Mel Kiper Jr. Gives St. Louis Rams Offensive Line Help In Latest Mock

Two experts that many fans and analysts really pay attention to throughout the draft season are ESPN’s Todd McShay and Mel Kiper Jr. Up until the draft, both experts will have mock draft after mock draft making slight changes as stocks rise and fall.

Kiper just came out with his second mock draft of the season and he made the logical safe choice for the Rams in his mock. Picks one through nine are as follows:

1. Tampa Bay – QB Jameis Winston

2. Tennessee – DL Leonard Williams

3. Jacksonville – DE Shane Ray

4. Oakland – WR Amari Cooper

5. Washington – DE Randy Gregory

6. New York Jets – QB Marcus Mariota

7. Chicago – DT Danny Shelton

8. Atlanta – DE Arik Armstead

9. New York Giants – OT Brandon Scherff

More from Rams News

• 4 needs that Rams must address in 2023 NFL Draft
• Can the LA Rams defeat an Aaron Rodgers-less Packers team in 2023?
• LA Rams target Bears’ Austin King, but for which coaching vacancy?
• Have LA Rams become the farm system for NFL coordinators and HCs?
• LA Rams projected to be awarded 4 comp picks in 2023 NFL Draft

What this leaves for the Rams is either a trade back or pick the next available offensive lineman, either of which would be tough to argue against.

With that said, with the tenth overall pick, Kiper gave the Rams offensive tackle Andrus Peat from Standford University.

"Analysis: The Rams have built an impressive portfolio of defensive talent at every level, and I think they have to focus on the offensive side of the ball. There’s an obvious temptation to look for another weapon in the passing game here, and Kevin White or DeVante Parker are options, but this is another draft class where I think not just good players, but potential stars can be found at wide receiver beyond Round 1. Peat has the potential to be the best offensive tackle drafted in 2015 because even as he’s an unfinished product, he’s already pretty good and has shown he can deal with pass-rushing speed on the edge. I think he has the chance to come in right away and compete for the starting job at right tackle."

While Peat would be a good selection and would seal the Rams’ problem on the outside, there isn’t much need for tackle unless the Rams dont re-sign Barksdale or plan to have Greg Robinson play at guard.

Scherff would be the best option for the Rams at ten, and trading up two spots to get him would be worth it in the long run. The Rams would have a solid guard for next season and then someone who could move out to tackle in the future.

As for Peat, not many project him as a guard and rather a stud left tackle. However, the Rams already have their “stud” left tackle in Greg Robinson.

If Scherff is gone at this point, the next best option for the Rams would be to trade down and shoot for a guy like La’el Collins out of LSU who some do in fact project as able to play guard with the potential in the future to move out to tackle.

We’ll know more as to what the Rams need after free agency, but as it stands, Scherff looks to be the best option for the Rams at ten presuming that he is available.

Next: LA Rumors Could Pose Difficulties For Rams In Free Agency For St. Louis Rams