Rams' top five needs, best fits on the clock at No. 37

Rams' top five needs, best fits on the clock at No. 37

Who should the Rams take with their first pick? We break down all their options

by Frank Cooney NFLDraftScout.com

[www.cbssports.com]

This is one in a series that covers each team, offering viewers information for homework, suggestions and then the opportunity to make a draft pick.

When the NFL Draft begins selections in Philadelphia April 27, the Los Angeles Rams will wait until the next day to make their initial pick at No. 37 overall in the second round.

Here is an in-depth look at the team's needs, offseason changes, potential best fit and the selections by NFLDraftScout.com's experts.
Who would you pick and why?

Top five needs

1. No. 1 receiver: It's a been a well-established problem for the Rams, but they just haven't been able to uncover a game-changing wideout. And while they added veteran Robert Woods in free agency, he isn't the elusive big-time downfield threat they sorely need.

2. Center: The Rams released Tim Barnes during the early stage of free agency, and while they chased Buffalo restricted free agent Ryan Groy with a contract offer sheet, the Bills wasted little time matching the offer. That leaves the Rams still in the market for a starting center even after the signing of John Sullivan.

3. Safety: Veteran T.J. McDonald will not be brought back -- he signed as a free agent with the Dolphins -- leaving the Rams with only Maurice Alexander as a starting safety. With precious few desirable free-agent possibilities, the Rams figure to address the position in a draft fairly deep at the position.

4. Cornerback: The Rams are open to locking up Trumaine Johnson to a long-term contract, but part of that is dependent on Johnson wanting to be in Los Angeles long term and whether he's a good fit for Wade Phillips' new defensive scheme. Point being, there is a chance Johnson might not be with the Rams beyond this season. Drafting a fill-in option -- or a future starter opposite him -- is a strategy they will consider.

5. Outside linebacker: The Rams signed veteran Connor Barwin as a 3-4 outside linebacker, but it remains to be seen if he's a long-range answer. Even with defensive end Robert Quinn moving to the position, drafting and developing a future asset at rush linebacker is critical.

Best fit

Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan: The Rams need to improve the infrastructure around young quarterback Jared Goff, and desperately need a big, fast, dependable receiver who can put fear into the heads of opposing defenses. Davis fits that bill, and if he is available at No. 37 the Rams should jump at the chance to bring him in. Davis is a four-year starter and one of the most productive players in the draft, having capped his impressive career with 97 catches, 1,500 yards receiving and 19 touchdowns in 2016.

The pick will be ...

Rob Rang: Evan Engram, TE, Mississippi. The Rams still need to add more weapons to help quarterback Jared Goff and at 6-foot-3, 234 pounds, Engram has similar size and athleticism as Jordan Reed, who become a star under new Rams head coach Sean McVay in Washington.

Dane Brugler: Takk McKinley, OLB, UCLA. The Rams have needs all over the roster and might be able to steal McKinley at a discount due to the shoulder issue that might force him to miss training camp.

Jim Miller: Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama.

(Pat Kirwan, Miller picks based on last Friday's mock on SiriusXM Radio. Listen to their next mock Friday, April 21, on SiriusXM NFL Radio channel 88).

Frank Cooney, IMO: Plenty of needs here, but a pass-catcher will help ignite Jared Goff's career. I'll be surprised if wide receiver Corey Davis is still around, which might make Mississippi tight end Evan Engram a good addition to new head coach Sean McVay's offense for Goff.