Before we dive right into the picks, I want to revert back to my January Rams’ mock draft, and point out how the past two months have changed the direction the team should go on draft day. For those who prefer not to click, the Rams traded back to sixth overall [acquiring an additional 1st round pick in 2015], and the Falcons moved up to grab their guy, Jadeveon Clowney. Here’s how the Rams faired through the first three rounds in early January:



* 1.06 - Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson

* 1.13 - Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan

* 2.05 - Cyril Richardson, OG, Baylor

* 2.12 - Gabe Jackson, OG, Mississippi St.

* 3.11 - Tajh Boyd, QB, Clemson



…all offense. The huge focus on offensive line was predicated on the Rams losing both of their starting guards [which they didn’t], and needing depth at backup offensive tackle if they lost both Chris Williams and Rodger Saffold to free agency [which they didn’t]. Watkins was a no-brainer at 1.06, and the Rams needed to draft a backup QB in the mid rounds of the draft…which, I believe, they still do.



Fast forward to mid-March. The free agency period is well under way, and some of the expected [along with some not-so-expected] offseason moves call for a fresh analysis of the team’s needs.



Below you’ll see the new 7-round Rams mock, still based upon the Falcons moving up to No. 2 overall. The manner in which the Rams should address the needs of their team have clearly changed over the past two and a half months. But before we put the Rams on the clock at No. 6…



Pick 1.01 - Houston Texans select: Blake Bortles, QB, Central Florida

Pick 1.02 - Atlanta Falcons select: Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina

Pick 1.03 - Jacksonville Jaguars select: Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville

Pick 1.04 - Cleveland Browns select: Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M

Pick 1.05 - Oakland Raiders select: Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn

Pick 1.06 - Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson

6’1"/ 201 lbs.

A Scouting Report from The Sideline View, &

The Prospect Playbook from TST’s 3k



I think it’s risky business trading back to No. 6, because of the possibility of a team like the Raiders to snag Watkins at No. 5. The odds, though, are slim. It’s more likely three QB’s are drafted inside the top 5, with Jadeveon Clowney, Greg Robinson, and Khalil Mack all being possibilities for those teams.



With the Rams retaining Rodger Saffold, there’s much less pressure to take an offensive lineman with their first pick; and certainly not an offensive tackle. Watkins possesses the vertical ability and ball skills the Rams desperately need in their aerial attack.



The Rams get an immediate impact player on offense, and as a result of a well-advised trade down, will be able to add another blue chip player early in the second round…



Rob Rang Player Comparison [CBS Sports]:

Mix of Torrey Smith (Ravens) and Percy Harvin (Seahawks) - Watkins has the size and vertical ability of Smith and the acceleration, toughness and multiple gears like Harvin.

Pick 1.13 - Haha Clinton-Dix, S, Alabama

6’1"/ 208 lbs.

A Scouting Report from The Sideline View



The Rams weren’t able [or maybe weren’t interested] in making a splash in free agency by signing a top tier free safety like Jairus Byrd or T.J. Ward. While stout defensively, they struggled to prevent big pass plays in 2013, making free safety [arguably] the biggest need on the entire roster.



The Rams pass rush has been stellar over the past two seasons. The secondary has been it’s weak link. Pairing Haha Clinton-Dix - this year’s top safety - with T.J. McDonald gives the Rams a dynamic pair of safeties for the foreseeable future.



Rob Rang Player Comparison [CBS Sports]:

Earl Thomas, Seattle Seahawks - Few free safeties possess Thomas' blend of agility, closing speed and ball-skills. Should Clinton-Dix continue to improve, he could soon join Thomas as a Pro Bowler.

Pick 2.05 [37] - Xavier Su’a-Filo, OG, UCLA

6’4"/ 307 lbs.

A Scouting Report from The Sideline View



Rodger Saffold tested free agency, and for a moment was [or thought he was] an offensive tackle for the Raiders. After failing a physical, he immediately returned to the Rams, and signed a five-year deal. He’ll now [gladly, or so he says] be playing right guard. If healthy, Saffold has not only proven to be a viable replacement, but more so an upgrade for now free-agent Harvey Dahl.

Left guard, however, is [and has been] a question mark. Shelley Smith performed admirably in 2013, but recently signed with the Dolphins. Su’a Filo is the best guard in the draft, and would provide the Rams with the third top-ranked player [at their respective position] in the draft.