I like the Salas pick quite a bit, especially considering the Rams’ offensive philosophy is obviously to put reliable, sure-handed pass-catchers around Sam Bradford. This guy was a catch machine at Hawaii, and he should be a nice possession receiver in the NFL. Hines  has some decent size at about 6-foot-1, and he was known for being a hard-hitter in college. We need a guy who can strike fear in the heart of receivers who want to go across the middle, so maybe he can develop into that player. Baker might be my favorite pick of the day. He has good size, and more importantly, blazing speed. He ran in the 4.3′s in the 40 at his Pro Day, and I could see him being an exciting weapon in the return game, which is where he excelled in college. Williams is a sideline-to-sideline backer who will need plenty of development and play special teams, and Nelson is more of a coverage safety who had a nice senior year with the Sooners.

Obviously, this draft wasn’t perfect for the Rams, but after some time to sit back and look at it, I really like what we did. We got our stud in the first round in Robert Quinn, and we got weapons for Bradford in the middle. We then used the end of the draft to pick up some guys who could develop into contributors on the defensive end and who can play teams. I still think passing on Mason Foster in the third for Austin Pettis was a huge mistake, especially after the Salas pick, but we needed weapons in the Red Zone and he will provide that. What say you? Hit up the comments section and let me know how you felt about the Rams 2011 draft and vote on the poll grading the team’s draft.

Offensive Line – More specifically, offensive guard. The good news is that there are guys left that I think the Rams will have to target tomorrow. At the top of that list is Marcus Cannon (T/G, TCU). This guy was a very good tackle in college, but he projects as a guard in the NFL. He will probably go off the board quickly, but the Rams will have to consider him if he is still there when they pick. Clint Boling is a guy I have talked about prior to the draft, and I wouldn’t be shocked at all if he ended up on this team.

Linebacker – There isn’t much left as far as true 4-3 OLB’s go, and the team inexplicably passed on Mason Foster in the third round. Casey Matthews is still there, and Ross Homan (LB, Ohio St.) is a name I have heard mentioned in Rams circles as well.

Running Back – This is probably the deepest position left as far as the Rams are concerned, and I really think their plan all along has been to wait until Day 3 to address the position. Guys like Kendall Hunter, Delone Carter, Roy Helu, Jaquizz Rodgers, Taiwan Jones, and Jordan Todman will all be possibilities.

Safety – I mocked  Robert Sands to the Rams before the draft, and I still think he is a very nice option. This draft was just awful at the safety position, so this might be a spot to address through free agency. Tyler Sash is still there as well, so he could also be an option.

There are obviously other positions and numerous other options, but these are the guys I like the best. If Day 2 was any indication, however, none of the players named above will be drafted by the Rams.

Honestly, it’s hard to predict what will happen over the next few days after the wild first round, but the second round should be quite interesting, especially for the Rams. Only one running back went in the opening round, so a guy like Mikel Leshoure is still there and could still be there for St. Louis. DT is another position that should be available, and although a guy like Stephen Paea is still available, I doubt he will be when the Rams pick. How about a guy like Marvin Austin, Quinn’s teammate from North Carolina? Austin is an impressive talent at DT, and I would have no problem going with Tar Heels in our first two picks.

As far as WR’s go, I was very disappointed when Jon Baldwin went off the board in the first, but there are still guys like Torrey Smith and Leonard Hankerson available. I know the Rams like Smith, and I really like the big-play ability of Hankerson. Those two will both be options, as will Washington OLB Mason Foster. I don’t know if Foster will be there in the third, so it might be time to pull the trigger. Also, no safeties went off the board, and I’m sure the Rams would be interested in Rahim Moore if he were still there, though I doubt he will be. Jaiquawn Jarrett is available as well, so watch out for him.

As you can see, the options for the Rams in rounds two and three are numerous, especially considering our needs and the players available at the positions. I am still excited about getting Quinn, and it is making me look forward to tomorrow even more. Stay tuned, because this thing is off to a good start and it only promises to get better.