Are we talking about the St. Louis Rams or the Los Angeles Rams? The location of the future for the Rams is unclear, but let’s focus on 2015. The Rams are a young team that finally has a quarterback after trading Sam Bradford to the Eagles in exchange for Nick Foles and a complex set of draft picks. This team is hungry for a playoff berth, yet they play in arguably the best division in football. The defense will look for continued growth, especially from their talented defensive line. Meanwhile, Foles will help revitalize a team that has been missing a quarterback for the past two years. Can the Rams make the postseason? A solid draft will help them get there. The team does not have many picks this year (six total), but they have enough depth to overcome this.
Picks:
First round (10th overall)
Second round (41st overall)
Third round (72nd overall)
Fourth round (119th overall)
Sixth round (216th overall) – compensatory pick awarded
Seventh round (228th overall)
St. Louis Rams 2015 NFL Draft: Top 3 Needs
Offensive Tackle
The Rams offensive line is in terrible shape right now. Sam Bradford was brittle, but they want to make sure new quarterback Nick Foles does not take as many hits. Greg Robinson has been a great fit at left tackle, but Jake Long was released after tearing his ACL. The other tackle spot is wide open, but that hole could be fixed if the Rams bring back right tackle Joseph Barksdale, who is still a free agent. In the draft, Brandon Scherff is a first-round possibility, but he will likely become a guard. Somebody like Jake Fisher could be drafted in the second round to fill this hole.
Wide Receiver
The Rams have a young receiving corps, but they could use a dynamic player. Tavon Austin has not lived up to expectations so far as a dynamic slot guy, but to be fair, the Rams have not had a quarterback that could utilize his strengths. Brian Quick started off well last season, but he is still recovering from an injury. Kenny Britt was re-signed this offseason and Stedman Bailey has also played well at times. However, drafting a true #1 wide receiver like Amari Cooper or Kevin White would do wonders for this offense and the other receivers could become complementary pieces.
Interior Line
St. Louis needs help along their interior line as well. They had an inconsistent running game last year and struggled at the line of scrimmage. Center Scott Wells was cut this offseason and guard Davin Joseph is still a free agent and will not be re-signed. Rodger Saffold is a talented guard when he is healthy, but the other guard position is wide open and backup center Tim Barnes will have to become the starter if the Rams do not draft a center. Once again, in the first round, Brandon Scherff is the best option, as he could start at guard immediately. If they pass on him, a versatile interior lineman like Cameron Erving would be a great pick in the second round. The Rams have a talented group of running backs, but they need the linemen to create lanes to move the ball. They could not acquire Mike Iupati (now a Cardinal) in free agency, so they need to make up for the missed opportunity on draft day.
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