2014 NFL mock draft: Rams answer the Clowney question

Yes, it's Monday, and that means it's time for another mock draft. Dan and Matt from Mocking the Draft put a two-rounder together for this week, leaving the trades out to keep it simple. Speaking of trades, is it possible the St. Louis Rams leave the trades out too?

That second pick would be coveted by any number of teams, teams looking for a quarterback or the chance to draft Jadeveon Clowney. But then again, what if the offers don't match up with what the Rams are looking for? What if the Rams opt to stay at No. 2, by choice or by a lack of suitable offer, then what do they do?

Jeff Fisher said it last week at the NFL's annual meetings. I sat at the table and listened to him deliver the "can never have enough pass rushers" line when asked about Jadeveon Clowney. And that's what happened in this week's scenario.

2. St. Louis Rams - Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina

Even though the Rams already have Chris Long and Robert Quinn, there's nothing wrong with drafting the best defensive end of at least the past five years. Teams can never have too many pass rushers, and Clowney would give St. Louis even more options on defense. Imagine a situation where the Rams have Clowney on the field at the same time as Long and Quinn. Scary.

A lot of people hate this pick. I don't understand that. You've got three tremendous pass rushers, two of whom are working on rookie contracts. That's the NFC West, where pass rushers and cornerbacks on the third string are good enough to start on most teams. Ask Seattle how that worked out for them in the Super Bowl against the most productive offense the NFL has ever seen.

The other player that makes the most sense here is Greg Robinson. Sure, Fisher's never used a first-round pick on an offensive lineman, but there's a first time for everything. Robinson could start right away at right tackle or guard. Eventually, he'll make the switch to replace Jake Long at left tackle. The Rams say they're committed to the quarterback and the running game. Spending a high pick on the offensive line would support those commitments.

A third option would be Sammy Watkins, but I just don't think that's going to happen. We'll see if the Rams end up signing Kenny Britt, but both Snead and Fisher mentioned in Orlando that they believe they have the receivers they need on the roster.

13. St. Louis Rams - Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix, S, Alabama

This is one of those picks where need meets value. Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix is not only one of the top players on the board, but he would also happen to fill a big need for the Rams. With so many teams looking for the rare safety who can play in single high coverage, Clinton-Dix could be the answer.

It's hard not to like this pick. You could argue for an offensive lineman or a receiver here, given the Clowney pick at No. 2, but if the Rams are going to push their defense to the next level, they need a safety that can play deep in coverage.

44. St. Louis Rams - Jordan Matthews, WR, Vanderbilt

Which would have a bigger impact for St. Louis next season: a third-tier offensive tackle like Jack Mewhort or a wide receiver like Matthews? Matthews is a better version of Brian Quick. He plays a little faster, he's a little more athletic and his hands are better.

I think Kenny Britt is eventually going to be their answer to the problem of missing big on Brian Quick, and that's fine. This is a good spot to find an offensive linemen, in my opinion. That may not be a third-tier tackle, but how about one of the better guards available, Gabe Jackson from Miss. State? Another pick here would be Antone Exum, the cornerback from Virginia Tech. The Rams need depth at corner because it's a pretty steep drop off after Jenkins and Johnson.