ESPN’s Todd McShay and Mel Kiper Jr. Release Second Mock Draft

Jan 6, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; Auburn Tigers tackle Greg Robinson (73) in action against the Florida State Seminoles during the first half of the 2014 BCS National Championship game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Two of the most respected names in the NFL draft world are ESPN’s Todd McShay and Mel Kiper. When they release their mock drafts, everybody pays attention. On Wednesday afternoon, both released their second mock draft.

Todd McShay

With the second pick in the 2014 NFL Draft the St. Louis Rams select….. Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn

"The Rams could use a tackle, with Rodger Saffold and Chris Williams scheduled to become unrestricted free agents and Jake Long suffering a torn ACL and MCL toward the end of the 2013 season, and Robinson is the top one on our board (he’s No. 2 overall behind Clowney). Robinson has the size and strength of a road-grading right tackle, but the athleticism, length and agility to develop into a star at left tackle. He was dominant at the point of attack for Auburn this season."

Previous: Jake Matthews, OL, Texas A&M

A lot could change between now and the draft that will play into this pick, specifically the status of tack Rodger Saffold. Even if the Rams retain Saffold, taking Robinson may be a good idea.

Robinson fits the exact sort of tackle that the Rams are looking for and would really beef up their offensive line. Can you imagine the Rams having Saffold, Long, and Robinson all on the same line? That in itself would give the Rams a great chance at taking the next step in 2014.

With the 13th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft the St. Louis Rams Select…. Marquise Lee, WR, USC

"This would make for a terrific start to the Rams’ 2014 draft class — landing the top offensive lineman in the draft at No. 2 in Auburn’s Greg Robinson, and then having one of the top two or three receiver prospects fall to them at No. 13. Lee dropped too many passes this season and his lean frame and durability will be a concern as well, but he has outstanding speed and is a big-play weapon both as a vertical route runner and after the catch (and his ball skills were not a problem when he had Matt Barkley throwing to him). The Rams can afford to wait until Day 2 to address their needs on defense (safety and linebacker)."

Ever since Lee was a freshman at USC I have really liked the talent and athleticism that this guy has. A lot has changed since then, but Lee is still one of the top receivers in the 2014 draft.

Lee has his problems, but when he had Barkley throwing him the ball he produced. If the Rams can’t get Watkins, Lee may be the next best option.

Previous: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix

Mel Kiper Jr. 

With the second overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft the St. Louis Rams select… Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn

"The Rams need a tackle — in fact, they need more than one. And while Robinson doesn’t have the same level of experience as the next two tackles on the board, I think once the combine is over, the consensus will be that he’s the player with the highest ceiling at the position. An absolute mauler in the run game, he has plenty of length and athleticism to also become dominant in protection. While the Rams could certainly deal this pick, I can’t reflect that here."

Right here McShay and Kiper are on the same page, both believe the Rams need a tackle, and both believe Robinson is the best fit, and really, it’s hard to disagree.

Previous: Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M

With the 13th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, the St. Louis Rams select… Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M

"We talk about receivers who are competitive at the catch point and can outmuscle defenders for the ball. Well, Evans isn’t just good at the catch point; he makes the catch point out of reach for many defenders due to his long frame and basketball-borne air skills. He is a fluid runner, if not a quick-twitch athlete, but you don’t draft Evans for his ability to separate from defenders. You draft him because it doesn’t matter if he does. Just throw it high enough. Sam Bradford will love having that kind of option."

Both McShay and Kiper have the Rams taking a wide receiver, and it’s hard to argue that. The Rams need that number one option on the outside, and Mike Evans does just that.

Evans is a big, physical receiver, but he does have his flaws. Either way, he give Bradford that number one, big target that he has been missing his entire NFL career.

Previous: Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M

If the Rams ended up with either of these options, most Rams fans would be pleased. The Rams still didn’t get their ball hawking safety, but that is something that they can still get in the second or third round.

Like I said, a lot is going to change between now and May, and really, mock drafts are pointless this early in the offseason.  They are fun to look at though, and if the Rams went in this direction, it wouldn’t be such a bad thing.