April 1st, 2009 9:37pm PST
24 DAYS TO THE NFL DRAFT
NFL Draft Preview:
On The Ticker
On the Board: St. Louis Rams....
In 2008 the Rams finished their disappointing season at 4-12. Injuries, faulty pass protection, and a poor defense were the biggest culprits last season for St. Louis. That's why, if the Lions follow suit with the selection of Matthew Stafford at number one, the Rams will likely follow with Jason Smith from the University of Baylor. The compelling factor leading many to project precisely this pick has to be the vacancy created by the loss of former all-pro offensive tackle Orlando Pace.
It makes perfect sense. Last season the line was woeful allowing 45 sacks and just 4-yards per carry with one of the league’s elite running backs in Steven Jackson. In 2009 the Rams are expected to be a primary running team, but with the hefty investment they've made in quarterback Marc Bulger, culminated with the loss of Pace, the offensive line is the best place for this team to start rebuilding.
There doesn't seem to be much mystery with what the Rams should be thinking and at 6'5" and 309-lbs, Smith is a specimen that would be tough to pass on. The Baylor prospect is athletic, has good feet, combined with long arms making him the jewel of the draft at his position. Smith is a three year starter in the Big-12 and looks like a solid bet to easily make the transition to the pros. He is considered the one of the best offensive lineman in the draft and in some circles he is projected to be better than previous draftees, Jake Long and Joe Thomas. It would be hard to imagine the Rams going in any other direction and passing on Smith.
On The Ticker
On the Board: St. Louis Rams....
In 2008 the Rams finished their disappointing season at 4-12. Injuries, faulty pass protection, and a poor defense were the biggest culprits last season for St. Louis. That's why, if the Lions follow suit with the selection of Matthew Stafford at number one, the Rams will likely follow with Jason Smith from the University of Baylor. The compelling factor leading many to project precisely this pick has to be the vacancy created by the loss of former all-pro offensive tackle Orlando Pace.
It makes perfect sense. Last season the line was woeful allowing 45 sacks and just 4-yards per carry with one of the league’s elite running backs in Steven Jackson. In 2009 the Rams are expected to be a primary running team, but with the hefty investment they've made in quarterback Marc Bulger, culminated with the loss of Pace, the offensive line is the best place for this team to start rebuilding.
There doesn't seem to be much mystery with what the Rams should be thinking and at 6'5" and 309-lbs, Smith is a specimen that would be tough to pass on. The Baylor prospect is athletic, has good feet, combined with long arms making him the jewel of the draft at his position. Smith is a three year starter in the Big-12 and looks like a solid bet to easily make the transition to the pros. He is considered the one of the best offensive lineman in the draft and in some circles he is projected to be better than previous draftees, Jake Long and Joe Thomas. It would be hard to imagine the Rams going in any other direction and passing on Smith.
(Photo by Baylor Athletics)
When you consider that the Rams were the 28th ranked defense overall a year ago, it becomes easy to argue that this could become a prevalent direction that the team could look. The defense only generated 30 sacks a year ago and allowed teams to average almost 30-points per game. There's no question the team could use a lot of help on the defensive side.
While reviewing many mock drafts from various sites, it seems almost an afterthought now that the Rams will go offensive lineman, but if they decide to take a quick look across the ball, they won't go any further than Wake Forest's Aaron Curry. The dynamic world class hard-hitting backer is considered the best at his position in this year's draft. Like Detroit's dilemma, whether to go offense or defense, the Rams can't go wrong with Curry as the second overall selection.
While many are going to speculate and teeter back and forth in the coming weeks, the Rams have a few components in place on offense and need to continue to build a team that only averaged less than 15-points per game last season. The smart money is going to go with Smith joining the Rams on draft day.
Just a quick fantasy note, considering how well rookie OT Ryan Clady played for Denver in 2008, with a new full-back and a future all-pro tackle (Smith) to replace a former all-pro tackle (Pace), 2009 could be a good year for RB Steven Jackson and the Rams offense.
Check back everyday for more "On the Ticker!"
While reviewing many mock drafts from various sites, it seems almost an afterthought now that the Rams will go offensive lineman, but if they decide to take a quick look across the ball, they won't go any further than Wake Forest's Aaron Curry. The dynamic world class hard-hitting backer is considered the best at his position in this year's draft. Like Detroit's dilemma, whether to go offense or defense, the Rams can't go wrong with Curry as the second overall selection.
While many are going to speculate and teeter back and forth in the coming weeks, the Rams have a few components in place on offense and need to continue to build a team that only averaged less than 15-points per game last season. The smart money is going to go with Smith joining the Rams on draft day.
Just a quick fantasy note, considering how well rookie OT Ryan Clady played for Denver in 2008, with a new full-back and a future all-pro tackle (Smith) to replace a former all-pro tackle (Pace), 2009 could be a good year for RB Steven Jackson and the Rams offense.
Check back everyday for more "On the Ticker!"
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