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On the heels of the second tackle coming off the board to the Detroit Lions, the St. Louis Rams are now on the clock.
Draft Pick # 14
Team Name: St. Louis Rams
GM:squishmytomato
Selection: (WR) Julio Jones, Alabama
Why the pick:
It's safe to say the Rams would be ECSTATIC if Julio Jones fell into their laps at pick 14. Draftek has Featured WR listed as a Priority 1 for the Rams, and Possession WR as a 2. Last year, Sam Bradford almost took the Rams to the playoffs in his rookie season (and would have got them there if not for the horrible play of the WRs), and brought back hope to a franchise for the first time in nearly 10 years, since the Greatest Show on Turf era.
Jones gives Bradford a legitimate number one threat, and immediately transforms St. Louis into one of the favorites in the weak NFC West.
The only other consideration at this spot would be Aldon Smith (DE). Draftek lists DE as a Priority 2 for the Rams. Smith rates as the #2 DE prospect on Wes Bunting's Big Board, and would also be a good fit for the Rams.
In the end though, St. Louis' biggest need is a WR, and Jones is an absolute steal at #14.
Follow the jump for the poll and analysis of the pick.
(AP Photo/Dave Martin, File)
HIGH PRIORITY TEAM NEEDS (lower number indicates higher priority) according to Drafttek.com:
-- Threat Level Red (priority 1-2): Feature Wide Receiver, Posession Wide Receiver, 4-3 Defensive Tackle, 4-3 Outside LB, Free Safety, Cornerback
-- Threat Level Orange (priority 3-4): 4-3 Defensive End, Strong Safety, Feature Running Back, Guard, Center
-- Threat Level Yellow (priority 5-6): COP Running Back, Right Tackle, Left Tackle
-- Threat Level Green (priority 9): Quarterback, Slot Wide Receiver, Tight End, Middle LB
-- Drafttek.com ranked #5 Overall, #2 at the position
-- Wes Bunting, National Football Post: #3 Overall, #2 at the position
Impression: He really does accelerate extremely well for a guy his size with the feel to consistently set up defenders as a route runner and find soft spots in coverage. Projects as a potential blue-chip caliber No. 1 wideout at the next level, but needs to do a better job holding onto the football.
-- CBSSports.com ranked #9 overall, #2 at the position
-- Scout.com ranked #9 overall, #2 at the position
-- Mike Mayock ranked #7 overall, #2 at the position
He's a warrior. He ran 4.39 at the combine, but on tape I think he plays more like a 4.5 guy. That's what I think he plays at, and that's fine. His throwing radius, ability to run and ability to catch are phenomenal.
Release: Good initial burst off the line of scrimmage. Long-strider with good build-up speed to eat up the cushion against corners playing off-man coverage. Excellent size and strength to defeat press coverage. Good use of hands to ward off defenders and has enough lateral agility and burst off the line to gain an immediate advantage.
Hands: Inconsistent. Drops too many passes due to a lack of concentration - usually when he's trying to make a defender miss before wrapping the ball up securely. Isn't a consistent "hands" catcher and allows too many passes into his pads, resulting in drops. Flashes the ability to extend and make the highlight-reel reception. Willing to run routes across the middle and take a big hit to make the catch.
Route running: Made his biggest gains in this area as a junior. Improved consistency with his route-running. Doesn't possess elite speed or the explosion out of his cuts, but has learned to sink his hips and plant firmly to generate improved separation on short and intermediate routes. Is able to get away with less than ideal route-running due to his size and physicality. Much stronger than most collegiate receivers and won't be pushed around by NFL defensive backs. Deceptive deep speed to challenge over the top.
After the catch: Among his better areas. Runs with a long stride but also possesses good agility to elude defenders in open quarters and the acceleration to run away from defenders. Rare strength to break free of tackles and gain yardage after the catch. Good vision to set up his blocks downfield due to experience as kick and punt returner.
Blocking: Among the better downfield blockers of the 2011 receiver class. Good size, strength and competitiveness. Keeps his head on a swivel and looks to help his teammates.
Draft Pick | Team | 2010 Record | Assigned GM | Team Needs | Selection |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Carolina | (2-14) | Alexcomestokill | 4-3 DT, 4-3 DE, WR1, WR2, WR3, CB | AJ Green |
2 | Denver | (4-12) | Sean N | 4-3 DT, 4-3 DE, FS, SS, 4-3 OLB, 4-3 ILB, TE, ROT | Nick Fairley |
3 | Buffalo | (4-12) | BTB | Everything except RB and WR, Kitchen Sink | Marcel Dareus |
4 | Cincinatti | (4-12) | staubachfan | QB, 4-3 DT, WR, 4-3 DE, FS, 4-3 MLB, OG, OC | Patrick Peterson |
5 | Arizona | (5-11) | howboutdemcowboyz | QB, 3-4 OLB, CB, OG, LOT | Cam Newton |
6 | Cleveland | (5-11) | BlueEyedDevil | 4-3 DE, 4-3 OLB, 4-3 MLB, WR, FS, CB | Robert Quinn |
7 | San Francisco | (6-10) | regaberto | 3-4 DT, 3-4 OLB, CB, OC, QB | Von Miller |
8 | Tennesee | (6-10) | accidentalinnuendo | QB, CB, 4-3 DE, 4-3 OLB, 4-3 MLB | Da'Quan Bowers |
9 | Dallas | (6-10) | ChiaCrack | ROT, FS, OG, SS, CB, SILB, WILB, 3-4 DE, 3-4 OLB | Tyron Smith |
10 | Washington | (6-10) | Creasy729 | QB,RB, WR, OG, OC, 3-4DT, 3-4 OLB, FS, CB | Blaine Gabbert |
11 | Houston | (6-10) | I am Ironman! | 3-4 DE, 3-4 DT, 3-4 OLB, FS, CB | Prince Amukamara |
12 | Minnesota | (6-10) | KJDH2154 | QB, WR, 4-3 DT, 4-3 DE, FS, LOT, OG, | Jake Locker |
13 | Detroit | (6-10) | DIRE WOLF | CB, 4-3 OLB, MLB, ROT, OG, WR | Anthony Castonzo |
14 | St. Louis | (7-9) | Squishmytomato | WR, 4-3 DE, 4-3 OLB, 4-3 DE, FS, CB, OG, OC, SS | Julio Jones |
Up next on the clock, the Miami Dolphins and iCoach.