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Rams draft preview: 3 players St. Louis could draft at No. 10
By Ross Jones FOX Sports
APR 02, 2015 1:56p ET
http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/st-louis-rams-draft-preview-040215
The St. Louis Rams hold the No. 10 overall pick in the NFL Draft. In our 32-team preview series, FOXSports.com takes a look at their roster post-free agency and delivers a plan of attack for the last day in April.
The Rams made quite the splash before the new league year officially started, jettisoning former No. 1 overall pick Sam Bradford to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for quarterback Nick Foles.
Foles, who is entering the final year of his rookie deal, is viewed by some to be a stopgap. Head coach Jeff Fisher has said this offseason that the team intends to draft a quarterback and the trade had no bearing over what they do in April. For compensation in the trade, the Rams also received the Eagles' fourth-round pick in 2015 and second-round pick in 2016.
It's almost a certainty that both Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota are off the board before they get on the clock at No. 10 overall. Quite possibly, they will address the quarterback position with one of their picks in the later rounds.
The major need in new offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti's attack is bolstering the line play. By releasing oft-injured tackle Jake Long, center Scott Wells and allowing tackle Joseph Barksdale to walk in free agency, the Rams could zero in on a right tackle to start opposite last year's first-round pick, Greg Robinson. Speaking of which, last year's rookie class was strong, bolstered by Robinson and his promising play, running back Tre Mason, cornerback EJ Gaines and Defensive Rookie of the Year Aaron Donald.
For a team that was extremely competitive last season with marginal quarterback play, the defense played phenomenally.
By adding defensive tackle Nick Fairley and linebacker Akeem Ayers, general manager Les Snead fortified a front-7 that is one of the most aggressive in the league. Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams has the luxury of having Donald, Robert Quinn, Michael Brockers and Chris Long on the same defensive line. The NFL puts a premium on creating pressure on the quarterback, and there's no doubt St. Louis will be able to do just that.
Positions of need: OT, OG, WR
Three options to consider
Andrus Peat, OT: Adding Peat could significantly improve the entire offense. This 6-foot-7, 313-pound behemoth has been well-coached and is one of the most pro-ready linemen in the draft. By adding Peat at right tackle, the Rams would be able to give Mason some room to run as the second-year back looks to build on an impressive rookie season.
La'el Collins, OT: The LSU senior has plenty of experience blocking for a long list of productive running backs headlined by Jeremy Hill, Alfred Blue and Leonard Fournette. Collins, a 6-foot-4, 305 pound monster, was named a second-team All American and is very versatile. During his sophomore season, Collins started 13 games at guard. During his junior and senior seasons, he played left tackle.
Kevin White, WR: White displayed blazing speed in the 40-yard dash and was ultra-productive during his senior season in Morgantown, hauling in 109 receptions for 1,447 yards and 10 touchdowns. While some scouts don't believe White is the safest bet at the wide receiver position, many understand he could have the highest ceiling of them all.
By Ross Jones FOX Sports
APR 02, 2015 1:56p ET
http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/st-louis-rams-draft-preview-040215
The St. Louis Rams hold the No. 10 overall pick in the NFL Draft. In our 32-team preview series, FOXSports.com takes a look at their roster post-free agency and delivers a plan of attack for the last day in April.
The Rams made quite the splash before the new league year officially started, jettisoning former No. 1 overall pick Sam Bradford to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for quarterback Nick Foles.
Foles, who is entering the final year of his rookie deal, is viewed by some to be a stopgap. Head coach Jeff Fisher has said this offseason that the team intends to draft a quarterback and the trade had no bearing over what they do in April. For compensation in the trade, the Rams also received the Eagles' fourth-round pick in 2015 and second-round pick in 2016.
It's almost a certainty that both Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota are off the board before they get on the clock at No. 10 overall. Quite possibly, they will address the quarterback position with one of their picks in the later rounds.
The major need in new offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti's attack is bolstering the line play. By releasing oft-injured tackle Jake Long, center Scott Wells and allowing tackle Joseph Barksdale to walk in free agency, the Rams could zero in on a right tackle to start opposite last year's first-round pick, Greg Robinson. Speaking of which, last year's rookie class was strong, bolstered by Robinson and his promising play, running back Tre Mason, cornerback EJ Gaines and Defensive Rookie of the Year Aaron Donald.
For a team that was extremely competitive last season with marginal quarterback play, the defense played phenomenally.
By adding defensive tackle Nick Fairley and linebacker Akeem Ayers, general manager Les Snead fortified a front-7 that is one of the most aggressive in the league. Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams has the luxury of having Donald, Robert Quinn, Michael Brockers and Chris Long on the same defensive line. The NFL puts a premium on creating pressure on the quarterback, and there's no doubt St. Louis will be able to do just that.
Positions of need: OT, OG, WR
Three options to consider
Andrus Peat, OT: Adding Peat could significantly improve the entire offense. This 6-foot-7, 313-pound behemoth has been well-coached and is one of the most pro-ready linemen in the draft. By adding Peat at right tackle, the Rams would be able to give Mason some room to run as the second-year back looks to build on an impressive rookie season.
La'el Collins, OT: The LSU senior has plenty of experience blocking for a long list of productive running backs headlined by Jeremy Hill, Alfred Blue and Leonard Fournette. Collins, a 6-foot-4, 305 pound monster, was named a second-team All American and is very versatile. During his sophomore season, Collins started 13 games at guard. During his junior and senior seasons, he played left tackle.
Kevin White, WR: White displayed blazing speed in the 40-yard dash and was ultra-productive during his senior season in Morgantown, hauling in 109 receptions for 1,447 yards and 10 touchdowns. While some scouts don't believe White is the safest bet at the wide receiver position, many understand he could have the highest ceiling of them all.