St. Louis Rams 2014 NFL Draft: The Players, The Picks, The Fit
By Ben Natan
Jan 6, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; Auburn Tigers tackle Greg Robinson (73) in action against the Florida State Seminoles during the first half of the 2014 BCS National Championship game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn
6’5″, 332
The Player
Greg Robinson was arguably one of the most dominant offensive lineman in college football. He is a power, athletic run blocker who makes defenders pay the running game and has the ability to stonewall in the passing game. There are some significant concerns with immediate impact as a pass blocker, but his upside is undeniable.
The Pick
I am a bit lower on him than the average media, but his upside is just as great as anyone in this class. He fills a huge need for the Rams and if he is able to develop his tools, the Rams will have one hell of a football player. My main concern is they took a project when they need to protect their quarterback badly, but with Long and Saffold, it could give the team some flexibility.
The Fit
Upgrading the offensive line is a huge need and Robinson could play anywhere. With the presence of Jake Long, it is likely that Robinson starts at right tackle, but due to footwork concerns, he may be best suited to start his career at guard. Either way, he could significantly upgrade their line.
Aaron Donald, DT, Pitt
6’1″, 285
The Player
Donald was arguably the most disruptive defense player in college his senior year at Pitt. He has great quickness, hand usage and a nonstop motor that allows him to wreak havoc in the opponents backfield. I am concerned about his anchor and ability to hold up against strong offensive linemen once they get their hands on him, but there is no denying his place in the NFL.
The Pick
I am much lower on Donald on some due to my concerns with his anchor, but I think if he was going to go in the first, this was the perfect place for him. I could say that they could have had a safety here, but I think this is a very good fit for Donald.
The Fit
My main stipulation with Donald was he was a complimentary piece to a line rather than the spearhead and on a line with Robert Quinn, Chris Long and Michael Brockers, it is doubtful that their will be many double teams thrown Donald’s way. Donald can step in immediately as their starting 3-Tech and turn that line into one of the best in the league.
Lamarcus Joyner, DB, FSU
5’8″, 184 lbs.
The Player
Joyner is a smart, rangy player who flies all over the field against the pass and in the running game. He can drop down in the slot and man up or he can play free safety. His size is a concern as he can get outmuscled by bigger players and his speed is not ideal, but he compensates for it with his instincts.
The Pick
This is a bit of a reach, but he is a good fit.
The Fit
Joyner has a shot to start as the slot corner and be used in a “Honey Badger” type of role where he is deployed all over the field to create problems for an offense.
Tre Mason, RB, Auburn
5’8″, 208 lbs.
The Player
Mason is a gifted runner who has good leg drive, strength and decent long speed. However, his first level vision is very raw and bordering on a liability. He is going to need to adjust to holes not being gaping wide in the NFL.
The Pick
Mason is a big time project and this is way too rich for my taste.
The Fit
With Daryl Richardson on the outs, Mason has a good shot of working his way up the depth chart. I doubt he sees starting time, but a fair share of snaps are definitely in his future.
Mo Alexander, S, Utah State
6’1″, 220 lbs.
The Player
Alexander is a converted linebacker who has tremendous range for a player his size and can do some very impressive things coming up against the run. He is still raw one the back end of a defense and wins closer to the line of scrimmage and he also needs to become a more consistent tackler, but I do like his upside.
The Pick
Alexander has some very intriguing tools for a safety in a pass happy need but is a bit of a project. I think is a bit of a reach, but I like the pick.
The Fit
The Rams definitely need competition at safety and Alexander can push for snaps at strong safety. He will likely be a special teams player year one with some shots at big nickel starter.
EJ Gaines, CB, Mizzou
5’10”, 190 lbs.
The Player
Gaines may not have great size or length, but he is a very smart, physical player. He recognizes routes very well and is able to be very physical with the receiver. He has good foot quickness and is a very sound run defender.
The Pick
This is a steal.
The Fit
Gaines, if given the opportunity, could push for starting time at corner. His skill set and the Rams’ corner situation sets himself up perfectly for that.
October 27, 2012; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive back E.J. Gaines (31) recovers a fumble from Kentucky Wildcats running back Raymond Sanders (4) and returns it for a touchdown during the fourth quarter at Faurot Field. The Missouri Tigers defeated the Kentucky Wildcats 33-10. Mandatory Credit: Dak Dillon-USA TODAY Sports
Garrett Gilbert, QB, SMU
6’4″, 224 lbs.
The Player
Gilbert can move pretty well in the pocket for someone his size and is a decent intermediate passer. He needs a lot of work attacking downfield and must be more consistent in his decision making and footwork, but Gilbert is an interesting project player.
The Pick
Gilbert has a fair amount of upside and this a good spot for him.
The Fit
Gilbert has a shot to compete for the back up job in St. Louis at either the #2 or #3 spot. Has a good chance of making the roster.
Mitchell Van Dyke, OT, Portland St.
6’7″, 313 lbs.
The Player
Van Dyke is a big player who plays angry and has big, violent hands. He has bad feet though and is often moving very slowly. Not sure he is a tackle in the NFL.
The Pick
Vank Dyke has a very intriguing skill set and the Rams are in need of offensive line depth.
The Fit
I doubt Van Dyke sees the field, but he could be a stash player while develops. His is likely a guard for the Rams.
C.B. Bryant, S, Ohio State
5’9″, 198 lbs.
The Player
Bryant is a solid run defender who flashes good short area quickness but doesn’t have good long speed and is often outmatched by bigger players.
The Pick
This is a good spot to pick project players like Bryant.
The Fit
I doubt Bryant sees snaps on defense this year, but he is certainly a special teams contributor.
Michael Sam, DE, Mizzou
6’2″, 262 lbs.
The Player
Sam is very good at anticipating and firing off the snap. He uses his hands well to keep himself clean and make plays. He has a very impressive motor, but his anchor and overall functional strength are very poor. If he can improve his strength though, he could be a very good role player on a defense.
The Pick
This was good value for a player like Sam.
The Fit
Sam is a situational pass rusher who will play on passing downs and will almost always have little attention paid to him, putting him in a position to produce. Sam is the type of player who will run through a wall for a team so he will at the least be a good special teams player.
Oct 19, 2013; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive lineman Michael Sam (52) is congratulated by defensive lineman Lucas Vincent (96) after sacking Florida Gators quarterback Tyler Murphy (3) (not pictured) during the second half at Faurot Field. Missouri won 36-17. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Demetrius Rhaney, C, Tennessee St.
6’2″, 301 lbs.
The Player
Good quickness and strength all around and he plays to the whistle. However, Rhaney is not a great overall athlete and is undersized.
The Pick
I like Rhaney’s movement skills and I think this is a good pick for a project.
The Fit
Rhaney will not see the field year one, but if he makes the roster, I think that he has good potential down the line.