St. Louis Rams: Team Draft Needs

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If the Rams are going to compete with divisional powerhouses Seattle and San Francisco, they have to add another dynamic playmaker on offense, as well as ensure that they protect Sam Bradford, who they've committed to as their franchise quarterback. The Rams own the second (from Washington in RGIII trade) and 13th overall picks, but it wouldn't be surprising to see them trade that second pick to a team looking for a franchise quarterback. This could land them with multiple valuable picks and plenty of flexibility to address the following needs.

1. Offensive Tackle

The entire Rams offensive line could face be dismantled this offseason, and tackle could be hardest hit. Tackle Rodger Saffold is set to become a free agent, and the versatile commodity could garner enough interest to make re-signing him difficult for the Rams. Four-time Pro Bowl tackle Jake Long suffered a torn ACL and MCL in Week 15, making his availability for the team's opener far from given.

2. Wide Receiver

Despite already owning speedy, big-play threats in Tavon Austin, the eighth overall pick in last year's draft, and Chris Givens, the Rams are still looking for that tall, possession receiver Sam Bradford can depend on to move the chains. With the second and 13th overall picks this year, the Rams just might find it too tempting to pass on the available receiving talent.

3. Safety

The Rams' pass defense ranked dead last in yards per attempt allowed in 2013, surrendering 8.1 yards each time an opponent passed. Janoris Jenkins and Trumaine Johnson are serviceable starting cornerbacks, but the team will look for additional safety help to prevent big plays over the top. Cortland Finnegan had a dreadful season in pass coverage, so it's likely the Rams will serve him his outright release rather than take a $4 million cap hit. Releasing Finnegan would leave them with a vacancy at free safety alongside T.J. McDonald.

First Round
-Jake Matthews, Texas A&M (6-5, 305)
-Greg Robinson, Auburn (6-5, 320)
-Cyrus Kouandjio, Alabama (6-5, 310)

Second and third rounds
-Taylor Lewan, Michigan (6-7, 315)
-Zack Martin, Notre Dame (6-4, 310)
-Antonio Richardson, Tennessee (6-6, 325)
-Jack Mewhort, Ohio State (6-6, 310)
-Joel Bitonio, Nevada (6-4, 315)
-Morgan Moses, Virginia (6-6, 325)

Fourth round and later
-Billy Turner, North Dakota State (6-5, 310)
-James Hurst, North Carolina (6-6, 305)
-JaWuan James, Tennessee (6-6, 320)
-Justin Britt, Missouri (6-6, 315)
-Seantrel Henderson, Miami (Fla.) (6-7, 345)
-Wesley Johnson, Vanderbilt (6-5, 290)
-Michael Schofield, Michigan (6-6, 305)

First Round
-Mike Evans, Texas A&M (6-5, 225)
-Kelvin Benjamin, Florida State (6-5, 235)
-Marquise Lee, USC (6-0, 195)

Second and third rounds

-Allen Robinson, Penn State (6-3, 210)
-Brandon Coleman, Rutgers (6-5, 220)
-Jordan Matthews, Vanderbilt (6-3, 205)
-Davante Adams, Fresno State (6-2, 215)
-Martavis Bryant, Clemson (6-4, 200)

Fourth round and later
-Jeff Janis, Saginow Valley (6-3, 220)
-Devin Street, Pittsburgh (6-3, 195)
-Cody Hoffman, BYU (6-3, 210)
-L'Damian Washington, Missouri (6-4, 205)
-Kevin Norwood, Alabama (6-1, 195)

First Round
-HaHa Clinton-Dix, Alabama (6-1, 210)
-Jason Verrett, TCU (5-10, 175)
-Calvin Pryor, Louisville (6-2, 210)

Second and third rounds
-Bradley Roby, Ohio State (5-11, 190)
-Deone Bucannon, Washington State (6-1, 215)
-Terrence Brooks, Florida State (5-11, 200)
-Ahmad Dixon, Baylor (6-0, 205)
-Craig Loston, LSU (6-1, 210)

Fourth round and later
-Jimmie Ward, Northern Illinois (5-11, 190)
-Isaiah Lewis, Michigan State (5-10, 210)
-Hakeem Smith, Louisville (6-1, 180)
-Alden Darby, Arizona State (5-11, 195)
-Sean Parker, Washington (5-10, 195)