Mock drafts for 2007 are popping up with greater and greater frequency on the internet now, so let's open the floodgates to our discussion of the 2007 NFL draft.
Starting with most recently updated mock draft at Football's Future, the experts there predict that the Rams will take DT Amobi Okoye, of Louisville, with the 13th pick overall. A senior, Okoye is just 19. He is widely considered to be the second best DT in the draft, behind Michgan's Alan Branch, who will certainly be off the board by the time the announcers call for the Rams to make a pick.
The 6' 1" 315 lbs Okoye was a first team all-Big East, a unanimous selection, and a second team AP All American. Considered to be a premier run stopper, he had 49 tackles, 12 for a loss, and six sacks this season. The Louisville DT has made an impressive college career as a specialist at stopping up running lanes and drawing double teams. At just 19, he could form a key part of the Rams defensive nucleus for years to come.
Okoye is not without his cons, though. His age might mean he'll need a little more time to mature in the NFL; although, his work ethic has reportedly been second to none throughout his college career. Pass rushing is not his specialty. All in all, he reminds me somewhat of Gilbert Brown, though about 20 lighter.
Some might make the argument that he's not a first round pick. I'll admit to not knowing enough about him to make that call myself. His age means he is tremendously talented, but I also wonder if that sets him up to be a potential bust.
Rounding out the top five DTs in the draft, per the rankings at NFL Draft Scout, are:
1. Alan Branch, Michigan
2. Okoye
3. Tank Tyler, NC State
4. Marcus Thomas, Florida
5. Justin Harrell, Tennessee.
If you have any info, thoughts, scouting reports, etc. about those guys, please post a dairy with your impressions. It will be important to our discussion to have as much perspective as possible on the players that may or may not make up the future of the Rams.
Be sure to make your playoffs picks over at stlcardinalsfang's playoff picks diary.