:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/29112371/20140222_mje_ss1_2009.0.jpg)
We actually do have a little more information about what the St. Louis Rams might do with their first-round picks in the 2014 NFL Draft. A little. Mostly, we know that they've rule out taking a quarterback with the second pick, and that's something. This week's mock draft from SB Nation factors in what we've learned so far from the Combine. Here's what it's got to say about the Rams.
2. St. Louis Rams (via Washington Redskins) - Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn - Robinson was a sensation at the combine, running the 40-yard dash in under five seconds. Personally watching Robinson work out two days before he ran, he's clearly an uncanny athlete. Robinson knows he has to get better with his handwork in pass protection, but he's pro-ready as a run blocker.
No surprise here. Robinson's outstanding performance in Indianapolis probably got him moved up more than a few draft boards. Jake Matthews may be more ready to contribute in Week 1, but the Rams don't necessarily need a rookie tackle to take over on the left side right away ... depending on Jake Long's recovery from an ACL tear. Ideally, Long would be ready to go and Robinson could handle the right side. If Long isn't ready, they'll have to make a judgement call about whether Robinson can handle the left side, with Joe Barksdale on the right, to start the season.
13. St. Louis Rams - Calvin Pryor, S, Louisville - This is a pick I'm locking in on more frequently. Pryor is getting the edge over Alabama's HaHa Clinton-Dix as the first safety picked because of his versatility and absolute aggression on defense.
We've seen this pick before, and probably will again before May 8. Obviously, this is all subject to a flurry of draft day horsetrading. I'm fine with this pick, but they need to be sure they're getting the kind of safety who can shore up their needs in the back of the defense. Pryor looks like he can handle that.
There are no trades in this mock draft ... because that's even harder to predict. Trading down from No. 2 looks like a good bet for the Rams at least, and that could shape their draft strategy.
What about Sammy Watkins? Despite the glaring need, I'm not convinced the Rams will take Watkins. Les Snead sounds pretty set on letting the receivers they have develop, and his words about Stedman Bailey on Friday give it the appearance that they think there's already a go-to receiver on the roster. Plus, this draft is deep with receivers, into the second day even, so they might be more inclined to find a replacement for Austin Pettis. Given their track record with receivers so far, it's troubling to think about them passing on Watkins.