2013 NFL Mock Draft (Post-Divisional Championship): The St. Louis Rams Select…

Even with College Bowl season over, there is still a ton of action to be had between now and draft day in April. With the Senior Bowl, Pro Days, and the Combine all still on the schedule, the true “big boards” are not quite ready to be set. However, as more players declare for the draft, the better, and more accurate, the mock drafting process will become.

For the St. Louis Rams, this season will be a bit different than in years past. The roster, for once, is not filled with a double-digit number of gaping holes. However, that isn’t to say that the Rams do not have some positions that are in a dire need of an upgrade. Most draft pundits will have St. Louis’ needs listed as: Offensive Tackle (Right), (Strong) Safety, Guard (Left), (Strongside) Outside Linebacker. Some may also sprinkle in that the Rams need a playmaking wide receiver or a sure-handed tight end to pair with Lance Kendricks, but those are more of “wants” compared to the other spots.

The mockers at Fansided.com have been dropping a weekly draft since the third-quarter mark of the season. With the St. Louis Rams and the Washington Redskins out of the playoffs, the Rams’ two 1st round slots have been solidified.  With the 16th pick of the first round, the St. Louis Rams select…

Chance Warmack, Guard, Alabama

"St. Louis needs to build in the trenches and Warmack is among the best offensive guard prospects in nearly a decade. The Rams will likely be targeting a right tackle with this pick, but most of the options at pick 16 would be considered a reach. Warmack, however, is great value and would be hard to pass up."

Chance Warmack has been linked to the St. Louis Rams since mocks first started coming out months ago. Warmack did nothing to diminish his stock in the National Championship game, combining with the rest of the Alabama offensive line to put up a dominating performance in the embarrassing beat down of the Fighting Irish. With Taylor Lewan and Jake Matthews returning to their respective university programs, it is hard to see the Rams reaching for a tackle at this spot in the draft. If Warmack is still on the board, he will look very nice in Blue and Gold.

With Warmack off the board, the St. Louis Rams have several options with their second 1st rounder. They could double-up on offensive linemen, using the 22nd pick on someone like Eric Fisher, who will likely still be on the board at this point in the draft. Or, with the 22nd pick in the draft, the St. Louis Rams could select…

Tyler Eifert, Tight End, Notre Dame

"The Rams are bolstering the offensive line, but they also need to provide targets for Sam Bradford. There is no better way to bring comfort to a young quarterback than to bring in a reliable, sure-handed tight end that the signal-caller can use as a safety blanket. Eifert would provide Bradford that comfort."

This would clearly be a luxury pick, and Eifert would have to impress Fisher and Snead over the next few months in order for this selection to happen. Still, no one in Rams Nation will argue with adding another playmaker to the offense, especially after seeing the progression of Lance Kendricks this season and the success that New England has had with their double tight end packages. Eifert is a very solid blocker, which would drastically help the offensive line, especially in run blocking on the edge for Daryl Richardson and Isaiah Pead. The Notre Dame prospect is also a matchup nightmare offensively, standing at 6’6 tall with good body control, a long reach, and soft hands. He is quick enough to get separation from linebackers in coverage and tall enough to out jump even the most athletic of secondary players in the NFL. Just imagine, Sam Bradford in the endzone, lined up with two tight ends, Lance Kendricks (6’3) and Tyler Eifert (6’6),  and Austin Pettis (6’3) and Brian Quick (6’4) out wide, with Steven Jackson in the backfield. What is your game plan as a defense? That thought should bring a smile to your face if you are on the St. Louis sideline…