Mel Kiper Mock Draft 3.0: St. Louis Rams Go Wide Receiver

ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. released a new 2015 NFL mock draft(Insider Required) on Thursday. This is Kiper’s Version 3.0 mock for the upcoming draft. Here’s a look at Version 1.0 and Version 2.0. This time around Kiper has surprisingly followed suit with Todd McShay and given the Rams a wide receiver.

Amari Cooper

College: Alabama

Class: Junior

HT: 6’0

WT: 211

POS: WR

Analysis: The Rams aren’t going to get a QB here. It’s just not happening. And whether Sam Bradford is back next season, or it’s somebody else, they need to find a way to improve the options in the passing game beyond the current mix of talented but complementary options. Cooper is a true No. 1, a supremely gifted route runner who doesn’t just do it with smarts, but with 4.4 speed and the ability to set up defenders and then run past them. The Rams keep improving on defense and remain stuck in place on offense. Cooper is a true building-block piece.

While Kiper is right when he says that Cooper is a true number one and he’s probably the best route runner in the draft. However, where Kiper is wrong is that the Rams offense remains stuck in place because of the quarterback, not the weapons.

The Rams just drafted Tavon Austin eighth overall two years ago, Brian Quick broke out last season, and Kenny Britt showed that he can be a threat as well. That isn’t even to mention tight end Jared Cook.

In this situation that Kiper lays out, the Rams passed on Iowa offensive lineman Brandon Scherff. In all reality, I dont think the Rams would pass on him. They gave up almost three sacks a game last year and the offensive line was a real problem.

If what analysts are correct, and Scherff is this draft’s Zach Martin, the Rams won’t pass on him only to be taken three picks later.

Mayock says Iowa OL Scherff could be a good OT, but could be an All-Pro inside à la the Cowboys’ Martin. Some mocks have him going to STL.
— Myles Simmons (@MylesASimmons) February 16, 2015

Theres still a lot of time between now and the draft, and with free agency still left to play out, we really dont know what each team’s needs will be headed into draft day.

So what do you think of the Cooper pick?

Next: St. Louis Rams Must Re-Sign Kenny Britt

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