It’s draft time! We’ve had our experts tell you who will be drafted where, but now it’s time for you to throw on your GM cap and decide for yourself. Each day we will present an argument for each player and why the respective team should pick them. Then, it’s up to you. You make the pick. The next day, we will compile the results and you can see who is off the board. Disagree with all of the options? Be sure to write in your pick below in the comments section. OK, let’s get into it. The St. Louis Rams are on the clock.
1. Houston Texans select South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney
2. St. Louis Rams select Clemson wide receiver Sammy Watkins
3. Jacksonville Jaguars select Central Florida quarterback Blake Bortles
4. Cleveland Browns select Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel
5. Oakland Raiders select Buffalo linebacker Khalil Mack
6. Atlanta Falcons select Auburn offensive tackle Greg Robinson
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers select Texas A&M WR Mike Evans
8. Minnesota Vikings select Fresno State QB Derek Carr
9. Buffalo Bills select Texas A&M OT Jake Matthews
10. Detroit Lions select UCLA OLB Anthony Barr
11. Tennessee Titans select Louisville QB Teddy Bridgewater
12. New York Giants select Pittsburgh DT Aaron Donald
The Rams got their playmaker in Clemson wide receiver Sammy Watkins second overall, and now they’re sitting with the No. 13 overall pick. In a perfect world, they’d be able to make a similar move and trade down to acquire a bounty of picks. Because this draft is so deep, finding a trade partner could be a steep challenge.
While quarterback Sam Bradford continues to rehabilitate from a torn ACL that ended his season in Week 7, the Rams should do everything they can to help their franchise QB. Adding another offensive tackle could help. Jake Long continues to recover from a torn ACL and MCL. The acquisition of another tackle would allow Rodger Saffold to play at guard.
The team also could continue to add to a defense that racked up the third-most sacks (53) in the NFL in 2013. The Rams are in desperate need of a safety.
Michigan OT Taylor Lewan
Lewan had a decorated career in Ann Arbor, including being named a two-time All American. The 6-foot-7, 309-pound tackle has very good balance and tremendous length. Lewan can easily be a 10-year starter and has been compared to Patriots offensive lineman Nate Solder.
Notre Dame OT Zack Martin
Martin started 52 games at Notre Dame, which is a school record. He’s light on his feet and very athletic for his 6-foot-4, 308-pound frame. Adding Martin would give the Rams a very dependable lineman.
Alabama FS Ha Ha Clinton-Dix
The Rams have Rodney McLeod slated at free safety and could use an upgrade. Clinton-Dix is one of this year’s most intriguing prospects because of his game-changing ability. Clinton-Dix is versatile enough to play multiple positions in the secondary.
Louisville FS Calvin Pryor
If the Rams are looking for a throwback, in-the-box safety, Pryor should be their guy. With an obvious need, Pryor would slide in immediately and be an upgrade. Pryor plays with an unmatched amount of confidence and has a thirst for punishing the opposition.
Auburn DE Dee Ford
Ford plays with a very high motor, and his confidence backs it up. His production in the SEC speaks for itself, as he was named first-team all-conference last season. What’s more, he was a difference-maker in the BCS National Championship, racking up two sacks against Florida State.
