NFC West Draft Grades: St. Louis Rams
- Updated: May 15, 2014
Offensive tackle Greg Robinson
St. Louis Rams
Analysis: The Rams had to be pinching themselves after grabbing two of the top six players in the draft with offensive tackle Greg Robinson (No. 2 overall) and Aaron Donald (No. 13). Robinson has the ability to be a Hall of Fame player. Seriously … I said it. You don’t find guys his size (6-5, 330), who can move like him. He’s big, fast, and strong, while also playing with a nasty edge. It looks like the Rams plan to start him at guard, then move him to tackle after a season or two. No matter, he’ll immediately become one of the better run blockers in the league, and as soon as he refines his pass-protection skills, Robinson will be one of the best all-around players at his position. The addition of Donald to an already fierce defensive line seems unfair. Donald is a quick, 3-technique tackle with tremendous ability to make plays behind the line of scrimmage. With ends Robert Quinn and Chris Long, and tackles Michael Brockers and Donald, the Rams now have a front four that can rival any in the league. The Rams would’ve received a high grade if they took the remainder of the draft off; they continued to add good football players, most notably, second-round defensive back, Lamarcus Joyner out of Florida State. Joyner would’ve been a first-rounder, if he had the desired measurable. He’s short and has average straight-line speed, but is intelligent, tough and has desire you can’t measure. Joyner is also versatile, and could be used at either safety or as a slot corner. Running back Tre Mason (3rd round) adds depth behind Zac Stacy. The Rams focused on the defensive backfield in the later rounds, adding Maurice Alexander, E.J. Gaines and Christian Bryant to add depth to an area of need. SMU quarterback Garrett Gilbert was nabbed in the sixth round, and could challenge for a roster spot. Seventh-rounders, Mitchell Van Dyk (offensive tackle), Michael Sam (defensive end), and Demetrius Rhaney (center) have a chance to contribute, but could have a difficult time making such a talented roster. It’s difficult to imagine a team having a more dynamic draft than the Rams. This team has as much talent on its roster as nearly any team in the league. The problem is, three of those teams with as much, or more talent, are in the division.
Grade: A
St. Louis Rams – 2014 Draft Selections
1 (2) Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn
1 (13) Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh
2 (41) Lamarcus Joyner, DB, Florida State
3 (75) Tre Mason, RB, Auburn
4 (110) Maurice Alexander, DB, Utah State
6 (188) E.J. Gaines, DB, Missouri
6 (214) Garrett Gilbert, QB, SMU
7 (226) Mitchell Van Dyk, OT, Portland State
7 (241) Christian Bryant, DB, Ohio State
7 (249) Michael Sam, DE, Missouri
7 (250) Demetrius Rhaney, C, Tennessee State
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