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The Senior Bowl is underway. General manager Les Snead has a contingent of scouts and others from the St. Louis Rams on the scene in Mobile to get a good look at the players who will be available on draft day. Snead's group is also talking to players, and already there are a couple names of interest.
The Rams were seen talking to Alabama tight end Michael Williams and UCLA defensive end Datone Jones. Now, there's a caveat, teams talk to a ton of players through the week in Mobile, so take it all with a grain of salt. However, it is a glimpse into the kind of draft board Snead and Co. are putting together.
Jones is being mentioned for his epic battles with top-flight OT prospect Eric Fisher. So far, he seems to be only defensive lineman capable of getting the better of him.
I hate talking about the same prospects each day, but once again, #CMU OT Eric Fisher and #UCLA DE Datone Jones stood out today #SeniorBowl
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) January 22, 2013
#UCLA DE Datone Jones is making a strong case to be a top-32 pick, very few negatives to his game...versatile, maybe best as strongside DE
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) January 22, 2013
Jones has been considered a second-round pick. He weighed in at 6'4" 280 pounds this week. I realize defensive end looks like about the last position the Rams need, but I would not be at all surprised to Snead grab one with one of his first three picks.
Michael Williams made his reputation blocking for the Crimson Tide. He's a big, big dude at 6'6" 269 pounds. The Rams have scouted him prior to the Senior Bowl too. With a player like that, you wonder if the Rams could free up Lance Kendricks to do more specific pass catching. Here's some comments about Williams from the week in Mobile so far:
I was pretty disappointed with Michael Williams' route running. Stiff and little burst.
— Thomas Melton (@TMeltonScouting) January 21, 2013
Chase Thomas/Stanford again beaten by Michael Williams in passing drills. Not good when you can't cover a 5.0-sec tight end.
— Tony Pauline (@TonyPauline) January 21, 2013
Tyler Wilson pass to Michael Williams got a nod from Saban
— Benjamin Allbright (@NFLDraftMonster) January 21, 2013
Well, if Nick Saban approves ...
Be sure to follow Ben, @NFLDraftMonster, whose a genuine good dude and always willing to answer your draft questions on Twitter. The others here are also great follows for Senior Bowl coverage.