CBS Sports 920AM – Jim Thomas 4-14-15 – Podcast: draft

NFL Draft is about two weeks away and a lot of mocks have Rams selecting Iowa OT/OG Brandon Scherff. Is that how you’re seeing thing plays out?

“Especially when you look at where they are in terms of the off-season. They need three starters (on the offensive line). Right now…it’s imperative that they add someone who could be an immediate starter. Maybe Joe Barksdale signs or (former Atlanta Falcons guard) Justin Blalock comes over or maybe Stefen Wiesnyski ends his endless tour of NFL teams and signs at center. But right now, the situation is the same as it was three days into free agency. Scherff is widely regarded as the best offensive line in this draft. But most people think he will be better off at guard….that he’s going to be this year’s Zack Martin (who was an All-Pro guard with the Dallas Cowboys in 2014). Brandon Scherff has that reputation. The key will be, will Scherff get bythe Giants (at 9). The Giants need help on the line.”

If Giants take Scherff, is there an offensive line the Rams would take at No. 10?

“That’s the thing. After Scherff, there are a bunch of guys depending on which team you’d talk to, they all give you a different guy they prefer. There’s Ereck Flowers of Miami, who most people think is a left tackle. There’s La’el Collins of LSU, who played tackle but (a lot of people think he’s a guard like Scherff). Then there’s D.J. Humphries of Florida…very athletic, big guy, strong guy. The other guy in the conversation behind those guys is T.J. Clemmings, a tackle from Pittsburgh.”

On rumors Rams looking to move up and draft QB Marcus Mariotta:

“It’s very interesting…over the weekend the Rams do plan on having private workouts with Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariotta. They’re going to do their due diligence (in case one guy slips).”

Can the Rams rationalize taking Louisville WR Devonte Park at No. 10 overall if Amari Cooper and Kevin White aren’t there?

“I think so…because I like playmakers. A lot of people think he’s right up there with those guys. Louisville didn’t have great quarterback play this year…he was still very successful. Everybody thinks this is going to be almost as good wide-receiver-wise, as it was last year. We know Jeff Fisher…doesn’t like to take wide receivers, especially that early in the draft. The Rams are kicking the tires on a lot of these guys.”
Reply Q