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St. Louis Rams 2008 NFL Draft Needs
The St. Louis Rams were one of the most disappointing teams in the league last season as they finished the season at a poor 3-13, for the 2nd worst record in the NFL. Things just didn’t seem to click as QB Marc Bulger threw 4 more interceptions than touchdowns, and RB Steven Jackson was no where near the numbers he is expected to put up. The defense wasn’t much to speak for either, as it finished in the bottom of the league in both pass and rush defense. The one bright spot out of all of this is that the team will get to pick 2nd in this year’s NFL draft. The team did make some moves this offseason to help out the team in 2008. They brought in OG Jacob Bell, TE Anthony Becht, QB Trent Green, and K Josh Brown. The team will have to do without long time veteran WR Isaac Bruce who was released, OG Milford Brown and LB Brandon Chillar. With the 2nd pick the Rams will have all kinds of options to look at, and it’s still unclear exactly what they will do when they are on the clock. Here is a look at our top 5 needs the Rams need to address in this year’s draft.
1. Offensive Tackle
The team has been spoiled by having Orlando Pace holding down the left tackle spot for so many years, but the pro bowler is getting old and wound up some action last season with a season ending injury. The team will have a hard time passing up on Michigan’s Jake Long if Miami passes up on him with the #1 pick. If they wind up missing on Long, they will probably look at a guy like Nebraska’s Carl Nicks or Virginia Tech’s Duane Brown in the 2nd round.
2. Defensive End
The team could really use a boost here. They still have big time defensive Leonard Little, but he is getting up there in age, and wound up only playing in 7 games last season due to a torn ligament in his left toe. If the team misses out on OT Jake Long, then there is little doubt that Virginia’s Chris Long would be a great fit here.
3. Wide Receiver
With the loss if Isaac Bruce there is a hole that will need to be filled before the season gets underway. The team is currently hoping that Drew Bennett will be able to step in that role for now, but the team could use another pass catcher to be an eventual playmaker on this offense. The team won’t be picking here in the first round, but could take a guy like Vanderbilt’s Earl Bennett.
4. Linebacker
The team could really use a strong side linebacker to come in an be able to not only get to the quarterback when needed, and be able to cover tight ends in pass coverage. The team will have a good chance of grabbing Penn State’s Dan Connor in the 2nd round, and with the history of success of linebackers coming from Penn State; this would be a great pick for the Rams.
5. Quarterback
Marc Bulger is the guy and will probably be the guy for years to come, as he just signed a contract extension, but with the loss of backup Gus Ferrotte, the team could use a late pick here. They did bring in Trent Green from free agency, but he hasn’t looked the same since he suffered a concussion against Cincinnati a couple years back. A pick on a guy like Hawaii’s Colt Brennan or USC’s John David Booty could wind up being big time picks down the road.
Be sure to continue to check back as we will continue to be bringing you team-by-team draft articles. Also, be sure to check out our first round Mock Draft. Feel free to leave any comments you might have on the draft and each team’s draft needs in our comment box.
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