St. Louis Rams 2013 NFL Draft Preview: Tyler Eifert And C.J. Mosley

Sep 8, 2012; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish tight end Tyler Eifert (80) runs the ball after the catch as Purdue Boilermakers cornerback Josh Johnson (28) defends in the third quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Notre Dame won 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-US PRESSWIRE

Week nine was a great result for the St. Louis Rams in terms of strengthening their draft stock. A promising and strong start to the season saw the Washington Redskins rise to a 3-3 record, but now they see themselves at the bottom of the NFC East with a poor 3-6 record. This directly affects the Rams, as the Rams hold the Redskins first round draft pick for 2013 and 2014.

Position needs: OL, OLB, WR, SS/FS, TE

OFFENSE
Tyler Eifert (6 foot 6, 250 pounds) – Tight End (Notre Dame)
The St. Louis Rams have not had a pro bowl tight end since the 1960’s. This position has been an on going struggle for over 50 years. The Rams have tried fixing their tight end woes by drafting Joe Klopfenstein and Lance Kendricks, both in the second round of the NFL draft. Klopfenstein was a bust and Kendricks is running out of time to change his ‘potential’ to ‘results’. The dilemma at the wide receiver position isn’t anywhere near as bad as the tight end problem that the Rams currently have.

Tyler Eifert is the best tight end in this class by a long shot. He’s a receiving tight end that can also make his way down field and put on a lethal block. Eifert has the size and hands to have an instant impact in the NFL. Notre Dame have had a history of developing great tight ends in the past, such as Greg Olsen and Kyle Rudolph. When Kyle Rudolph entered the 2011 NFL draft, Eifert was left with big shoes to fill. Many questioned if Eifert was able to take over Rudolph’s illustrious career. He answered those critics by setting new records at Notre Dame in his junior year, with 63 receptions for 803 yards and five touchdowns. So far this season, he has managed to pull in 28 catches for 403 yards and three touchdowns. Dont be discouraged by the drop of receiving yards, as his role has now changed into more of a blocking tight end.
Range: late first round-early second round. 

DEFENSE
C.J. Mosley (6 foot 2, 232 pounds) – Outside Linebacker (University of Alabama)
The Rams defense has improved dramatically over the past 10 months. The Rams are now seeing their defensive draft picks from two and three years ago, blossom into a formidable unit. Although the Rams have vastly improved, they still have a few holes on the defensive side that they must address and the outside linebacker is one of them. The Rams are in a division that consists of hard hitting football teams. If they are to keep up with the rest of the division, they must draft hard hitting playmakers.

Mosley possess the size, speed and athleticism to make a big impact in the NFL. With Jo-Lunn Dunbar, James Laurinaitis and C.J. Mosley all lining up next to each other, the Rams will turn into one of the hardest hitting teams in the league. Mosley has been a leader on a stout Alabama defense. Mosley excels in run defense, but his skills in the pass defense should not be over looked as he has had two incerceptions, including a pick six and three sacks. Look for Mosley’s stock to rise in the offseason, as he will raise eyebrows in the combine with his athleticism.
Range: mid to late first round

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

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