Grading The St. Louis Rams Draft

May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA;

(Auburn) poses with a jersey after being selected as the number two overall pick in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft to the St. Louis Rams at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

With 12 picks to start the 2014 NFL Draft, the St. Louis Rams made the most of them and many have said that the Rams had one of the best drafts. Without doing much in free agency and still looking to compete in the NFC West, the Rams looked to make the most of their picks. Here is the St. Louis Rams 2014 Draft Grade.

To start things off the Rams controlled the first round with what they would do, although they didn’t trade up and back like they have in previous year, they still made a lot of noise.

To start it all off they took arguably the best player in the draft in Greg Robinson. The Rams filled a need, took the best player at that need, and in turn added depth to the offensive line. Robinson has a problem in pass protection, but one of the Rams best position coaches, coaches the offensive line and has done miracles with some players.

Robinson has all the athletic ability to be able to pass protect, but the most important part of his game, the run blocking, fits exactly what the Rams want to do on offense. The Rams didn’t just take the best offensive lineman in the draft, they took the best one that fits them.

The Rams then got a steal at the 13th overall pick in Aaron Donald. Donald add not only depth the defensive line, but amazing ability to make plays in the backfield. The Rams add good depth to an already great defensive line.

Some would have liked to see the Rams take a safety or a top cornerback, and they probably would have had Donald not been available. Les Snead stuck to his draft board which is what you’re supposed to do, and is why the Rams had such a good draft.

The Rams had a good day one, and looked to continue that success on day two. To start it all off the Rams traded away their fifth round pick to take Lamarcus Joyner. Joyner will add depth and versatility to the Rams secondary.

I still get nightmares about the Rams secondary from last year, but since the Rams drafted Joyner, they have gotten better. Joyner will be able to man the slot as well as play safety as needed. The Rams wanted Joyner, and they got him.

To finish off day two the Rams surprised a lot of people and went running back in the third round by taking Auburn running back Tre Mason. I didn’t like the pick then, and I don’t like the pick now. Yes, Mason will give the Rams a very good one-two punch at running back, but the Rams already had four running backs that were capable of taking carries.

The Rams are going to have quite the four-headed monster at running back. The Rams want to go to more of a run oriented team, and they will certainly be able to do so with the running backs on the roster.

To finish things up on day three the Rams focused primarily on the secondary taking defensive backs with three of their final six picks. The biggest names the Rams took in the secondary? E.J. Gaines and Mo Alexander. Gaines shut down Mike Evans to four catches for eight yards when the two teams during the college season. Gaines can play in the outside and in the nickel, therefore he gives the Rams very good depth. Alexander in the other hand was one of the twi safeties the Rams took to compete for the open safety spot. Alexander will most likely just be a special team player, but he could compete for the starting spot.

The big headliner then on day three was Michael Sam. This could very well be considered a steal, as Sam very well could have gone earlier being an all-american and SEC defensive player of the year. Footbal-wise, Sam will have a difficult time making the roster as the Rams have  a plethora and abundance of pass rushers. If Sam can contribute on special teams, he will give himself a better shot. The Rams made history here, and it will only be a matter of time before we see how Sam plays on the field.

The Rams also added more depth at safety, a quarterback to develop under Sam Bradford, and depth on the offensive line.

Overall Grade: A-

The Rams did a lot of good things in the 2014 draft, although I would have liked to see them do a little more moving as they had 12 picks to start. Either way though the Rams got some players that will be able to contribute on day one, and then added players that will add good depth.