:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/12183043/20130425_ajl_ae5_180.0.jpg)
Ram fans around the world got their collective wish granted last night, with the 8th pick of the draft. Les Snead and Jeff Fisher decided to go for the most explosive player in the draft in West Virginia Wide Receiver Tavon Austin. Follow him on Twitter here: TA's Twitter.
The Ram's traded with the Buffalo Bills to jump up eight spots. Had the Rams stayed put at pick 16, the New York Jets would have surely snagged Austin. Tavon Austin adds an immediate impact to the St. Louis Ram's offense. Austin can line up inside or outside, and most importantly for quarterback Sam Bradford, he can get separation from any point on the field. He has an amazing third gear. He is quoted as saying on draft night, "I can't remember the last time I was caught from behind." If that isn't exciting I don't know what is!
Here's some Tavon Austin Twitter Love:
A picture #Rams HC Jeff Fisher would love ... #Rams WR @tayaustin01 with Eddie George. twitter.com/STLouisRams/st…
— St. Louis Rams (@STLouisRams) April 26, 2013
Tavon Austin (@tayaustin01) on set "The Jets were very interested...@stlouisrams wanted me a little bit more." AUDIO: bit.ly/17ZlAFS
— SiriusXM NFL Radio (@SiriusXMNFL) April 26, 2013
Marshall Faulk on Rams drafting Tavon Austin: "I believe Sam Bradford is the luckiest man alive." #NFLDraft
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) April 26, 2013
The Rams decided to trade down with Atlanta to take the the #30 spot. They also got a 3rd and a 6th pick from Atlanta in the trade. Selecting Georgia Linebacker Alec Ogletree was another great move by Fisher and Co. The converted safety will provide a linebacker who can quickly slide across the line towards the running back with athleticism, and will be more than able to drop back into coverage with tight ends and receivers. Talk about an instant plug-in weak-side linebacker! Man! This pick is sick when you consider the value the Rams got here. He was mocked much higher, only dropping due to off the field issues. Something Snead and Fisher don't shy away from.
So where do we stand after trading up and trading down? Mike Sando has this handy chart for you. All in all it's not a bad haul at all considering what we got out of the 1st round. I have to say between this and last year's draft I will wear my Keep Calm And Snead On shirt with more pride than ever. Get yours here
.Bleacher Report's 1st Round Grades:
Tavon Austin- A
They hit it on the head here. While Austin does not look or work like a prototypical wide receiver, he is a very potent weapon who will make an immediate impact.
Alec Ogletree- A
BR gets it right again. Value, athleticism, and a starter from day number one!
While Doug Farrar gets the gist of what Tavon Austin is all about, his analysis is shaded toward Austin's history of being in the backfield. While Fisher and BC will certainly work him into a play or two from behind the line of scrimmage, he will find himself lined up on the line of scrimmage more often than not.
Again Farrar doesn't seem to understand the relationships Jeff Fisher builds with his players. He has a well documented history of taking players other teams shied away from due to personal problems and getting their mind right. Ogletree is the purest athlete at the linebacker position in this draft class. Period.
Tavon Austin- B
While I can see a B grade being reasonable here, I don't quite agree. Austin is a solid A if I have ever seen one. See reasons above.
Alec Ogletree- B Minus
A fair grade for a player with as many off the field issues as Ogletree has had. The linebacker with the most range in the draft deserves a good B grade.
Stay tuned throughout the day for the latest 2013 NFL Draft news and notes. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter ya'll!