Its quite obvious that the Rams need a safety in the upcoming draft. The Rams have been left with a gaping hole at the safety position with the losses of Craig Dahl and Quintin Mikell, both the starters from last year. As of right Now Darian Stewart and Rodney McLeod would be the starting safeties on day one. If that doesn’t scream for trouble I don’t know what does. Luckily for the Rams there are some nice options in tonight’s draft that include Eric Reid, Matt Elam, Jonathan Cyprien, and Kenny Vaccaro.

Eric Reid:

The first thing that immediately pops up as a positive for Reid is that he is from the SEC. The SEC is as of now the power conference of college football and has produced a lot of good NFL talent the last couple of years. Reid is an athletic, fast, strong, and physical safety that brings a lot of attitude and leadership to the field. He is an all around defender that can play both the run and the pass. Reid also presents good hands and has the ability to take advantage of poor throws and catch balls away from his body. Reid plays very aggressive and can get caught playing too aggressive at time. He also isn’t a consistent powerful tackler. If the Rams drafted Reid, he would probably still be available at 22 and might last until the second round although it is unlikely we will last until 46.

Matt Elam:

Like Reid Elam also played in the SEC power conference. Elam plays a lot inside the box or at the line of scrimmage, and plays his best when he is asked to make a play. Elam also has the ability to contribute on special teams. Elam is small which concerns some scouts. Elam can be seen standing around on the field while others make a play and sometimes seems to lack urgency. If the Rams were to draft Elam they could take him at 22 or possibly wait until 46.

Jonathan Cyprien:

Cyprien impressed a lot of scouts at the Senior Bowl this year. Cyprien has the ability to play both man and zone coverage. He is also a physical, fast safety that can close in on stretch run plays or quick passes. Cyprien like Reid brings the attitude element to the field and is a solid tackler being considered the hardest hitting safety in this year’s draft. However, Cyprien can get caught being a step too slow in coverage and can get caught being too aggressive and looking in the backfield.  If the Rams were to take Cyprien they could take him at 22 or wait to see of he is available at 46.

Kenny  Vaccaro:

Vaccaro is considered by many as the best safety in this year’s draft but has failed to completely separate himself from the other safeties in the class. Vaccaro is a physical safety that has the speed and agility to stick with slot receivers and is a solid tackler. Unlike Cyprien, Vaccaro was used exclusively in man coverage and lacks the speed burst to play in zone. Vaccaro can get caught free lancing while playing zone and also gets caught looking in the backfield on play action.

Any of these safeties would be solid options for the Rams. Reid and Cyprien fit the Ram mold perfectly however. The Rams have a defense with a lot of attitude and are hard hitting. Reid and Cyprien bring a lot of attitude to the field and definitely have the ability to hit and tackle. Both of these players would be an upgrade and would be able to start day one and contribute on the field.

November 12, 2011; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers safety Eric Reid (1) prior to kickoff of a game against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Western Kentucky 42-9. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

There were three aspects of week six that were really bothering. First of all, the Rams were beaten by not only their direct opponent, but also beaten by their own miscues. Second of all, the Washington Redskins beat a strong Minnesota Vikings. Why does this matter? Because the Rams have the Redskins 2013-2014 first round draft picks. Each win the Redskins collect, will essentially lessen the value of the Rams draft pick. Finally, every Rams fan that watched the Redskins’ Robert Griffin III dominate a strong Vikings defense, couldn’t help but wonder, “What If?”. The comparison with Bradford will linger for decades. Is this the right duo to be comparing? Of course not. The Rams had way too many holes to fill to be solely concentrating on one position. The correct comparison should be; RGIII Vs Michael Brockers, Janoris Jenkins, Isaiah Pead and 2013 – 2014 first round draft picks. Ram fans – think of it like this, ‘It’s a down payment for today, for years of investment’. Which means, while the cost of the Rams giving up RGIII is physically visible, the return for two or more college studs that fill obvious needs for the Rams, will eventually be a better investment.

For this weeks review it was tempting to put in a special team’s player, but that will be ignored for now. The Rams have the luxury of picking up two first round draft picks in 2013 and 2014 thanks to RGIII. This is why the Ramblin Fan Draft Preview, will analyze one player from both offense and defense.

Position needs: OT, OLB, WR, OG, SS/FS, TE

OFFENSE
Taylor Lewan (6 foot 8, 310 pounds)
Offensive Tackle (University of Michigan)
When you have Wayne Hunter and Barry Richardson as your starting offensive tackles, you know your team is screaming for help at the tackle positions. There have been two certain plays that have been constant reminders that the Rams need help at the offensive line. The first play was against the Seattle Seahawks, when their 320 pound defensive linemen drilled Sam Bradford to the ground causing him to land on his once injured shoulder. The second was very similar and happened against the Miami Dolphins two days ago. Their defensive linemen came crashing down on Bradfords shoulder once again. If this becomes a routine, don’t be surprised if Bradford turns into David Carr 2.0. Any quarterback that has had the protection Bradford has received in recent years, would never be able to show their full potential.

When you look at Taylor Lewan’s stats, the numbers you first realize, is his height of 6 foot 8. He is a giant, who is surprisingly athletic with nimble feet. Lewan has the potential to be the best tackle in next year’s draft. Lewan is relentless. He never gives up on plays and has a massive motor. Go and watch Michigan Vs Alabama from this year and notice how he shuts down everything Alabama throws at him. This move will help Rams’ offensive line in more than one way. Firstly, the blindside will be better protected, preventing Bradford from getting killed. Secondly, Roger Saffold will move to his preferable right tackle position. When the offensive line is healthy, look for for a much improved performance by Sam Bradford.

DEFENSE
Eric Reid (6 foot 2, 210 pounds)
Safety (Louisiana State University)
The Rams’ secondary is almost complete. Cortland Finnegan is a beast on the outside and is very disruptive in the nickel formation. Janoris Jenkins is a young talent, who has formed into a fantastic playmaker. Notable mentions to Bradley Fletcher and Trumaine Johnson, who have played an important role in the Rams secondary thus far. None of the players mentioned though, are safeties. The truth is, Craig Dahl isn’t the answer for the safety position and Quintin Mikell is turning 33 next season. The Rams need a new look and Eric Reid will help change Rams’ issues at safety.

In 2011, Reid ranked equal first for LSU with 76 tackles. Reid also recorded three pass deflections, two interceptions, two tackles for loss and two force fumbles. Reid has been flying under the radar this year, mostly due to the fact that LSU have so many playmakers on their defence, that Reid doesn’t get the spotlight that he deserves. This year Reid hasn’t disappointed. It is now halfway through the college season and he has totalled 39 tackles, three pass deflections and one interception. Reid is the perfect size for a safety and has fantastic coverage and tackling skills to go with it. Even though Rams can use an upgrade at either safety position, Reid will make his presence felt most at free safety.

Follow the links to previous Ramblin Fan Draft Previews:
Week 1
Week 2