December 28, 2011; San Diego, CA, USA; Texas Longhorns safety Kenny Vaccaro (4) and teammates celebrate following a 21-10 win against the California Golden Bears in the Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-US PRESSWIRE

The most exciting day of the off season is about to start in Australian rules football, the draft. Like in the NFL, the Australian football draft day is definitely the most exciting day for a fan that follows a struggling team. It may be hard to believe right now, but the Rams’ season has been a success. Ignore what the record suggests, because the Rams have played a lot better than a team that has only won three games. It’s funny because in the regular season, a fan is happy to see their team steal an unlikely win, but in the offseason you can’t help but think, ‘what if we had lost that game and had pick 5 instead of pick 10?’ At the end of the day, teams are in the NFL to win the Super Bowl, not to have a good record or just to make the playoffs. No one remembers a team with a 11-5 record who doesn’t win the Superbowl, most people will only remember the champions and drafting the best players creates a champion team.

Two players will be analyzed weekly (one from defense and one from offense) based on their current form in college football.

OFFENSE
Chance Warmack (6 foot 2 , 325 pounds)
Offensive Guard (University of Alabama)
The Rams’ offensive linemen have done an impressive job keeping Sam Bradford on his feet. With Scott Wells set to come back, the fans will see what Rams’ full strength offensive line will look like. Despite the success the Rams have had on the line, it’s safe to say there is room for improvement. Drafting Chance Warmack will turn the Rams offensive line into a formidable unit.

Titans and Rams fans all know how Jeff Fisher will almost refuse to draft an offensive linemen (especially interior) in the first round. Chance Warmack may be an exception, mainly because there hasn’t been a guard prospect of his calibre in over 15 years. Warmack possesses the strength, the mobility and size to be an eventual pro bowler for many years to come. Warmack is the best run blocking lineman to come out of college since Steve Hutchison (a future hall of famer). So far Warmack has been voted twice for SEC offensive linemen of the week. This is quite an achievement considering the talent that surrounds him in the SEC. Drafting Chance Warmack is a sure bet. Teams will realize what he can bring to the NFL, making him a sure first round draft pick. Expect Rams to be very interested.
Draft Range –  mid-first round

DEFENSE
Kenny Vaccaro (6 foot 1, 220 pounds)
Safety (University of Texas)
Ram fans have had enough of watching Craig Dahl running around the field like a headless chicken. He simply isn’t the answer for the future of the St.Louis Rams. Safety Quintin Mikell, has been the best Rams player on defense for the past couple of weeks. So if the Rams were able fix up their free safety issue in the off season, then the Rams safety position will be a weakness that is quickly turned into a strength.

Vaccaro has had an outstanding year for the Longhorns. Vaccaro is a balanced safety, he’s just as good against the run as he is against the pass. Vaccaro is a hard hitting safety, who can quickly change the momentum in a game. Although his hard hitting skills are exciting to watch, there are times when he can over pursue the ball carrier, leaving him looking a little silly. Overall Vaccaro plays with the physicality and toughness that will intrigue NFL teams early in the draft.
Draft Range - late first round-mid second round

Follow the links to previous Ramblin Fan Draft Previews:
Week 1      Week 4     Week 7
Week 2      Week 5
Week 3      Week 6

Follow @davebarber92 for more updates.

Dec, 27, 2011; Charlotte, NC, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack cornerback David Amerson (1) reacts after returning an interception for a touchdown in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-US PRESSWIRE

First of all, mixed emotions have been circling about the 49ers game. Going into the game, many Ram fans would’ve accepted a draw but after watching the game, more Ram fans would feel as though they had lost. Both teams had their chances to take away the win, instead players and fans from both teams were left to feel empty. With game’s result aside, the Rams played their best game of the season so far. Going up against a strong 49ers team at Candlestick Park and playing the way they did, shows that the Rams’ future is only looking brighter. The main positive aspect from this game was the fact that their draft picks from the last three years really stood out. Sam Bradford had one of his best games, Michael Brockers stopped the run and was able to collect one and half sacks and Brian Quick was on the end of a 36 yard touchdown pass. The main concern was obviously the penalties, 13 penalties for 85 yards isn’t going to win you games.

It’s getting to the end of the college football season and many draft stocks are dropping and rising. Almost a full year of college football has flown past, which allows recruiters to have enough film on the player that they want to analyse. So who’s game play will fulfill the needs of the St. Louis Rams?
Two players will be analyzed weekly (one from defense and one from offense) based on their current form in college football.

OFFENSE
Jake Matthews (6 foot 5 , 305 pounds)
Offensive Linemen (Texas A&M)
Left tackle Roger Saffold has been plagued with injuries throughout his short career. His only 16 game season was in his rookie year, which he excelled and proved he was one of the best tackles in the NFL. The right tackle position however is a different situation. If Jason Smith lived up to his high expectations, then the Rams offensive line wouldn’t be an on going problem. Having Barry Richardson at right tackle is a little bit of a nail biter for both the fans and Bradford. The Rams offensive line isn’t as bad as people make it out to be. Once Scott Wells is back from injury, the Rams will all of a sudden have a much stronger line – but it only takes one linemen to give up a sack. The offensive line is only as good as it’s worst player.

Jake Matthews is the best right tackle in the 2013 draft class. Matthews has the quickness, ability and strength to be a day one starter in the NFL. Texas A&M was a part of the biggest upset of the college season so far, in defeating a once undefeated Alabama. Matthews and team mate left tackle, Luke Joeckel, were a big part of Texas A&M’s success, allowing freshman quarterback Johnny Menziel to take control against a stout Alabama defense. Jake Matthews will be a perfect fit for the Rams, as he would move straight into the right tackle position and take charge immediately.
Draft Range: mid-first round 

DEFENSE
David Amerson (6 foot 3, 195 pounds)
Cornerback/Free Safety (North Carolina State)
It’s safe to say that Craig Dahl won’t be on the team next season and that the Rams will address the free safety position in next year’s draft. The 49ers’ Michael Crabtree touchdown will stick in the the coaches minds leading up to the draft, as Craig Dahl completely missed on an opportunity to make a play. Of course this wasn’t the only play, it has been the theme of the secondary for the 2012/13 season. The Rams defense haven’t had a turnover in four games which is simply not good enough. They need a play maker.

David Amerson was a top five prospect going into the 2012 college season, as he had an enormous upside. In 2011, he set the bar high gathering 13 interceptions. In 2012, he has understandably not met these numbers. In fact his performance has been a little sloppy at times. But the problems he faces aren’t anything that the NFL coaches haven’t seen in a rookie before. Although his stock has fallen a little due to his rare talents, size and play making ability, expect Amerson to still be drafted late first round early second round. Amerson’s ability to play either cornerback or free safety makes him an intriguing prospect. Expect Rams to have a sniff at him.
Draft Range: late first-early second round

Follow the links to previous Ramblin Fan Draft Previews:
Week 1      Week 4
Week 2      Week 5
Week 3      Week 6

Follow @davebarber92 for more updates.

Sept 24, 2010; Houston, TX, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys wide receiver Justin Blackmon (81) runs around Texas A

With the draft just a few days away, I think it’s time to start locking in my predictions for what the Rams will do. I was thinking about doing another full first round mock, but since this is a Rams fan site I thought we’d focus on the team. In the next few days I will be making my picks for each of the Rams’ selections. Since I obviously don’t know who will be available, these picks will be based on where guys are projected to go and based on a compilation of mocks I have been reviewing. It’s safe to say that most of the players I pick will not end up being Rams, but this is just a best-case scenario from my point of view.

Let’s start at the beginning then, shall we? With the sixth pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the St. Louis Rams select Justin Blackmon, WR Oklahoma St.

No shocker here. I have been on the Blackmon bandwagon since last year’s draft, so no point in changing now. He is a dynamic playmaker who should be able to step in and make a difference right away. The Rams need a receiver, and this guy has been one of the best in college football over the last two seasons. He’s got great hands, he’s very good after the catch, and he just makes plays. Blackmon will be a great addition to the offense and is the perfect weapon for Sam Bradford.