Rams Fill Biggest Need with Greg Robinson Pick

May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Greg Robinson (Auburn) poses with a jersey after being selected as the number two overall pick in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft to the St. Louis Rams at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Throughout the draft process, there was a bit of confusion over the Rams’ pursuit of offensive tackles. The national media consistently projected Auburn’s Greg Robinson to the Rams, but they already had Jake Long locked up at left tackle and quickly-rising Joe Barksdale on the right side. If they were indeed going to select Robinson, would that force the budding young Barksdale to the bench?

We got our answer after they ended up selecting Robinson on Thursday night, as Adam Schefter reported that the Rams plan to plug in Robinson at guard. This is a spectacular move, as the left guard position was the biggest hole in the Rams’ lineup following the departure of veterans Chris Williams, Harvey Dahl and Shelley Smith this offseason. In addition to Robinson immediately plugging the gap and giving the Rams a shot to have one of the most talented offensive lines in the league, Robinson gives them their left tackle of the future and insurance if Jake Long should get hurt again.

Robinson should be a natural fit at left guard, as his 6-foot-5, 332-pound body will allow him to maul people at the line of scrimmage, and the fantastic speed and athleticism he flashed at the combine will allow him to pull with efficiency. Robinson and Rodger Saffold, both of whom have extensive experience playing tackle, could end up being the best guard tandem in the NFL before too long.