The Perfect Draft: St. Louis Rams

With the draft approaching, we ignore projections and identify the dream scenario for each team in a series we call The Perfect Draft.

Entering the offseason, the Rams had -- to understate things a bit -- an uphill battle in order to compete in 2009. We listed six, with possibly a seventh, definite needs to be addressed. Despite releasing roster mainstays Orlando Pace and Torry Holt, the Rams have addressed several of these needs. They shored up the middle of the offensive line, helped the running game with a blocking fullback addition, added depth to receiver, and signed a solid safety. They'll try to complete a productive offseason with a solid draft.

The Ideal Pick

Jason Smith. Last time the Rams mounted a successful building project, they began with a future All-Pro left tackle, the beast that was Pace. They need to repeat this blueprint with the Steve Spagnuolo era, and the 6'5" 309-pound Smith is the best pass blocker in the draft -- one stacked with talented tackles. He's a solid bet to morph into a perennial pro-bowler, despite having enrolled at Baylor as a tight end. With Jason Brown anchoring the middle and Smith watching Marc Bulger's backside, the Rams will have a good foundation to rebuilding their offensive line. It needs to be done, because that unit was simply pathetic last year, and you run the risk of wasting quality skill personnel if the line sucks.

Once that foundation is in place, the running lanes for Steven Jackson get a little bigger, while Bulger will have more time to get the ball downfield. By no means does this pick fulfill every need the Rams have, but unfortunately they only get one first round pick, not four. Smith is the smartest bet.

Other Needs

A team who could have easily gone 0-16 obviously has myriad needs. Despite the addition of Laurent Robinson, they definitely need to add at least one receiver to the fray. Really, with seven draft picks they should probably take two wideouts. The other really pressing need is in the linebacking corps. You could actually justify the Rams taking Aaron Curry in the first round, but I'm of the belief they really need that offensive line cornerstone. They still could use an able-bodied backup to Jackson in the backfield, and pretty much every position they have lacks true depth.

Depending on how things fall, the Rams could realistically land James Laurinaitis with the third pick in the second round. If he plummets that far, it would be an absolute coup for the first two rounds of St. Louis' draft. If Laurinaitis doesn't fall, which is the most likely scenario, the Rams can focus on grabbing a quality receiver like Kenny Britt or Brian Robiskie -- maybe Hakeem Nicks or Darrius Heyward-Bey fall? -- and focus on linebacker in the third round. Larry English is also an option, should the Rams go after a pass rushing outside linebacker with the second round pick.

For me, the Rams utopian draft would be to land Smith, Laurinaitis, two solid receivers, another linebacker, a "best defensive player on the board," and a "best offensive player on the board."

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

4-13-2009 @ 10:47PM

Paul from California said...

Actually I think the Rams or Lambs will pick Curry if Detroit doesn't. They are shifting Barron from right tackle to left tackle while shifting Bell to right tackle or even use John Greco. Then pick the best right tackle left with the high 2nd round pick. If Curry is gone, then the Rams might even trade down... They need lots of bodies...

4-14-2009 @ 3:57AM

NachoD said...

Being that Denver is interested in trading down to have a shot at Mark Sanchez, I think the Rams should trade out of the number 2 so they can fill two holes in the first round. Rey Muauluga (ILB) and Percy Harvin (WR) in the first round would be ideal.

Then in the second round, take the best offensive lineman available like William Beatty, Eben Britton, Duke Robinson or Alex Mack. The offensive line will need to be addressed again in a later round but eventually a defensive tackle to back up Adam Carriker and Clifton Ryan and a shifty running back in the Darren Sproles mold will be needed to be Steven Jackson's lightning.

If the trade can't be made, then Aaron Curry is definetely the pick at #2. I just can't see using such a high pick for someone who is going to be adding depth to the O-Line. Keep in mind, we already have Alex Barron, Jason Brown, Jacob Bell, Richie Incognito, Mike Setterstrom, Adam Goldberg, John Greco and Roy Schuening on the O-line.

I'm sorry but I was not impressed with the game film of Jason Smith (who seems light for tackle) and Eugene Monroe. It seemed like the quarterback was always on the run. Not sure if it was a breakdown in protection or by design.

Let's address the linebacker position in the first round so we can have our NFC West thumper to compete with Patrick Willis, Lofa Tatufu and Karlos Dansby.

4-14-2009 @ 8:08PM

BIG DADDY said...

nachoD...comments make alot of sense but we have so many holes it will be though to fill them all threw the draft, trading out of #2 would be the best scenario for the rams, but most teams dont want to pay that type of money....unless it is a qb and since the are qb needs out there with only a couple of potential 1st rd qb... we might be in luck ....so i said all that to say ...come on devany ,work yo magic derty

trade out get maleuga{sp} and a wr in the 1st and o-line in the 2nd

LETS GO RAMS!!!!

4-14-2009 @ 8:02PM

ericray2002 said...

What the Rams need to do is pick up Mark Sanchez in there first pick and trade off Mark Bulger . If the Rams dont get a new QB they will finish the 2009 season 3 and 14 they should get Jeff Garica to back Mark Sanchez look the Rams could pick up a some one good in the second round to replace Pace . Mark Bulger needs to leave . Mark Martz needs to take his QB with him , What a major F--- up tradeing Kurt Warner

4-16-2009 @ 1:41PM

caywo9 said...

yes, we should have kept Warner, but, can't all be Monday morning QB's. They need to address the O line, and receiver issue first, then defense. They are still years from where they were.

4-16-2009 @ 2:35PM

Look Mark Bulger dont have it what the Rams need is a new OB .then fall back on the free agecey and the draft.. change .needs to start now Ive been a Rams fan forever all the way from 1974 to now I know what Iam talking about and Mark Sanchez could be the next Kurt Warner for the Rams

4-20-2009 @ 8:40PM

mr 1020 said...

bulger can be efficient if he gets protection, it dont matter who you throw out there if you dont protect him and he's on his bacc half the game the offense will stink...o-line and d-line

4-25-2009 @ 11:10PM

machadobrad said...

I think the Rams did great with their first two picks, although it would have been nice to see Mark Sanchez in a Rams uniform. Bulger has just gotten steadily worse. He is the second coming of Jim Everett.

4-27-2009 @ 9:56PM

rams first pick was decent but after that....rey maleuga in the second rd would have been a lick, then the qb from west tx a&m ...look like boys was reachin' in the second day except the dt from clemson

its still my squad and im ridin' wit'em till the wheels fall off!!