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The Atlanta Falcons, who had the second fewest number of sacks in the NFL [32], have fallen in love with Jadaveon Clowney. In an effort to immediately rectify their pass-rush woes, they pick up the phone, call old friend Les Snead, and move up to No. 2 to select the fiercest defensive end in college football.
In doing so, they swap spots with the Rams, giving them the 6th overall pick. Additionally, the Rams obtain the Falcons' 2nd round pick [No. 37].
The Falcons got their guy, so what do the Rams do? They make picks contrary to Jeff Fisher’s draft history, and draft FIVE offensive players in the first three rounds, of course!
Before we jump into the draft madness, here are a few things to note:
* Harvey Dahl, Scott Wells, and Rodger Saffold are no longer Rams. Saffold, despite being injury-prone, has shown how his versatility enables him to play anywhere along the offensive line. He thinks he should be paid like a tackle, and one team will agree. For Wells and Dahl, age and injury concerns conclude their tenure with the team.
* Sam Bradford is going to be the starting QB in 2014. What you’re about to witness - in terms of this draft - is why he’s going to have the best season of his career. Wave bye bye to the "vanilla" offense of yesteryear.
* This mock is based on Seniors or players who have committed to the draft.
And without further ado…
Round 1, Pick 6: Sammy Watkins [WR, Clemson] - 6’1", 200 lbs.
Fresh off a 16 catch, 227-yard, 2-touchdown performance in the Orange Bowl, Watkins immediately gives the Rams the physical, powerful receiver it’s been missing for so long. If the Rams are looking for a red zone threat who has no issues going vertical to grab the ball, they’ve found their man…
Round 1, Pick 13: Taylor Lewan [OT, Michigan] - 6’7", 310 lbs.
Here’s where I’m probably going to lose you. I know Jeff Fisher has never drafted an offensive lineman in the first round of any NFL draft…ever. Lewan is the smart pick here, though. An All-American in 2012, Lewan chose to go back to Michigan for his senior year, and his draft stock may take a bit of a hit as a result. Recently, ESPN’s Todd McShay reaffirmed his belief in the Wolverines huge left tackle:
I’ve got him as the ninth overall player/prospect with kind of a middle-first-round grade. There’s been a little bit of inconsistency. But I still think he’s, obviously, one of the top 10 players. I think he’s one of the premier players in this class.
My thoughts on this pick are simple. Jake Long’s torn ACL and MCL are putting his ability to start the 2014 season in jeopardy. Joe Barksdale has performed admirably at right tackle, but with Rodger Saffold no longer on the team, the Rams need to look for depth - and the future - with a legitimate tackle. Chris Williams won’t cut it. Mike Person is not…that person.
Round 2, Pick 5 [37]: Cyril Richardson [OG, Baylor] - 6’5", 335 lbs.
Round 2, Pick 12 [44]: Gabe Jackson [OG, Mississippi St.] - 6’ 4", 320 lbs.
Round 3, Pick 11 [75]: Tajh Boyd [QB, Clemson] - 6’1", 225 lbs.
