Would The St. Louis Rams Draft A Defensive Lineman?

The St. Louis Rams boast one of the best defensive lines in the national football league, they dont just have one first round pick on their front four, with the addition of Nick Fairley, they now have five.

Atop the draft there are plenty of talented defensive ends and outside linebackers that include Leonard Williams, an extremely versatile defensive lineman, Dante Fowler, Vic Beasley and Randy Gregory are elite prospects. Not even to mention Missouri’s own Shane Ray.

The Rams have the tenth overall pick and on that list, there are five players. Not if, but when one of those payers drops to the Rams at ten, especially a guy like Gregory or Williams, it would be far too tempting for a defensive coach like Jeff Fisher to pass on them.

The only problem left is finding one that fits in Gregg Williams’ system. However, if one of those above players fall and they are an elite pass rusher that Fisher covets, it wouldnt be surprising if the Rams still drafted them.

Since Fisher has been in St. Louis, three of his five first round selections have been defensive players, including two on the defensive line, Donald and Brockers. In Tennessee, nine of Fisher’s 15 first round picks were also defensive players including four defensive lineman. Not to mention he used 12 first or second round picks on defensive lineman during his time with the Titans.

Would it really be that crazy if Fisher went defense once again in 2015 and addressed the defensive line? After all, previous to drafting Greg Robinson he had never drafted an offensive lineman in the first round, would he really do it two years in a row?

Chris Long won’t play forever and injuries are a part of the game. Elite pass rushers are difficult to find in the NFL. They can take a while to develop, so adding as many talented prospects as you can isn’t a horrible strategy.

Long is signed through 2016 but has a salary cap hit of $14.25 million that year. He’ll need a superb season this year after he missed most of 2014 with an injury to justify that price. There’s also William Hayes and Eugene Sims who’s contracts expire after the season and might not be with the Rams next year.

While many would be disappointed if the Rams took yet another defensive lineman with the tenth overall pick, at some point it might make sense. If Scherff is off the board as well as White, Cooper, and Waynes, that would most likely leave at least one of the elite pass rushers on the board. If thats the case, the Rams could either trade back or take the best player available, which in this scenario would be a defensive lineman.

It might be crazy, and some may call it idiotic, but yet, with Jeff Fisher in charge, it is still a legitimate option for the Rams.

Next: Draft Profile: West Virginia Wide Receiver Kevin White

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