a few years before he is even ready to think about starting. I don't think the Rams can really afford a project a QB like that. They need somebody who can at the very least come in and start by his second year.

I would not be surprised if a QB comes via trade or free agency

I really liked his throwing ability, too - but based on last night (the only time I have seen him), he appears to have about 0 mobility! He had, what, 7 yards rushing for the season going into the game (and he may have ended negative after last night)? He will have to improve on that.

But yeah, great thrower, strong arm (he can zing those 15 yard square outs!) good vision/reads and decision making, good leader, was pretty calm in a BIG game.

I brought Canfield up as the type of QB you could draft and groom under the scenario bcdrama mentioned in an earlier post when he stated you might pick up someone like Jason Campbell to carry the torch until you could develop a youngster.

Canfield runs just like Tom Brady.

That well?

(Obviously Brady has had years of professional coaching to develop his running ability!)

Good point!

Yeah I know, I was just throwing that out there and talking to myself really...

Rams would be better suited to acquire a QB than drafting one... Look at the message that Spags has put out all year. He continually plays the guys who give the Rams the best chance to win (which isn't too many guys) rather than giving young players a chance to prove themselves. I personally don't think Spags would want to throw a rookie into the fire if he did not warrant starting. Thats why I look for someone in the 3rd or 4th round.

I was really impressed with Canfield and would not mind him in the later rounds. We could grab a vet and groom him but he definitely has a NFL arm, made some great reads and has the ability to make NFL throws.

I was looking at "Spags' Draft History" and was trying to look for any trends that may occur in positions drafted (and this starts when he was hired by the Eagles, then with the Giants, and then last year with the Rams). So of course, I broke down his history by rounds and then by positions drafted. I broke down positions by 9 categories (QB, RB/FB, WR/TE, OT, OG/C, DE, DT, LB, and CB/S) and this is what I found:

1st Round: CB/S and DT were tied for most drafted positions (three each)
2nd Round: WR/TE and LB tied for most drafted positions (four each)
3rd Round: RB/FB was the most drafted position (three each)

I stopped at the 3rd round for several reasons: (1) the last two rounds are really a chance for teams to take risks and not go for specific needs, so they were more wide spread and no real pattern and (2) I did through five but the last two showed a tendency for OL/C and WR/TE and once you get into those rounds, there are way to many players to choose from

So I guess what I am getting at is this:

1st Round: Ndamukong Suh (DT, Nebraska), Gerald McCoy (DT, Oklahoma), or Eric Berry (S, Tenn)
2nd Round: Sean Weatherspoon (LB, Missouri), Jermaine Gresham (TE, Oklahoma), or Arrelious Benn (WR, Illinois)
3rd Round: Ryan Matthews (RB, Fresno St.), Anthony Dixon (RB, Mississippi State), or Tony Gerhart (RB, Standford)

This of course is not exact, just interesting considering those do fill needs for the Rams. Hope you enjoyed the useless information the Internet can provide to those willing to look!

These are just my thoughts on the matter but I am not sure on the RBs in the 3rd, Dixon and Gerhart are 2 pounders, do we want another pounder or maybe a change of pace homerun threat? I guess it certainly couldn't hurt to get another bruiser to wear down defenses. As for Witherspoon, I don't think he's the guy. I have a very strong feeling that Brandon Spikes will fall to the 2nd much like Paul Posluzny and Rey did because Spikes will not put up a great 40 time and he'll be an awesome pick for us at SLB but that's just a gut feeling. As for those 3, I think I'd rather us take Berry and maybe give him a go at CB. We really need a great CB, if he doesn't have the skills to play CB(I think he absolutely does), shift him over to FS and Oshi to SS or Berry to SS imo.

I am not big on switching players from positions... Eric Berry can be a great S, we don't know how he will do at another position. To me, there is no point in switching him. If you are going to add another runningback to a team that stresses that as their focal point of the offense, I don't think you should go with a change of pace for the 2nd, maybe the 3rd, but not the 2nd.

You aren't really switching positions. Berry played CB, FS and SS at Tennessee. They did a pretty good job of shifting him around during games. I mean we have 1 great FS and 1 decent SS, we really need an elite CB. Berry is more valuable to us as a CB.

As for the change of pace RB, there might be some really good speedy HBs available at the same pick as a very good power runner, I just think it might be a good idea to get a good homerun threat.

The Draft picture (at least in my eyes) is becoming more clear.

- The Rams, as it is now, would currently own the first pick in the draft.
- Jake Locker is returning for his senior year

To me, there is really only one choice for the Rams now, Ndamukong Suh (DT, Nebraska).

He would give the Rams another building block towards a dominant defense and they would actually be addressing a need (both a DT and someone who can rush the passer). The Rams would have two pieces for the defense in the middle of the field for years to come (J. Laurinaitis and Suh).

Of course their offense is atrocious but you also should not reach on a QB or anyother position... There will be very good offensive players at the top of the 2nd round (a RB, a WR, or a TE could be the choice) and then maybe they could go veteran QB through free agency and draft one in the 3rd or 4th.

I'm really liking Jason Campbell in Free Agency if he reaches there for us. He would be a good fit for our O and allow us to take a guy and prep him for the NFL. I think we do need to take a long look at Eric Berry as well. If we draft Suh, we'll have to decide what to do with Carriker. Do we ask Carriker to add a few pounds and play him at NT or ask him to drop a few pounds and move him over to LDE? I am liking the TE class we'll have this year, especially Gresham and probably Aaron Hernandez.

I Think since we are in a serious long term rebuilding process, we need to pick the best player availible at every pick..That includes taking Ndamukong Suh at #1, that would add a future star to our defense, i like the idea of picking up Jason Campell or even Kellen Clemens to take over the offense to keep us from going 1-15 (Im sure those guys can do the job). We need to address a OLB in the draft and possibly a change of pace RB (Toby Gerhart). DE is also a problem, if we pick up a DE in the 2nd to eventually outlast Little, then we have a Dline that will scare other teams

These are just my personal thoughts, can Adam Carriker be used in a Justin Tuck role at DE? He was a quite dominant DE in college and has athleticism(see workout numbers), so could we play Carriker at DE on rushing downs with Cliff Ryan at NT and Suh at UT then move Carriker inside on passing downs bringing in a 3rd or 4th round DE we draft(maybe Brandon Lang? He reminds me of Osi) or do we draft Eric Berry to make our secondary better or trade down for a Joe Haden or Derrick Morgan/Carlos Dunlap(both of whom have the size and athleticism to play inside and out)?

Personally, I think Campbell is a great fit for our offense and we could draft a guy like Daryll Clark(reminds me of David Garrard) or Dan LeFevour later on in the draft then get 1 of those 2 ready to start in a few years. We really need to find a way to improve our pass defense, it was a pain in the ass. Improving our pass rush or secondary would accomplish that goal. Another possible QB that we could use would be Tyler Thigpen.

The thing is that Little and Ryan are FA's

Giants DT Cofeild is a FA, maybe when wants to reunite with Spags.

Long, Hall
Suh, Cofeild
Ryan, Scott
Carriker

Now that i think about it, Carriker would need to move to DE, but we would need another Pass rusher to back him up.

1st round- Suh
2nd round- Brandon LaFell Tall WR
3rd round- Devin McCortey CB

i say we get Jason Campell in FA let him start this year, then next year when we draft a QB, Campell wil eventually be replaced by whoever

I think this should be the year we draft a QB, there is really good QB talent in the middle rounds this year. I think it's a mistake to go WR in the 2nd round with all the WR talent we have on the roster, I think we should draft a RB/CB/DE(pass rusher)/QB. I think there's a good chance that a really good player could slip into the 2nd round like Jon Dwyer, Trevard Lindley or Heyward/Hughes/Dunlap.

Also, Osi Umenyiora wants out of NYG, I would not be surprised to see the Rams go after him if they cut him or are willing to trade him for a reasonable deal.

Haven't been on here in awhile...

Well, its official, the Rams are number 1! (or something like that)

Suh makes too much sense to take... he makes long better and solidifies the middle of your defense. After that, I still say go BPA, because there are so many damn holes to fill

The Rams have needs all over the field and have a high pick once again (things are pretty low in Rams' Nation these days). The Rams' ineptness though can be attributed to a complete gutting of their roster this past season, meaning hardly any noticeable talent being on the field. With their salary cap problems behind them now, the Rams rebuilding process officially begins (last year was a break down to build up year).

The Rams have needs on both sides of the ball. On defense, they need two linebackers, more depth at cornerback, a pass rushing defensive end, and a defensive tackle as well.

On offense, the Rams need a quarterback, a franchise wideout, a tight end, a 2nd runningback, and another starting offensive tackle.

These needs cannot be fixed in one off-season but at least half of them can be with the right approach in the draft (draft for BPA, not need since you need everything), and by signing up-and-coming players that will be free agents (which could be few and far between with a uncapped year looming in the horizon).

So with that said, I will do my first real attempt at a mock draft (but not mock free agency because the possibility of an uncapped year screws everything up).

Mock Draft

1. Ndamukong Suh (DT, Nebraska) - I am a firm believer that a team needs to have a QB in place to start their rebuilding process. I also follow the school of thought for not reaching on players high in the draft to fill a need. So, since no QB (in my eyes at least) is worth the number one pick in the draft, the Rams grab the best player available; which just so happens to fill an area of need as well. Suh will start from the get-go and immediately add value to Chris Long, who should benefit from a superior talent being next to him on the line.

2. Jahvid Best (RB, California) - The Rams have had their eyes on two RBs in the last two drafts that were nabbed just picks before them. Chris Johnson and Shonn Greene were within the Rams grasps only to see them gone by the time they picked. Best would be a great compliment to Steven Jackson, adding a much needed home run threat to the Rams pitiful offense. He is a receiving threat as well, allowing the Rams to give rest to Jackson on passing downs and still have a legitimate weapon on the field too. Best falls only because of the lack of teams needing a RB.

3. Jevan Snead (QB, Ole Miss) - It is time for the Rams to take a risk in the draft (something they have failed to do in the past two years). Snead has all of the tools to be a good (at least adequate QB really) in the NFL but has made poor decisions in college and lost focus it seemed. Snead would be a project, but a project that has end rewards if he comes through. Put him in an offense that is predicated on heavily running the ball and coach him up and the Rams could have their QB of the future. If they don't see anything in him next year, chances are they have a top-5 pick next year as well, meaning they might have a shot at Jake Locker.

4. Rob Gronkowski (TE, Arizona) - Gronkowski could fall because of back issues but once again, this pick could yield tons of reward for the Rams. If he is capable of coming back healthy, the Rams would have their TE for years to come. He has the size to be effective in the middle of the field for the Rams and is capable of blocking as well. In the Rams' WCO, they need a above-average TE to pose as a realistic threat in the passing game, opening up play action and loosening up the defense to further help the Rams' running game.

Alright, I will stop there for now, completing the last few rounds further down the road but expect for OL, DB, and LB in the last few rounds, filling out positions of need and adding special team depth at the same time.

Only thing, No on Snead, if we draft QB, we go big at 1

I too am not a pro-Snead follower in anyway but the Rams will need to pick up a QB at some point within the first two days this year. They have Keith Null and Marc Bulger (for now) on their roster, not really reassuring for a team in dire need of a QB. Since there are no present alternatives at the number one selection, they will need to hit on one later in the draft. I am not high on Tony Pike and Snead has success in the best college conference and has experience under center (something that is incredibly important in my eyes).

Snead to me will become at the very least a quality number 2. His potential though offers him to be a good NFL quarterback if he improves his decision making. That is incredibly possible in the type of offense that would be run for him in St. Louis. The pressure would be off his shoulders to carry the offense, just to manage it and allow for Steven Jackson to continue to run the ball. He will be asked to make the throws that are there and will be allowed to grow.

Again, not a huge fan of Snead, but the reward he offers is high if he manages to reach his potential... If not, like I said, the Rams will be in on the Jake Locker sweepstakes next year.

That's funny, I actually had Snead 4th round and Hernandez 3rd(in a mock on another site) so we agree that we need TE and QB. I like Snead, he's most definitely worth the risk because many considered him a top 10 prospect before the year. He has upside and has showed flashes of brilliance but his confidence and decision making took a big hit. However, he's athletic(great + for our systems) and has shown he has the skills to be a good NFL players. I think he's worth the risk there and much better than taking a QB at 1.

I totally agree... To me, Snead is the most appealing QB out there (for the Rams at least) if you don't go with either of the Big 2 in the first round. He has the skill sets to at least be average in this league. If you let him sit a year and learn (from the QB coach, not from any QB on the roster), he could be starting by year two. And like I said, if the Rams do not like what they see with him in the next year, guess what? They will most likely be in the top five again next year, meaning that Locker could be in play.

As far as TE, the Rams have to walk away with one... Whether it be Hernandez, Gronkowski, or Dickson (that is unless they make a play for one in free agency). TE in their offense (the WCO in general) is vital.