The St. Louis Rams are definitely a team on the rise. While they have hovered around the .500 mark in each of the last two seasons (14-17-1), this is a team that needs to consistently find upgrades on both sides of the ball to compete with the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers of the world. In fact, the Rams have to find a way to jump an Arizona Cardinals team that won 10 games a season ago.
Acquiring a bounty of picks in the Robert Griffin III deal has helped a great deal, especially considering St. Louis picked up the second overall pick in the 2014 NFL draft in that trade. Let's take a look at how the Rams faired during the three-day 2014 draft that concluded this past weekend.
Note: These grades are based on Vincent Frank's overall grades, not the aggregated grades of the eDraft team.
First Round, Second Pick: Greg Robinson, Offensive Tackle, Auburn
If the Rams weren't going to trade out of the second spot, the likeliest pick had to be Robinson. He's a dominating run blocker, who should be able to open up lanes in the running game for Zac Stacy and company. The issue with this pick is that Robinson will likely open up his NFL career playing guard. Is that the type of value that you're looking for in the second overall pick in the draft?
Robinson has technique issues and struggles getting too high on blocks. He won't be a solid pass protector early in his career, which is one of the reasons that he will play guard out of the gate. In any event, the Rams needed to add to the offensive line with this pick. I just question whether Robinson was a better pick than Jake Matthews, who went four picks later to the Atlanta Falcons. Time will tell.
First Round, 13th Pick: Aaron Donald, Defensive Tackle, Pittsburgh
Now this was one heck of a pick. Donald was getting a ton of play in the top 10 leading up to the draft, but fell on to the Rams lap here. He's going to be a special player in what has quickly become the best defensive front in the National Football League. Teaming up with Michael Brockers at defensive tackle, it's hard to imagine anyone being able to run against the Rams.
In addition to that, Donald's presence inside should help St. Louis' outside pass rushers, Robert Quinn and Chris Long, get to the quarterback. Tremendous value at a position of need. Overall, an A+ pick.
Second Round, 41st Pick: Lamarcus Joyner, Defensive Back, Florida State
Another great pick by the Rams. Joyner can come in immediately and play the nickel corner spot, but has tremendous potential as an all-around cover guy in the slot, whether it's at cornerback or free safety. Despite being undersized at 5'8", Joyner is a playmaker in every sense of the word. He's going to be the Rams version of Tyrann Mathieu. Not bad for a secondary that already boasts Janoris Jenkins and Trumaine Johnson.
Third Round, 75th Pick: Tre Mason, Running Back, Auburn
Some question whether the Rams needed a running back with Zac Stacy in the mix, but Mason represents a different running style than the second-year star. He has tremendous second-level speed and can hit the hole with the best of then. Despite issues in pass protection and breaking tackles, Mason will be a perfect complement to Stacy in St. Louis.
Fourth Round, 110th Pick: Mo Alexander, Safety, Utah State
It seems that one or two Utah State players enter the NFL on a yearly basis and make an impact. Alexander, who boasts a tremendous amount of talent from the strong safety position, could be that guy this year. His talent is towards the top half of the second round, but off-field issues with the Aggies, which caused him to sit out the entire 2012 season, pushed him down on the board a tad. A potential starter down the road next to T.J. McDonald.
Sixth Round, 188th Pick: E.J. Gaines, Cornerback, Missouri
Now this is a steal. Gaines was getting some play as a Day 2 pick leading up to the draft, but fell considerably. The knock on Gaines is his 5'10" frame, but he has nice technique on the outside and plays the ball extremely well. In addition to that, Gaines possesses fluid hips and is a burner in the back end. Should challenge Brandon McGee for playing time as a rookie.
Sixth Round, 214th Pick: Garrett Gilbert, Quarterback, Southern Methodist
Now this pick made no sense. Gilbert received an undrafted grade by most outlets, including eDraft. His potential is probably as a practice squad player, nothing more than that. In fact, the likes of Connor Shaw and Jeff Matthews would have been better project picks at the quarterback position. You also have to take into account the fact that the likes of Andre Hal and Michael Campanaro, both of whom had mid-round grades, went right behind Gilbert.
Seventh Round, 226th Pick: Mitchell Van Dyk, Offensive Tackle, Portland State
Not much to add here, as I didn't scout Van Dyk. Probably nothing more than training camp fodder and a potential practice squad player.
Seventh Round, 241st Pick: C.B. Bryant, Safety, Ohio State
Bryant fell in the draft due to injuries. If he was healthy throughout his entire Ohio State career, we'd probably have seen him go in the mid rounds. Definitely worthy of a late-round pick.
Seventh Round, 249th Pick: Michael Sam, Defensive End, Missouri
Sam fell all the way to the back end of the draft due to a disastrous postseason performance. The former Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year may not measure up too well for the NFL, but all he did was produce in Missouri. Sam's obvious historic selection aside, he has a chance to stick with this team.
Seventh Round, 250th Pick: Demetrius Rhaney, Center, Tennessee State
Impressive athleticism, Rhaney is going to be a project player for the Rams, most likely starting his career on the practice squad.
Overall Grade: A-
A tremendous draft haul by the Rams here. There really is no other way to put it. By my estimation, the Rams acquired five potential starters and three potential Pro Bowl performers. The ultimate outcome of this draft will depend on how well Robinson performs in 2014 and beyond. Both Donald and Joyner are going to be dominating defensive players moving forward.