Nov. 25, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA: A St. Louis Rams helmet sits on the field against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

With the #30 pick in the NFL Draft, the St. Louis Rams select Alec Ogletree out of Georgia.

Athletic linebacker, being a former safety, has the speed and ability to blitz the offense and drop back into coverage with great range. This defense just got a lot better, after having a solid defense last season. Could play outside in St. Louis but will definitely be a starter come their season opener.

The Dallas Cowboys are now on the clock.

Nov. 25, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA: A St. Louis Rams helmet sits on the field against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

With the #8 pick in the NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills have traded their pick to the St. Louis Rams who selected Tavon Austin out of West Virginia.

Great quick receiver and great punt returner out of West Virginia, can stretch the field and make this passing offense better. They brought in Jake Long, offensive tackle from the Miami Dolphins to help protect Sam Bradford, so giving him the time he needs, this team should be able to put up decent numbers through the air.

They also lost Danny Amendola to the New England Patriots.

Good trade by the St. Louis Rams.

New York Jets are now on the clock.

March 20, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; St. Louis Rams head coach Jeff Fisher (right) speaks as NFL vice president of officiating Dean Blandino (middle) and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell (left) look on during a press conference at the annual NFL meetings at the Arizona Biltmore. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

The St. Louis Rams have two picks in the first round of the NFL draft. They got this pick from the Washington Redskins in the draft trade last year that the Redskins used to get Robert Griffin III.

Rams’ second-first round pick, No. 22 overall, clearly is for sale. STL looking to deal out of 22.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 25, 2013

The Rams though could certainly use two first round picks to help their team as their division got increasingly tougher the past season and this offseason. Seattle has signed a slew of free agents and brought in wide receiver Percy Harvin in a trade with the Minnesota Vikings.

That must mean one of two things.

Either the Rams don’t think any of the players that could be available at that pick are worth that pick. Or they like guys that shouldn’t go till later and are looking to accumulate draft picks.

Either way, I personally wasn’t expecting the Rams to try and get out of the No. 22 pick. I would have thought that the Rams would’ve taken advantage of the pick and used this opportunity to get two solid first round choices and fill those holes in their depth chart.

Nov. 25, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA: A St. Louis Rams helmet sits on the field against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

A complete turn around from their 2011 season where they finished 2-14, the St. Louis Rams finished the 2012 season 7-8-1 which was good enough to take 3rd place in the powerful NFC West.

Their tie from last season, came against the San Francisco 49ers, where Alex Smith suffered a concussion late in the 1st quarter and was replaced by Colin Kaepernick.

They improved their tackle position by signing Jake Long, but lost the franchise all time leading rusher, Steven Jackson, who signed with the Atlanta Falcons. Not to bad of a team, but they still need a lot of work, right now they are pretty much competing with the Arizona Cardinals for 3rd place in the division, unless they become one of those ‘come back’ teams and shock us all. Their defense seems solid enough, they just need more production from the offense, so I think that side of the ball will be the main focus come draft night next Thursday.

Taking a look at their schedule, they have a tough start to the season, first hosting division rivals Arizona Cardinals, but having to travel to Atlanta to play the Falcons, then Dallas to play the Cowboys, then back home to host the San Francisco 49ers. They have a few games on their schedule that they should take, Arizona being a possible 2 game sweep, the Tennessee Titans and Jacksonville Jaguars.

• Sep. 8 Arizona Cardinals 3:25p
• Sep. 15 at Atlanta Falcons 12:00p
• Sep. 22 at Dallas Cowboys 12:00p
• Sep. 26 San Francisco 49ers (Thurs) 7:25p
• Oct. 6 Jacksonville Jaguars 12:00p
• Oct. 13 at Houston Texans 12:00p
• Oct. 20 at Carolina Panthers 12:00p
• Oct. 28 Seattle Seahawks (Mon) 7:40p
• Nov. 3 Tennessee Titans 12:00p
• Nov. 10 at Indianapolis Colts 12:00p
• Nov. 17 BYE 
• Nov. 24 Chicago Bears 12:00p
• Dec. 1 at San Francisco 49ers 3:05p
• Dec. 8 at Arizona Cardinals 3:25p
• Dec. 15 New Orleans Saints 12:00p
• Dec. 22 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 12:00p
• Dec. 29 at Seattle Seahawks 3:25p

Bradley Leeb-USA TODAY Sports

As a former wrestling champion in high school, Thornton certainly has the needed strength and tenacity to be an NFL guard. Thornton has the potential to be a mauling run blocker, and his technique at guard looks natural. The fact that he can fill in at tackle only adds to the Illinois product’s versatility, but Thornton looks best on the inside.

The Rams could use another body on the offensive line, especially a versatile offensive lineman like Hugh Thornton, who can make a solid impact for the Rams at guard or give them an extra body at OT. Thornton’s projections in the 2013 NFL Draft are all over the map, as some think he could go as high as the third round, while others believe he is only worth a sixth-round selection. I believe Thornton is going to end up being selected in the fifth round (possibly the fourth), but a third through sixth-round selection is the range for Thornton. He overcame a lot as a teenager (sister and mother murdered in Jamaica when he visited them), so Thornton is definitely somebody who you want to see succeed in the pros. It’s good to see that the Rams are working him out, because he would be a nice fit for them.

At this point in time, I haven’t seen reports of any other workouts for Thornton.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter for more NFL updates and analysis @SorianoJoe.

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Rams head coach Jeff Fisher was optimistic on the Rams ability to get things resolved with Saffold, but it has actually been Saffold’s willingness to not hold out that has avoided a major issue. Saffold is not going to hold out despite being disappointed with the move to right tackle, and he’ll want to receive big left tackle money when he hits the free agent market next offseason. Such is the nature of the business, the blindside protectors receive the big bucks.

Saffold is playing things pretty classy, all told, or maybe he just realizes that he has little leverage at this point (the team almost always holds the leverage in these cases). According to the Rams official site, Saffold has reported to the team’s first voluntary offseason workouts today, and it’s not often that a disappointed player shows up for voluntary workouts. The Rams are expected to shop Saffold and see what they can get out of him, which is reportedly expected to be a mid-round pick.

It is apparent that Saffold is not going to try and skip out of anything this offseason, as his agents stated recently that Saffold would attend OTAs and all offseason functions. I doubt he goes anywhere this season, and Saffold will most likely play out his final year with the Rams before getting paid like a left tackle in free agency. The Rams have little reason to trade him, and he, as stated earlier, doesn’t hold any leverage going into a contract year. Really, the only way I can see Saffold not playing for the Rams next year is if the Rams get a trade offer they cannot turn down. I highly doubt he receives an extension from the Rams.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter for more NFL updates and analysis @SorianoJoe.

Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Austin is certainly in high demand, and he is compared as a cross between Seattle Seahawks star wide receiver Percy Harvin and Kansas City Chiefs versatile weapon Dexter McCluster. His terrific forty time at the 2013 NFL Combine shows how fast and explosive Austin is, but there are still some questions about his long speed based on his tape against teams like the Texas Longhorns (thank Kenny Vaccaro for that) and the Kansas Jayhawks.

I don’t think teams are too concerned about that, because Austin is going to be used in the Harvin role all over the formation. You can line him up inside and outside and just use him on screens and short and intermediate routes where you can take advantage of his agility and ability to generate yards after the catch.

The Bengals could really use this guy, and he would be a terrific compliment for A.J. Green. He would relieve a lot of pressure off of Andy Dalton as well, and Dalton’s accuracy on those short and intermediate throws would also fit Austin.

The St. Louis Rams are an obvious fit for Tavon Austin, and I can definitely see them taking Austin off the board with their first first-round draft choice. After losing Danny Amendola in free agency (there were other teams beside the New England Patriots that were prepared to pay more), the Rams have a huge need at receiver (they also lost Brandon Gibson to the Miami Dolphins). Their big void is in the slot, and Sam Bradford is another QB who is better in the short and intermediate game. Bradford needs to have the kind of weapon like Austin to help him out.

I highly doubt the Browns end up taking Austin, because they have bigger fish to fry with the sixth pick in the draft. The Browns really need a wide receiver, but they won’t be getting Austin.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter for more NFL updates and analysis @SorianoJoe.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers – Johnathan Hankins, NT, Ohio State – The Steelers’ whole defense is getting old, they need to start going position by position. Not only is Hankins one of the best prospects on the board here, but he’s also a true nose tackle which is very rare and hard to find. If he pans out the way everyone thinks, he can be the perfect first block in the rebuilding of the Steelers.

18. Dallas Cowboys – Kenny Vaccarro, S, Texas – The Cowboys love making sexy picks. This year they can fill their biggest need doing it.  They take Kenny Vaccaro, one of the hottest, most talked about players in this year’s draft.  Kenny doesn’t travel far and keeps his in state Longhorn fanbase by being picked 18th overall by the Dallas Cowboys

19. New York Giants – Alec Ogletree, ILB, Georgia The Giants get the pick of the inside linebacker litter here at #19.  It’s a tough choice, between Alec Ogletree, the long time #1 ILB prospect in this year’s draft and Kansas State’s Arthur Brown.  Both had great seasons leading top 10 ranked defenses to be conference championship contenders.  Alec Ogletree carries a little more liability with minor injuries and off field issues but is clearly the most exciting ILB in the draft this year, putting up numbers that still outshine other players at his position despite playing 10 games.  Without his off field drama, I’d think Alec would be top 15 maybe even a top 10 pick.  The Giants have trust in their coaching staff to keep this kid on track and pick him up with the 19th overall pick.

20. Chicago Bears – Arthur Brown, ILB, Kansas State
Guess who else needs an inside linebacker and has a great prospect on the board?  That’s right.  The Bears.  Arthur Brown seems to be a great replacement for Urlacher.  Both were said to be undersized for their position (Arthur Brown’s biggest knock).  Chicago understands that size isn’t everything and that it’s possible to play bigger than you actually are.  What better place  for Arthur Brown to step in immediately in the shoes of a great player with similar criticisms and prove the critics wrong?

Dec 1, 2012; Manhattan, KS, USA; Kansas State Wildcats defensive linebacker Arthur Brown (4) and offensive linesman BJ Finney (66) hold the Big 12 Championship trophy during the presentation after the game against the Texas Longhorns at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Kansas State won 42-24. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Feb 24, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers wide receiver Tavon Austin runs the 40 yard dash during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Round 1 – Tavon Austin, WR, WVU – I would be surprised if Tavon Austin is not at the top of the Rams draft board.  He’s one of the most versatile receivers in the draft this year and can be used at both WR, slot receiver, the wildcat and in some situations even running back.  Imagine Dexter McClustor versatility with Percy Harvin speed and you have Tavon Austin.  Sam Bradford doesn’t just get a weapon but gets a nice new shiny swiss army knife in Austin because of the multiple ways he can be used.

Jan 26, 2013; Mobile, AL, USA; Senior Bowl north squad defensive back Jonathan Cyprien of Florida International (37) prior to kickoff of a game against the Senior Bowl south squad at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Round 1 – John Cyprien, FS, FIU – If the Rams just miss Kenny Vaccaro here, it’s no biggie because of John Cyprien, a small school safety with big time potential.  A starter even as a true freshman Cyprien earned all-conference selections each of his 3 years at Florida International.  After an impressive senior bowl showing, some scouts even have Cyprien rated above Kenny Vaccaro.  This will be quite a splash for the Rams, especially if he can make an immediate impact like his former teammate, TY Hilton.

Oct 21, 2012; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams running back Isaiah Pead (24) returns the ball against the Green Bay Packers during the second half at Edward Jones Dome. The Packers defeated the Rams 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kane-USA TODAY Sports

The St. Louis Rams lost one of their most reliable and dependable players in Steven Jackson. But the Rams aren’t necessarily worried about the loss, in fact it’s part of a youth movement within the organization. They have two running backs with had carries in 2012 that were in their rookie season, Daryl Richardson and Isaiah Pead.

Daryl Richardson saw more carries than Pead as the #2 running back on the depth chart, but that doesn’t mean he is inheriting the starting role. Richardson will likely have to compete with Pead for that spot.

“He [Pead] just didn’t get a chance because of the other two,” Fisher said, via the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. “But he’ll get his opportunity this year. … He’s got a chance to make a lot of big plays for us.”

Richardson had 98 carries for 475 yards and a solid 4.8 yards per carry average. Pead, while restricted to 10 carries, had 54 yards for an explosive 5.4 yards per carry. Pead was a 2nd round pick and Richardson was a 7th round pick, both in the 2012 draft.

The Rams also appear committed to using Pead as a running back and not as a punt/kick returner.

“Probably not,” Fisher said. “If at all, it would be in the kickoff (returns) as opposed to punts. But if things work out, you typically don’t use one of your top backs as a returner.”

But Pead definitely has the explosiveness the Rams could be looking for. As an upperclassman at Cincinnati he rushed for 2,288 yards and averaged 5.8 yards. A number actually lower than his career average of 6 yards. And as both players enter their second NFL season, Fisher is optimistic about their futures.

“We’ve always said that players make their biggest improvement from year one to year two,” Fisher said.