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Last season the Rams defense took a big step. The Rams were ranked 14 in defense, and had 43 sacks, a major improvement over the 25 sacks they registered a year before. Chris Long really came into his own last season, and became a force with 8.5 sacks. The Rams got real lucky with great production by Fred Robbins and James Hall. Hall easily had his best season since he has been a Ram, and Fred had his best season yet production wise. However even though those two played well, they both are up there in age.
So it's time to think about the future, the Rams have the 14th pick and will most likely go defense. The Rams are lucky since this seems to be a deep defensive line draft. The Rams need to improve at both DT and DE the 14th pick could come down to a speed rusher, or a power defensive tackle.
To me the decision seems simple. The Rams have a greater need at defensive tackle so that should be higher then defensive end. Fred Robbins is 34, and I would be surprise if he doesn't decline some. The rest of the DT's are good rotation guys, but nothing that screams impact guy. Remember late in the season the Rams couldn't get a push up the middle , and big runs hurt them?
The Rams aren't great at defensive end either, but they saw great improvement. Chris Long has a great motor and a pretty good run stuffer. James Halls could take a step back next season, but the Rams have C.J Ah You, Selvie and Sims in the wing. They might not become all pro guys, but they should be good rotational guys.
However the defense tackles in the first round could be reaches with the Rams 14th pick. If Quinn or Bowers are there I wouldn't be surprised if the Rams go in that direction.