2011 NFL Draft: St. Louis Rams Offensive Needs/Goals in Round 1

In an earlier article, I commented on the Rams being in a better position than the rest of the NFC West relative to filling major holes. 

Their defensive unit is close to being very good, and a few early picks could make a big difference.

But what about the offense? Is that unit a first round WR—namely Julio Jones—away from being great?

Sorry, Rams fans, but not hardly. I must admit—I was shocked to see early returns on the poll listing WR as the overwhelming top need for the Rams. 

Needs at OLB and DE both outweigh the WR position. I would even argue drafting a WR isn’t even their biggest need on offense. 

The Rams have a hole to fill at OG and could use a serious upgrade at TE. They don't have any depth at RB; a change of pace back would help improve the unit.  

They also need to be able to give Steven Jackson an occasional rest, and be prepared should the unthinkable happen.

Injury issues plagued the Rams on offense the last two seasons. In 2009, it was QB and offensive linemen; in 2010, it was the WR position that suffered.  

Sam Bradford still looked solid with a patchwork set of receiving options, though. Losing Donnie Avery and Mark Clayton to injury early in the season certainly hurt team chemistry and cohesion.  

The team could have thrived with a top receiver, leading many to want to draft Julio Jones if they can get him.

However, Avery will be back in 2011, and Clayton has expressed interest in returning to the Rams. His free agent status leaves his potential contribution in limbo, but it is expected the two sides can work out a contract.

Add in the experience that Danario Alexander garnered last year, and the Rams have bigger needs elsewhere.  

Still, a desire to see what Bradford can do with a solid set of receivers leads analysts to look at Alabama receiver Julio Jones in the first round, and praise has been high, particularly following an amazing combine performance.

Tom Canterbury of the Alabama Crimson Tide Examiner had this to say:

“Julio Jones came in to Alabama as the most hyped player from the most hyped signing class in Alabama history. He not only lived up to his billing with his physical performance, but also never complained about not getting the ball enough or the offense not being built around him.

"As history looks back, Jones will likely be considered one of, if not the best, wide receivers in Alabama history.”

Jones has the speed and agility to be an elite receiver, but there is a reason most experts have him ranked below A.J. Green despite better speed. Jones has modest concerns around his route skills, but he drops too many passes at this stage to be an elite receiver.  

Dropped passes is exactly what can turn a highly anticipated first round draft pick into an NFL bust, and one reason the Rams should look in a different direction. College receivers typically get better separation and have bigger windows to catch balls. They have a little time to tuck the ball and secure it before being hit. 

This buffer evaporates in the NFL and receivers that struggle with catching the ball in college could really suffer in the NFL. Jones has the skills to be a number one receiver, but so did Ted Ginn, Jr.

St. Louis already has a fast receiver with issues holding onto the ball. Danny Amendola and Danario Alexander dropped passes with regularity last season, including a few in their season-ending loss to Seattle.  

This draft is deep in options at the receiving positions; the Rams need to focus elsewhere early and grab a sure-handed route runner later in the draft.

Another option for St. Louis to consider is TE. They will not be getting top talent back from injury in 2011 and while Michael Hoomanawanui showed some capacity in 2010, he isn't convincing as an elite receiver.

The Rams have been shown grabbing TE Kyle Rudolph in an "expert mock draft." While he might have first round talent, it isn't top 15 talent, and injury concerns drop him into the second round.  

The Rams need to look at options at TE, but there isn't a player with first round value for them to consider.

It is likely that the position they need help at the most will offer the best value in round two. There are no fewer than five offensive guards that project to be very good players in the NFL. 

One of them will be available with the Rams’ pick in Round 2; Danny Watkins or Rodney Hudson would do wonders in the St. Louis run and passing game.

Wide Receiver is fairly deep in this draft, and options such as USC receiver Ronald Johnson or Denarius Moore from Tennessee will be great options in mid to late rounds. 

Shore up the offensive line in Round 2 and maybe grab Taiwan Jones (RB, EWU) and his 4.29 40 time in Round 3.