2016 NFL Draft: Making A Case For The Rams Drafting Each Position in Round 1

By Sean Wilkinson

@Papa_Lurch on Mar 30, 2016, 8:30a 102
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

With a few exceptions – the Rams could justifiably draft nearly any position in the first round on next month’s draft.

The Rams find themselves in a pretty unique situation as the 2016 NFL draft approaches. They have a solid – if underachieving – roster with few gaping holes. After busting on big name free agents in previous seasons, the Rams are focused on developing the talent already in-house, which can be a scary proposition with this regime…. but I digress.

Point is, the Rams don’t have any major holes on the roster that they feel can’t be filled internally. Sure fans don’t look at Case Keenum and Coty Sensabaugh as solutions, but the front office does – and that’s what matters in the grand scheme of things. When you break down each position group, you can really see how many options Snead and Fisher have.

QB
Regardless of what Jeff Fisher thinks, you need a serviceable QB to win in the NFL. 3-1 record down the stretch be damned, Case Keenum’s 173 YPG isn’t going to lead anyone to the playoffs. To put that into perspective, the Rams finished last in the NFL in passing yards in 2015 at 2805 yards. 173 yards per game would be 2768 yards passing.

RB
Even with Todd Gurley on board, is anyone really putting it past Fisher to draft a RB? With Tre Mason continually screwing up his career, Ezekiel Elliott is going to tempt the Rams head coach.

WR
Where do you even start with this group? There is a dearth of talent at the position, with Tavon Austin being the only player you can count on with any reliability. The Rams haven’t prioritized the position in the draft – and it shows.

They’ve passed on players like Sammy Watkins, Mike Evans, Odell Beckham Jr., and Alshon Jeffery since Jeff Fisher has taken over as head coach. Laquon Treadwell is falling on big boards after failing to impress at his pro day. He is a prime target for the Rams in the first round.

TE
This is the first position that you can’t really make a case for a first round selection – though that’s more of a lack of premium TEs in this draft than the Rams need for a functional receiving TEs.

OT
While working with former Pro Bowler LeCharles Bentley is an extremely positive development, the jury is still very much out on Greg Robinson. The Rams want you to believe that Isaiah battle is Plan B, but can he be counted upon if G-Rob fails? Rodger Saffold is a fallback option, but he can’t stay healthy enough to be relied on. If an OT falls, the Rams may be inclined to take one.

OG
While the Rams seem set at guard with Saffold and Jamon Brown to go along with solid youth behind them, their two starters are coming off serious injuries. Regardless of what you think of G-Rob’s future position, this is a position of strength and there’s no guard with a first round grade in 2015. This just isn’t happening.

OC
The need is there, but there’s no Alex Mack in this draft.

DE
Jeff Fisher is never afraid to draft DL. After cutting Chris Long, Fish could justify picking a DE if the value is right – even after signing Quentin Coples and retaining William Hayes and Eugene Sims. DE is NEVER off the board with this team.

Unlikely? Yes. Impossible? Never

MLB
Reggie Ragland is going to test Fisher’s commitment to Alec Ogletree playing in the middle.

OLB
Mark Barron has the weak side on lockdown, but the Rams 3rd LB spot could use an upgrade. Akeem Ayers is by no means a bad option, but an upgrade could be available in the first round – Myles Jack anyone?

CB
This one is a bit more complicated. Janoris Jenkins walked, but the Rams brought in Coty Sensabaugh to ‘compete’ on the outside. Trumaine Johnson and E.J. Gaines figure to go into camp as the starters with Lamarcus Joyner and Mo Alexander providing some serious depth.

My gut says that the Rams won’t take a CB, but that could change if Vernon Hargreaves slides.