Rams' first-round draft options just became a lot more complicated

If there's one position the Los Angeles Rams need to address, either in the draft or free agency or likely both, it's cornerback. In the draft, where the Horns own two first-round picks, a pair of names have clearly risen to the top. For their selection at No. 13, either LSU's Mansoor Delane or Tennessee's Jermod McCoy would be an enticing choice. 

But what if Les Snead drafts a wide receiver instead? That might not be the most likely outcome, but it's possible. USC's Makai Lemon would be a demon in this offense. 

In that case, the focus would pivot to taking a corner at No. 29. Clemson CB Avieon Terrell is one option, but many mock drafts pin him on the cusp of the top 20. There is, though, another name, one that Rams fans might have sniffed at before his impressive performance at the NFL combine. And that would be Colton Hood, McCoy's Tennessee teammate. 

Hood just plugged another variable into Les Snead's calculations

McCoy's season-ending ACL injury opened the door for Hood to shine, and although he didn't rise to the elite level of his teammate, he established himself as a capable CB1. It was enough to boost his draft stock to the early second round, although some projections had him falling as late as 52nd overall.

Leading up to the combine, consensus opinion on Hood was already ticking up. In mock drafts, he crept up to early in the second round or at the very end of the first. With his combine testing in the books, that opinion has only spiked higher. 

There is a good reason for that. Hood posted a 4.44 40-time, a 40.5-inch vertical, and a 10.5-foot broad jump. Those are outstanding numbers. He also has solid physical traits, clocking in at 6 feet and 193 pounds, with broad shoulders. 

Writes ESPN analyst Matt Miller, "He is in the mix to be the third cornerback off the board and could land as a top-20 selection." Before, teams were justified in holding off on Hood as a potential first-rounder. Sure, he might be trending up, but taking him on Day 1 would be a reach. Now, that's not so clear. 

Where should Hood fall on the draft day big board for Snead and his scouts? Should they prefer him over the smaller Terrell? If the Rams agree with Miller, is Hood the cornerback they might consider trading up for? 

Moreover, if suddenly neither Terrell nor Hood is available, trading back from No. 29 could make more sense if the front office doesn't want to spend assets moving up. Perhaps it puts more pressure on drafting Delane or McCoy with their first pick of the draft. If one thing is clear, it's that Hood's rise onto the collective radar doesn't make the Rams' draft planning any easier.