The Rams have arguably the worst overall team in the NFL talent-wise at this very moment. Torry Holt and Orlando Pace are gone as are Drew Bennett, Corey Chavous, Samkon Gado, Trent Green and Brett Romberg. Additions include Jason Brown, James Butler and Michael Karney. The needs are many and with the exception of Center and Safety, have only gotten worse in the offseason. Let’s look at what the Rams need to do in the draft to start turning things around.
Offense: The Rams offense was ranked 27th in yards and 31st in points. Needs on the Rams offense are great, but not rampant. Really what they need is a #1 WR, starting OT and a future starter quality rookie QB. Adding additional depth at OT and WR is also an important thing to keep in mind.
Quarterback: The Rams have a starter, Marc Bulger, who has been hammered game in and game out over the past 3 seasons. There is a desperate need here for a young solid backup with potential to become the starter in 3 years. Right now our sim has Josh Freeman there with the Rams 3rd pick, more likely a Graham Harrell or Hunter Cantwell later on.
Wide Receiver: Can anyone name the Rams #4 wide receiver? Yes, it’s that bad. Donnie Avery, Keenan Burton and Derek Stanley are the only Rams with any NFL experience. The need here is huge. I believe if Aaron Curry is off the board at #2 the need is great enough to take Michael Crabtree and hope the Tackle depth lasts into round 2. Taking another WR late from a smaller school would also be a good idea.
Offensive Tackle: Gone is Orlando Pace, of course most Rams fans would tell you he’s been gone the past 3 years. Alex Barron has proven nothing after being the Rams 1st round selection in 2005. John Greco would be the starting RT if the season started today. Neither would have a backup. This is undoubtedly the biggest need for the Rams. The entire offense has suffered the past 2 seasons because of protection and blocking issues. Adding Jacob Bell and Jason Brown helps, but the Rams need a Tackle now and a project to develop later. Jason Smith might be the answer at #2 but unless Curry or Crabtree prove to be less than advertised I say wait for round 2 and try to get Britton or Beatty, then grab another OT late that has the size and athleticism but hasn’t learned yet how to use it.
Defense: The Rams ranked 28th in yards allowed and 31st in points allowed. The Rams defense has definite needs, but even more it has no depth. The need is to upgrade starters and provide depth. A leader is needed more than anything, a guy that everyone can count on to call the plays and make the plays. Let’s look at it by position.
Defensive Tackle: The Rams will need to replace L’Roi Glover at starter, Clifton Ryan is probably not the long term solution. The Rams have 3 needs greater than DT so likely the 3rd round is as soon as you will see one taken.
Defensive End: Another strong need for a starter quality guy as Leonard Little is not going to stay around forever. Either a stand up rush linebacker or a legit DE will need to be taken likely in the middle rounds to develop. I love Jarron Gilbert in Round 3 if he’s available.
Inside Linebacker: This is the leader position on defense that the Rams need desperately. There are 3 legitimate stud leaders in this draft, passing up Aaron Curry in round 1 or James Laurinaitis if available in round 2 would be a mistake in my opinion. Get the leader in place and the cogs will move better as a whole.
Cornerback/Safety: These are getting lumped together as the Rams have depth and value needs at both positions, but in their position a true difference maker will not be available as the needs at other positions is greater. I’d be surprised if the Rams took a corner or safety before round 4.
Summary: I’ve been trying to tweak the needs to get the draft as close to what I believe the Rams need and the current staffs philosophy come together. The latest sim (3/13 revision #25) is the first I’m happy with. Let’s look it over quickly to help summarize:
#2 Michael Crabtree: Aaron Curry is gone so this is the next best player available and it ia a desperate need position as well. I wouldn’t be upset if they went Jason Smith here.
#35 William Beatty: A big, strong starting caliber OT that makes the selection of Crabtree look like pure genious. Obviously it would make a Curry selection look good too. The OT depth is staggering this year.
#66 Josh Freeman: This is a fantasy pick. No way Freeman lasts this long. I’ll be realistic and toss out Jarron Gilbert, Sen’Derrick Marks or Darry Beckwith with this pick.
#99 Jonathan Casillas: Hopefully can play DE, if Gilbert is taken at #66 look for a QB, DT or CB in this spot.
#130 David Veikune: I love this pick, but if Jason Phillips of TCU is still around and Aaron Curry isn’t the #2 pick he’s a steal here.
#163 Christopher Owens: Any serviceable CB or WR would be good here. If a QB hasn’t been selected yet now might be the time.
#195 Jahi-Word Daniels: Ditto, CB/WR/QB is good here. I like Graham Harrell with this pick if he falls this far, also a project OT might be nice.
Overall: A good draft with many needs filled. Look for the Rams to be younger, hungrier and more aggressive both on offense and defense with Steve Spagnuolo and company on board. Give me the Rams and at least 5 wins in 2009-10.
Robert Occhipinti – Rams Drafttek Correspondent
