The St. Louis Rams 2013 Draft Preview: Tavon Austin And Dion Jordan

It was frustrating after each win the Washington Redskins earnt this season, due the Rams having their 2013 first round draft pick. After a little more research on the potential first round draft class of 2013, it is much better that the Rams are drafting mid first round. Why? Because the Rams need playmakers on both sides of the ball and the potential top 15 is filled with defensive tackles, defensive ends and at least two quarterbacks as well. The mid range is filled with playmakers which are exactly what the Rams want. The 2013 draft has already affected the Rams, as top offensive line prospects Jake Matthews and Taylor Lewan have decided to stay in the college ranks. Either one of these studs would’ve been on Jeff Fishers radar.

Two players will be analyzed weekly (one from defense and one from offense) based on their current form in college football. This isn’t a mock draft. This is simply an analysis of high valued players that will enter the 2013 NFL draft, so that you guys are more knowledgeable of each high draft prospect come draft time.

OFFENSE
Tavon Austin (5 foot 9, 175pounds)
Wide Receiver (West Virginia)
The Rams receiving core improved a whole lot in the 2012 season. Chris Givens and Danny Amendola worked their magic and Brian Quick is still yet to show his full potential. If Danny Amendola and the Rams don’t work out a contract that works for both parties, Rams will be back to square one. Although there are obvious improvements, the Rams still need to work on a wide receiver position. Expect the Rams to have their eyes on current wide receiver Greg Jennings during the free agency, as he would be a perfect fit. He would provide much needed experience to a receiving core that’s full of talent and could be a temporary number one threat, along with Sam Bradford, for any opposing team. Jennings would serve as a better version of Mark Clayton when he played for the Rams. All this aside, the Rams should first focus on signing their own wide receiver stud in Danny Amendola. If things don’t work out for Amendola, expect Bradford to have a hissy fit and expect Fisher to hunt down Tavon Austin.

Austin is very similar to Amendola as they are both an under sized receiver who can do everything. You just want the ball in their hands. Austin can not only play receiver and return punts into massive gains, but he can also get it done in the running game. This is partly why quarterback Geno Smith is considered the number one prospect at his position. Austin is a nightmare to tackle, it would be like catching a wild rabbit in the open. 114 recepions, 1289 receiving yards, 643 rushing yards and 15 total touchdowns, the numbers speak for themselves.
Draft Range – late first/early second

DEFENSE
Dion Jordan (6 foot 7, 245 pounds)
Defensive End/Outside Linebacker (Oregon)
One of the Rams main objectives for the offseason is to keep William Hayes. He creates havoc at both defensive end and tackle. A good rotational defensive end is just as important as the starter these days, due to the reps increasing and the NFL has turned into a passing league. The New York Giants have won a Superbowl with this certain rotational system and many teams have and will follow.

Ram fans will pull their hair out if they draft another defensive linemen so early in the draft, but you know what? They won’t. Dion Jordan is a physical freak with long arms, quick pace, elusive tactics and extremely raw talent. He’s pretty much Jason Piere Paul 2.0. Jordan isn’t as polished as scouts would like to see, but it’s his rare physical traits and natural ability that has allowed him to become highly recognized across the nation. Jordan will often be a half-step late and lose his bend, due to his long rangy legs and that’s when an NFL offensive lineman can stand him up and knock him back. With more coaching and practice, Jordan could be an elite pass-rusher. Dion Jordan is very much boom or bust.
Draft Range – early/mid first round 

Follow @davebarber92 for more updates

Follow the links to previous Ramblin Fan Draft Previews:
Week 1      Week 4     Week 7    Week 10   Week 13
Week 2      Week 5     Week 8    Week 11   Week 14
Week 3      Week 6     Week 9    Week 12