If Rams Don't Draft An Offensive Linemen In The First, Who Do They Draft?

Jeff Fisher has never drafted an offensive linemen in the first round. By now you have heard this, over and over, and over again. However It's a fact that's hard to shake, because the Rams desperately need help on the offensive line.

In 2012, Sam Bradford was sacked 35 times, and that number would be higher if the Rams didn't have extra protection, or Bradford didn't finally learn to move in the pocket (yes). If the team wants their franchise QB to play like one, he'll need protection.

But with all that being said, there's still a realistic possibility the Rams won't draft an offensive linemen in the first round. There's a couple of reasons for this. The Rams first -1st rounder is at #16, and like D. Hawkins mentioned in his article, a lot of teams need offensive line help, so it's all about supply and demand. Also, the Rams offensive line coach Paul Boudreau impressed last season when he made the offensive line play well, with only three regular starters - one of which was Barry Richardson - and the other being Robert Turner. By the way, both players are free agents this year.

So like I said, there's a good possibility the Rams won't draft an offensive linemen in the first round. Two players who have been linked to the Rams in the 1st round, are D.J. Fluker and Lane Johnson. The Rams could draft either one of them, but it's hard for me to see it playing out this way. Admittedly, I haven't watched Lane Johnson, but after doing some searching, he seems like a good zone blocking left tackle, that doesn't sound like a great fit for this team. D.J. is a right tackle that fills a need, but while his run blocking is great, his pass blocking could use improvements. You could throw guards Chance Warmack and Jonathan Cooper name in the hat also, but most likely, the Rams could fill the position in the 2nd round, or later.

I'm not that big on mock drafts, but if the Rams don't have an offensive linemen ranked high enough to draft him in the first round, I'm thinking this is a good scenario.

Draft Kenny Vaccaro in the first round, and trade the 2nd first round pick to a team that wants to trade up for a QB, and then grab a couple of picks, I mean hey we are stealing the Patriots model, might as well take it and run.

But since it's hard to predict trades, With the second first rounder, I wouldn't be shocked if the Rams drafted a defensive end to replace William Hayes, who is a free agent, but was one of the best pass rushers, Datone Jones or Alex Okafor would fit the billing. Or maybe draft a wide receiver to replace Gibson and Amendola, which isn't far fetched at all to consider, given the Rams need at that position. But the Rams already have two youngsters at wide receiver, so adding another one early would be, interesting. There's always Zach Ertz and Tyler Eifert

So what I'm getting at, is that the Rams have options if they decide not to follow the advice of mock drafters and Ram fans alike, and draft an offensive linemen in the first round. I'm not saying they won't draft one, but if they don't, don't be surprised.