St. Louis Rams Day Two Draft Grade

Nov 30, 2013; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive back Lamarcus Joyner (20) rushes against the Florida Gators during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida State Seminoles defeated the Florida Gators 37-7. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Rams had a solid first day of the draft selecting offensive tackle Greg Robinson and defensive tackle Aaron Donald. We gave the Rams an A- grade on day one. The Rams would look to keep that going on day two after they selected defensive back Lamarcus Joyner and running back Tre Mason.

Lamarcus Joyner

"“That was so special. To hear that they traded up for me, I just felt special. I was like, ‘Wow, all these great guys on the board, there’s so much talent that these guys could have picked from and they traded up to make a sacrifice for me.’ And now I feel like I owe them for that. I’m going to give them my heart. I’m going to give them my everything because they sacrificed for me, so I have to sacrifice for that organization.”"

By taking Lamarcus Joyner the Rams have basically said that they are going to be relying on Trumaine Johnson and Janoris Jenkins in the slot. Joyner is a playmaker on defense though and has a great work ethic. He also has versatility moving from the slot to safety, another position of need for the Rams. Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams will have a lot of fun with Joyner as he is a perfect fit.

The only real big downside about Joyner is that he is a smaller corner at 5’8. And just a little fun fact, Joyner’s sack total ranked first among NCAA defensive backs. The Rams did give up their fifth round however, to move up three spots to get their guy. It seemed like that payed off as the Eagles, who were originally ahead of the Rams, traded back after the Rams selected Joyner.

Grade: A-

Tre Mason

"“That it was just a dream come true that Greg and I had always dreamed of since our freshman year to play together. I just broke down in tears when Coach called.”"

I like the player, I don’t like the pick. The Rams have a deep backfield as it is with Zac Stacy, Benny Cunningham, Daryl Richardson, and even Isaiah Pead and Chase Reynolds. Taking Mason, who has the capability to start, didnt make a lot of sense in the third round, where the Rams could have taken a safety like Terrence Brooks, guard Gabe Jackson, or even cornerback Pierre Desir.

I do like Mason though, and what he brings to the table. Stacy got hurt at times last season, and if that happens again, the Rams have a guy they can count on to carry the load. The Rams will also be able to take some of the load off of Stacy which could help prolong his career.

Mason will reunite with Auburn tackle Greg Robinson, and like Robinson, Mason’s pass protection isn’t his strong point. However, he is a great athlete and player, and the Rams will have quite the four-headed monster at running back.

Grade: B

Overall Grade: B+

The Rams got two picks that will come in right away and contribute, while also adding depth to their respective positions. I may have given the Rams a B+, but it’s a high B+. The Rams have seven picks today, six of which come in the final two rounds. The third day of the draft which will feature rounds 4-7, will kick off at 11:00 CT and air on ESPN and NFL Network.