Looking ahead to the Rams 2016 NFL Draft prospects

Nov 28, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Connor Cook (18) warms up prior to a game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Connor Cook – QB – Michigan State

You want a winner under center? Here’s your A1 example. Cook has provided the Spartans with tremendous leadership and skill at the quarterback position. Because of that leadership ability he has been vaulted into the first-round discussion. He is comfortable throwing to all levels of the field and has great arm strength. He has shown ability to hit the quick passes underneath and thread the needle down over the middle.

He’s gained a bit of a reputation as a gun-slinger and can tend to try and do more with his arm than he should. He’ll attempt some high-risk throws were better options exist. Oddly enough, Cook has not been voted a team captain at Michigan State leading some to believe his personality may not fit the mold of an NFL locker room. Regardless, teams will need to do their homework when it comes to Cook off the field, but his play on it speaks for itself.

Picking this high in the draft means the Rams will be surrounded by teams with severe deficiencies at major positions. Teams looking for a wide receiver in the first round include the San Diego Chargers and the Baltimore Ravens. The Cleveland Browns and Dallas Cowboys are also projected to select before St. Louis and may go quarterback reducing the selection pool for the Rams. Either way, the opportunity to trade down always exists, and should that happen we can throw the whole game plan out the window, but the needs are clear and now St. Louis needs to execute.