Pre-Draft Needs: QB, DE, CB, TE, WLB, ORT, RB
Players Added
Round 1-Sam Bradford/QB - They needed to get their quarterback of
the future out of this draft. They've done what with Bradford. However, when
he'll be ready to play remains the issue. Many believe he won't be ready to play
as a rookie.
Round 2-Rodger Saffold/OT - They needed to what they could to improve their
offensive line, and by adding Saffold, they've done that. His addition made the
decision to trade veteran OT Alex Barron a bit easier.
Round 3-Jerome Murphy/CB - Murphy has enough talent to actually challenge for a
starting job as a rookie. The opportunity is certainly there. His talent should
transition well to the Rams' defensive scheme.
Round 4-Mardy Gilyard/WR - Receiver was one of the few positions the Rams were
deep at coming into the draft. However, the talented Gilyard was too good of a
value to pass up in this round. He figures to compete for a job as a slot
receiver.
Round 5-Michael Hoomanawanui/TE - He's actually a well-rounded prospect. Not
many know about Hoomanawanui, but he's a solid blocker and is an underrated pass
catcher. He'll have a real chance to compete for the No. 2 tight end job in
training camp.
Round 5-Hall Davis/DE - Hall moves better than his listed speed times. He
possesses a good degree of upside. He figures to challenge for a role as the
team's fourth end this season.
Round 6-Fendi Onobun/TE - He played four years of basketball and just one of
football in college. Onobun is a project, but has really good athletic skill.
He's a developmental prospect who could make a run up the depth chart over time.
Round 6-Eugene Sims/DE - The small school player was a non-combine invitee.
However, his measurables and upside make him an intriguing prospect.
Round 7-Marquis Johnson/CB - Johnson will have an opportunity to push for a
roster spot in training camp as the team's fourth or fifth cornerback. This
position is one of several on defense which has issues.
Round 7-George Selvie/DE - This position has a few openings, so Selvie could
seriously push for a roster spot if he has a good preseason.
Round 7-Josh Hull/LB - He'll have a chance to make the team as a backup MLB.
Post-Draft Needs
Defensive End - Former first-round pick Chris Long hasn't developed into a
big-time pass rusher yet, and St. Louis doesn't appear to have anyone else on
their 80-man roster who is ready to fill that need.
Cornerback - The starting job opposite veteran CB Ronald Bartell remains open.
Also, depth at this position remains an issue.
Tight End - With veteran TE Randy McMichael still unsigned, the starting job
remains open, though it appears Daniel Fells is the first guy to get the chance.
Weak-Side Linebacker - While recently acquired LB Bobby Carpenter figures to
compete for playing time at this position, it remains to be seen if he's the
answer to their problem there.
Running Back - It was a large surprise that this position wasn't dealt with
during free agency or in the draft. Considering starter Steven Jackson is coming
off of back surgery, and the team doesn't have a quality backup behind him, this
position remains a big need going forward.