ST. LOUIS -- FOX Sports' Peter Schrager released his annual monster seven-round NFL mock draft Thursday morning. With the first round of the draft just hours away, finally, we take a quick look at who Schrager selected for the Rams.
FIRST ROUND
2. Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn
This isn't a sexy pick for Rams fans who want wide receiver Sammy Watkins or quarterback Johnny Manziel, but Robinson is a massive mauler in the run game and fits what St. Louis wants to do offensively. He can play right tackle or move to one of the guard spots and form an intimidating interior tandem with Rodger Saffold.
13. Calvin Pryor, S, Louisville
The Rams could upgrade their defense with a safety here, with Pryor and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix from Alabama as the most likely candidates. Michigan offensive tackle Taylor Lewan was also still available in Schrager's mock. It's not likely, but the Rams could take their offensive line to another level by taking both Robinson and Lewan in the first round.
SECOND ROUND
44. Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Florida State
Benjamin is a big, physical player who has a chance to be a very good NFL wide receiver. But the idea of the Rams taking another developmental wideout in the second round is less appealing than a root canal. Players still available in Schrager's mock I'd rather see picked here are Washington State safety Deone Bucannon (if the Rams don't take a safety in the first round), USC center/guard Marcus Martin, Notre Dame defensive tackle Stephon Tuitt, Penn State wide receiver Allen Robinson, Nevada guard Joel Bitonio and BYU linebacker Kyle Van Noy.
THIRD ROUND
75. Tajh Boyd, QB, Clemson
This could work as a developmental quarterback for the future, backing up Sam Bradford and Shaun Hill for two more seasons. This might be a little early to go with Boyd, though. Players remaining in Schrager's mock that I think would have more value to St. Louis include Lindenwood University cornerback Pierre Desir, Auburn running back Tre Mason, Florida State cornerback/safety Lamarcus Joyner, Florida defensive tackle Dominique Easley, Stanford offensive lineman David Yankey and Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray.
FOURTH ROUND
110. Carl Bradford, LB, Arizona State
Bradford was a productive player in his final two years at Arizona State and wouldn't be a bad fit here, if he's versatile enough to play outside in a 4-3 scheme. The Rams could use a linebacker or two in this draft and will have several to pick from at this spot (according to Schrager), including UCLA's Jordan Zumwalt, Florida State's Christian Jones and Montana's Jordan Tripp. Zumwalt might fit best in coordinator Gregg Williams' defense.
FIFTH ROUND
153. Brandon Dixon, CB, Northwest Missouri State
Somewhat of an unknown prospect coming out of the Division II national championship team on the other side of the state, Dixon is on the shorter side at 5 feet 11, but sturdy at 203 pounds and did run a 4.41 40 at the NFL Scouting Combine. I'd like the Rams to add a running back in this draft, and Baylor's Lache Seastrunk might be worth a shot with this pick.
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SIXTH ROUND
188. Shamar Stephen, DT, Connecticut
214. Denicos Allen, LB, Michigan State
Stephen has terrific size (6-5, 309) and could be a great developmental pick. Allen is undersized, but his production on special teams could earn him a roster spot.
SEVENTH ROUND
226. Dion Bailey, S, USC
241. Jay Prosch, FB, Auburn
249. Eric Ward, WR, Texas Tech
250. Jon Halapio, G, Florida
All of these players could fit with St. Louis. Bailey would rejoin his USC teammate T.J. McDonald with the Rams and could fit here as the Rams try to upgrade the safety spot. Prosch is a strong, old-school fullback from an Auburn program to which both Les Snead and Jeff Fisher have connections. Ward made 36 career starts at Texas Tech and racked up 255 catches, 2,863 yards and scored 31 touchdowns in four seasons. Halapio is a 323-pounder who was a team captain for the Gators.
You can follow Nate Latsch on Twitter (@natelatsch) or email him at natelatsch@gmail.com.
