Today's pro day schedule is headlined by events in Columbia, MO, that's CoMo for the locals, it's an event that features two very likely first round picks. Only one of those prospects is of interest for the St. Louis Rams.
The media is descending on CoMo to watch the Blaine Gabbert. He may lack the star power of Cam Newton and the mind and accuracy of Sam Bradford, but Gabbert has top five talent and that's exactly where he's likely to be picked. I still think Carolina, Buffalo, Cincinnati or Arizona are the most likely destinations for him.
DE Aldon Smith is the other first round prospect, the one the Rams will have a keen eye on with their contingent. Smith has taken some heat in recent weeks for his play against the run. Some scouts and draftniks have questioned his ability against the run, citing concerns about his size and tendency to get beat by running backs. Smith could be a top ten pick or he could go somewhere in the 20s. Some of that also depends on how confident 3-4 teams are in his ability to convert to OLB. He played DE in a 4-3 in college.
C Tim Barnes is a player to keep an eye on today. Snubbed by the Combine, his draft stock has a lot riding on today's event. He looks like one of the better centers available in the draft this year. If he can play guard as well that might make him even more attractive to a team like the Rams.
There's a weird twist to MU's pro day today because of the lockout no current NFL players, like Danario Alexander, can be there. WIth no WR prospects in the draft, Gabbert will be throwing to a couple of small school wide receivershe's never worked with before today. How very helpful. On the other hand, it's a damn good chance for those guy to catch passes from a first round QB.