St. Louis Rams 2014 NFL Draft Wrap-up
Dec 7, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive back E.J. Gaines (31) dives for a touchdown after recovering a fumble by Auburn Tigers quarterback Nick Marshall (not pictured) in the second quarter during the 2013 SEC Championship game at Georgia Dome.. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
Defensive Additions
DT Aaron Donald, University of Pittsburgh:
The 288-pound Donald had an outstanding senior season for the Panthers, recording an unbelievable 28.5 tackles for loss as well as 11.0 sacks and 4 forced fumbles and ranking among tops in College Football in tackles for loss and sacks per game. This season at the NCAA College Football Awards, Donald cleaned house, winning the Outland Trophy (Outstanding Interior Lineman), Vince Lombardi Award (Outstanding Lineman), Chuck Bednarik Award (Defensive Player of the Year) and the Bronko Nagurski Award (Defensive Player of the Year) all in his senior season at Pitt. Last season the Rams had a pretty dominating offensive line with sack-master Robert Quinn (19.0 sacks) and Chris Long (8.5 sacks) with Kendall Langford and Michael Bronkers in the middle to stuff runners. Although the Rams could have used another outside linebacker to compliment Alec Ogletree and James Laurinaitis, I feel that Donald was too good of a pick to pass up. With Donald in the middle and Long and Quinn on the outside, the Rams defensive line next season should be absolutely deadly. Donald has the skills to pay the bills…and the mortgage…and his extensive contract. Regardless of what the Rams need on offense, Donald could perhaps be the best defensive tackle in the 2014 draft and will most likely be productive for years to come.
DB Lemarcus Joyner, Florida State University:
Last season the Rams ranked 19th in the league in total passing yards allowed per game. As much as I’d like to compliment the Rams’ corners, they could use a bit of extrinsic motivation. Joyner is a great pickup for the Rams because not only for his return abilities, but also his ability to tackle opposing ball carriers. With Joyner as a CB, the Rams can see some added run protection, while never having to sacrifice their pass protection on the back end.
DB Maurice Alexander, Utah State University, CB E.J. Gaines, University of Missouri, DB C.B. Bryant, Ohio State University:
The reason why I combined all of these guys into one is because well for one they are all defensive backs and for two they are all ball hawks. The Rams with these picks have so many options at the corner back position it is almost ridiculous. Their pass defense did allow 21 touchdowns to opposing QBs last season. If the Rams can utilize these fine picks (including sleeper pick E.J. Gaines), their defense should see remarkable improvement over last season.
DE Michael Sam, University of Missouri:
Like his gay behavior, hate his gay behavior, the bottom line is that you will be seeing Michael Sam on an NFL football field next season. Sam at the University of Missouri showed ultimate motor and quickness when going after the QB and running backs. For the Rams, he may not see immediate action because of the presence of Robert Quinn and Chris Long, but given time he could be added as perhaps an outside linebacker if give Sam time to develop. The key is for Sam to work tirelessly and show to the NFL and the skeptics that he has what it takes to be successful.