2015 NFL Draft: Mock Draft

This years draft is pretty deep. I wouldn't say it's as deep as last years draft as this draft is more top heavy, whereas last year was deep throughout. But through the first four rounds, this draft will make a lot of teams better. It has been discussed time and time again. The deepest part of this draft is the offensive line, defensive line, wide receiver and linebacker positions.

The Rams are not loaded with picks for the first time in a long time. In fact they have less picks than the standard seven picks each team is automatically given. What the Rams do have, however, is positioning. Considering the depth early on int his draft the and the need for certain players by other team the Rams are in position to trade down if the right offer is made from either or both of the 10th pick and/or the 41st pick.

TRADES

In this mock there will be a straight up approach. This means what the draft might look like without trades. This will give a better feel of what needs are, versus, the best player available. In the two mocks to come, there will be trades, but they will be trades with purpose and realistic possibilities.

THE EXPLANATION

In this mock, the Rams get the opportunity to address needs and build depth in a few areas severely lacking. The Rams start off with Brandon Scherff. Scherff is a Jeff Fisher type of player. He brings physicality, size, and versatility. He also addresses a major need. With this pick the Rams are addressing multiple areas. Although he will likely play tackle (this will change if Joe Barksdale is resigned), due to the Rams next pick. Next, the Rams pick up more protection for Nick Foles. This is something the team failed miserably to do with Sam Bradford. However, Fisher appeared to realize as much to close out the season. During his final presser, he was quoted as saying the line will be addressed. He said the team has to get it corrected and they have to protect Sam. Even though Bradford is now gone, the team is likely still looking to address this issue. Laken Tomlinson, fills a major hole, and he is a plug a play guy.

Fisher has also stated the team still fully intends to draft a QB. Now, while it is no doubt smoke screen season, this is something Fisher has been adamant about since that final press conference. In fact, he has mentioned it almost every single time he has stepped in front of a  camera since that day. It makes sense considering Nick Foles only has a year left, and there is no guarantee that he will return. Also this gives you insurance as well as the opportunity to groom a strong number two quarterback. This is something the Rams have failed to do since Marc Bulger backed up Kurt Warner 14 years ago. Needless to say, they have paid a heavy price due to this negligence. It appears they have had enough. The odds are very high the Rams will draft a QB in the first 4 rounds. Garrett Grayson will be a name to monitor once the third round rolls around. He is familiar with running a pro style offense, and he's a very underrated athlete.

The Rams have had one of the most depleted linebacker corps around for a while now. It's not so much their starters as it is their depth. They are rumored to be very interested in improving in this area. Signing Akeem Ayers was a start as it pushed Jo-Lonn Dunbar into a back up role, but he doesn't play special teams. Kyle Emanuel brings depth and a future starter that can play the run and rush the passer.

Antwan Goodley is more of the depth trend. Chris Givens is in the final year of his contract, and there's a very high chance he will not be back. Not that the Rams won't offer him anything, but I don't get the feeling he wants to be back. Getting benched is a hard pill to swallow, especially when you can go to numerous teams and instantly be their number two guy. With the Rams final pick they select Robert Meyers. This will be more depth. In this scenario the Rams will have Greg Robinson, Rodger Saffold, and Scherff all capable of playing tackle. The team drafts Tomlinson to start and fill a hole. But while you have three guys capable of playing tackle you don't have as much depth on the interior. This will once and for all sure up that headache.

The Rams can go so many different routes with this draft. With major offensive line issues, it stands to reason, the team will go heavy in this draft whether they accumulate more picks or not. But how might things change if there is a trade down? Stay tuned for the next version to find out...