NFL Mock Draft: The St Louis Rams Select
Apr 25, 2013; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the NFL shield logo and main stage before the 2013 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
As a Fansided site we are participating in a on going 2014 NFL Mock Draft with some of the Local and NFL sites of Fansided. You can follow the on going draft here (http://factoryofsadness.co/?
With the 2nd pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, the Rams select:
Nov 23, 2013; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Sammy Watkins (2) carries the ball during the first quarter of the game against the Citadel Bulldogs at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Sammy Watkins, Wide Receiver. Clemson
With Teddy Bridgewater off the board in this mock draft, the Rams will likely be looking for a trade partner. With Teddy off the board, there will likely be few, if any desirable deals on the table. So the Rams will take the best available player. Sammy Watkins.
Now I know this will sound crazy. Taking a wide receiver 2nd overall? However, he fits a need for the St. Louis Rams. Tavon Austin is a fantastic football player. However the Rams were not productive throwing the football. The St. Louis Rams ranked 27th in the NFL in passing yards. Some of that had to do with the injury to Sam Bradford but even when healthy Bradford was average at best. So if the Rams are going to gain more yards through the air, how can they do that? Getting a better quarterback is the obvious answer however that might be off the table so you get a playmaker at wide receiver that can turn a short pass into a long touchdown.
So why Sammy Watkins? He is very fast. 4.4 speed is tough to stop. Also with another speedster on the field, it helps Tavon Austin get more open looks to make plays. Another factor to take into consideration is the success of former Clemson players in the NFL.
Andre Ellington was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the 6th round of the 2013 NFL Draft. He rushed for 652 yards and 3 touchdowns. Deandre Hopkins was selected in the 1st round of the 2013 by the Houston Texans. Hopkins had 52 catches for 802 yards. Clemson offensive players perform in the NFL.
I know people are clamoring for Jake Matthews but offensive tackle is not a glaring need for the St Louis Rams. The Rams were 8th in the league in least sacks allowed. The true need along the offensive line is center and guard that I believe will be addressed in free agency.