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Grading The St. Louis Rams First Three Rounds

By Colin Hubbard

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Sep 27, 2014; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Todd Gurley (3) runs past Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (34) during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

With the 10th overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft, The St. Louis Rams select, Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia. Wait, did we hear that right? No offensive lineman? No wide receiver?

Gurley just might be the best running back to come out of the draft since the Minnesota Vikings selected Adrian Peterson. He might be the most talented player in this entire draft class period. Only time will tell, especially with his injury past and the Rams’ suspect offensive line. This pick wins the first round in my opinion. You get the best player in the draft at pick number 10. Build the offensive line and they will come. Who is they? Touchdowns from Gurley. That is what.

Grade: A+

Sep 7, 2013; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers offensive lineman Rob Havenstein (78) blocks Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles defensive lineman Midoho Okpokowuruk (85) during the second quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 48-0. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The Rams opted to trade down in round two and selected Rob Havenstein with the 57th pick. Taking an offensive lineman with this pick came as no surprise. However, Havenstein does need to improve in areas. He is a potential liability in pass protection against speed rushers coming off the edge, as he struggles at times when he can’t lock on and overpower opposing rushers.And when you play the San Francisco 49ers Seattle Seahawks and Arizona Cardinals twice a year, this could be a problem.

However, Havenstein has good strength as a run-blocker and good awareness to locate assignments.  Good news for Todd Gurley and Tre Mason I must add. Many believe this pick was a bit of a reach, but it was clear the Rams had to address the offensive line, so they did.

Grade: B

With the 72nd pick in the NFL draft the Rams selected Jamon Brown, OT, Louisville. Another huge body for the Rams to plug-in to their shaky offensive line.

Oct 3, 2014; Syracuse, NY, USA; Louisville Cardinals offensive tackle Jamon Brown (79) in warm-up drills prior to a game against the Syracuse Orange at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

Brown has a very wide frame. Defenders have a long way to go to get around him. Brown has above average power in lower half to get an initial push as well as has experience at both tackle spots and at guard. I expect him to play both positions until the Rams find out what works the best.

With this selection, the Rams could possibly have two full time rookie starters on the offensive line in 2015. This sounds scary, but is definitely a step in the right direction.

This gives the Rams much-needed depth and appears to be a much brighter future for the Rams. Because one thing Todd Gurley will need, is an offensive line.

Grade: A-

The Rams picked up another third round pick after trading down in the second and added Sean Mannion, QB out of Oregon State with the 89th overall selection.

This is another eye-opening decision, not bad, but eye-opening. Many expected quarterbacks Bryce Petty and Brett Hundley to be the next two quarterbacks drafted after Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota. But that was not the case.

The third quarterback selected was Colorado State’s own Garrett Grayson while your Rams selected Mannion as the fourth quarterback selected in this years draft.

Nov 29, 2014; Corvallis, OR, USA; Oregon State Beavers quarterback Sean Mannion (4) throws the ball before the game against the Oregon Ducks at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports

Everyone expected the Rams to take a quarterback in this years draft. Nick Foles is in his last year of his contract and is coming off of a serious broken Collarbone. Taking Mannion now instead of waiting a year to address this need gives new offensive coordinator coach Frank Cignetti at least a year to work on Mannion’s flaws.

Mannion has prototypical size and is ahead of the curve working within a pro-style system.While he needs to develop as a decision-maker, he flashes the ability to work through his progressions and has functional mobility within the pocket to buy time. He also has quality arm strength and can be accurate at all three levels when he’s on balance and has room to throw.

Mannion could be the next Tom Brady. Who knows? But did they make the right decision in taking Mannion over Petty or Hundley? Only time will tell.

Grade: B- 

Stay tuned for the Rams selections in rounds 4-7 this weekend.

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