St. Louis Rams Mock Draft: Updated Day 2 Predictions
The first round of the 2015 NFL draft is now complete, but the fun is just getting started. There's plenty of talent still available.
The St. Louis Rams shocked the fanbase in Round 1 by selecting Georgia Bulldogs running back Todd Gurley with the No. 10 overall pick. You can find a full analysis of that pick here.
The team didn't have an immediate need for a workhorse back, but St. Louis is staying true to its "best player available" mentality. It's the same strategy that allowed the Rams to snag rookie Pro Bowler Aaron Donald in last year's draft. (The Rams certainly did not have an urgent need for a defensive tackle at the time.)
That method may have landed St. Louis another great player in Gurley, but something needs to be done about the offensive line.
This article will mock St. Louis' final five picks, demonstrating how the team's top needs can still be met.
Round 2 (41): Jake Fisher, T, Oregon Ducks
1 of 5
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 306 pounds
Projected Round: 2
Do the Rams really have a choice at this point?
With just two starters remaining from the 2014 offensive line (a group that was awful to begin with), St. Louis has put itself in a position where drafting a lineman in Round 2 is a requirement. Unless, of course, the team is comfortable with three mid- to late-round rookies (or unwanted veterans) starting in 2015.
Trading for Nick Foles was useless if there's no pass protection. Drafting Gurley will be a waste if there are no run lanes.
Jake Fisher is a promising option. He had the potential to go as high as the late first round, but he may fall into St. Louis' lap at No. 41.
Fisher has three years of starting experience with the Oregon Ducks. He played in the high-octane passing attack, so he's a veteran when it comes to pass-blocking. He's capable of being a Day 1 starter and right tackle and can keep Foles upright.
Fisher isn't the most refined run-blocker, but he has the strength and athleticism to eventually improve his technique.
At No. 41 overall, Fisher could be the best offensive lineman available.
Round 3 (72): Ali Marpet, OL, Hobart Statesmen
2 of 5
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 307 pounds
Projected Round: 2-3
Small-school prospect Ali Marpet of the Hobart Statesmen was initially off most people's radar, but impressive showings at the Senior Bowl and NFL combine quickly changed that.
Marpet dominated the bench press with 30 reps and turned in a 32.5-inch vertical jump. At the Senior Bowl, he held his own against big-school competition and demonstrated versatility.
Marpet carries some risk since there's no tape of him against top-notch competition, but he has the necessary physical skills to succeed. Also, his ability to play multiple positions would greatly benefit the Rams, a team that still needs three starters on the line.
The St. Louis offensive line situation is desperate. Don't be surprised if both Day 2 picks are used on linemen.
Round 4 (119): Garrett Grayson, QB, Colorado State Rams
3 of 5
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 213 pounds
Projected Round: 2-5
Foles is St. Louis' new starting quarterback, and no one's doubting that. Still, after losing their starter to injury the last two seasons, the Rams need a reliable backup plan.
Between Baylor Bears' Bryce Petty, Oregon State Beavers' Sean Mannion, UCLA Bruins' Brett Hundley and Colorado State Rams' Garrett Grayson, someone will fall to Round 4.
If Grayson is that guy, the Rams should seriously consider jumping at the opportunity.
Grayson is slightly undersized (6'2", 213 pounds), but otherwise, he looks the part of a true NFL quarterback. He has acceptable arm strength, a nice deep ball and incredible accuracy. He's not a scrambler, but he has enough mobility to escape pressure and buy time.
If Grayson can sit and learn for several seasons, he could develop into a legitimate starter or a long-term No. 2.
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Round 6 (215): Ramik Wilson, LB, Georgia Bulldogs
4 of 5
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 237 pounds
Projected Round: 5-7
The Rams need offense in the worst way, but head coach Jeff Fisher loves his defense. There's no possible way seven rounds will pass without St. Louis taking a defensive player.
It's difficult for any team to locate a late-round defensive starter, but quality depth can be had.
Ramik Wilson is a tackling machine. He has a nose for the ball-carrier and has the talent to sniff out running backs behind the line of scrimmage.
Wilson lacks top-notch athleticism and will struggle in coverage. That's going to hurt his stock and cause him to drop to Day 3.
Still, as a backup and a special teams contributor, he's a very good prospect.
Round 7 (227): Max Garcia, C, Florida Gators
5 of 5
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 309 pounds
Projected Round: 6-7
It appears the Rams are content with Tim Barnes and Barrett Jones battling for the starting center job. It's not an exciting duo, but Barnes has some experience as a starter and is not a total liability when he's in the lineup.
Demetrius Rhaney—a seventh-round pick from 2014—also is in the mix.
Still, it'd be nice to add one more camp body to heat up the competition. Max Garcia from the Florida Gators is a late-round guy capable of filling that role.
Garcia is a leader and a hard worker, but he's limited athletically. If he perfects his technique, it's possible he'll eventually develop into an adequate starter.
The Rams need all the offensive line help they can get, even if it comes in the final round.
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