With two draft picks in the first half of the 2014 NFL draft, the St. Louis Rams have plenty of options to choose from. Uncertainty surrounding the future of the team means that the Rams could go in any direction. Based on team needs, draft position and some mock draft results, there are a few probable selections at both the number two spot—received from the trade with the Washington Redskins—and the number 13 pick. So let’s take a look at who could be the newest members of the Rams come May.
The Number Two Spot
The most intriguing pick that the Rams have in the first round is definitely the number two selection. Barring a trade is a very legitimate possibility considering at least two of the top three quarterbacks will still be on the board. The most popular pick for the Rams among mock draft experts seems to be an offensive tackle, like Greg Robinson or Jake Matthews. The other likely possibility is wide receiver Sammy Watkins.
The consensus around the sports world is that St. Louis will select Robinson with their first selection. As a tackle from Auburn University, Robinson is ranked second overall on ESPN’s Scouts Inc. with a draft grade of 97. The sophomore, who is 6 feet and 5 inches, weighs in at approximately 332 pounds. He has played in the best college football conference, the SEC and has experienced the pressure of the national championship game.
The other top tackle in the draft, Matthews, would also boost the Rams’ offensive line. From Texas A&M, Matthews is another SEC product and the main protector of the flashiest quarterback in the draft, Johnny Manziel. Standing over 6 feet, 5 inches and weighing 308 pounds, Matthews is ranked fifth overall by Scouts Inc. with a grade of 95.
The skill position possibility is receiver Watkins from Clemson. Watkins’ speed, hands and big-play ability has made him number four overall on Scouts Inc.’s board with a grade of 95. Watkins and his 4.43 40-yard dash time make up an appealing selection for the Rams in the number two draft spot.
The Number Thirteen Spot
The Rams’ second selection is much more unpredictable with 12 selections to happen before St. Louis gets to pick at the 13 spot. However, many mock drafts have the Rams choosing either receiver Mike Evans or safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. Both possibilities would fill a need for St. Louis while adding young talent. Fans hope that this year’s team will perform more like quality construction accounting software, than last year’s 7-9 squad.
Evans is the other receiver option besides Watkins for St. Louis to consider. While Watkins is more of a speed and finesse receiver, Evans is all about size and strength. Evans is ranked number eight overall by Scouts Inc. with a grade of 94. Obviously, the likelihood of the Rams selecting Evans goes way down if they pick Watkins at number two, which makes an alternate scenario very interesting. Should the Rams go with Matthews with their first selection, picking up Evans at number 13 would reunite Texas A&M teammates on the St. Louis roster.
According to several mock drafts, such as that of CBS, another popular choice for the Rams at pick 13 is Alabama safety Clinton-Dix. As one of the top two safeties in the draft, Clinton-Dix would fill the secondary need of the Rams. Ranked 17 overall by Scouts Inc., Clinton-Dix is graded a 91. We’ll just have to wait and see what the draft holds.
