First, with 2 weeks left, I'm still getting a feel for what the Rams are doing as private visits keep rolling in. So this will change.
Its def. not:
QB, 34 DE, ILB
Probably not:
TE, WR, RB, S
Possibly:
IDL, Edge, CB, IOL, OT
** I don't think a high enough edge defender will be there (maybe Clelen Ferrell) so that removes Edge.
** I'm not sure they love the CBs enough to grab one (they haven't had any of the top 3 in for visits as far as i can tell), so lets eliminate them.
** IOL, I think they like Bradbury, Jenkins and McCoy. They have visited each of them at some point, I just really question Snead's willingness to draft an OL in the first round. So lets take out IOL.
** On to OT, I think they like Andre Dillard, but again is Snead willing to draft an OL in the first? Plus is he even available? lets eliminate OT.
** last, but not least, IDL. 1st, they have done nothing to address the gaping hole in their IDL since Suh is gone. They have met with a few first round DTs in Tillery and Lawrence. There are a few others that should draw the Rams interest in Wilkins and Simmons. (Williams and Oliver are long gone.)
So Tillery, Lawrence, Wilikns or Simmons.
Didn't Wade say they like to play the run on their way to the QB? That goes against what Lawrence is. He is a world class athlete, esp given his size, but he is not exactly a pass rusher in a 1 gap 34. So he is out.
Wilkins - he is everything the Rams like. A senior, high football IQ, high character and fits in a 1 gap defense that can penetrate. But oddly,even on a day where they bring in Ferrell and Lawrence, they didn't bring in Wilkins. That means they are hiding their interest or they don't think he will be around or they don't like him. Take him off the list.
Simmons - He fits, but aren't the Rams trying to win a SB? He does not help this year. The Rams have not met with him on top of that. Take him off.
That leaves Jerry Tillery - First, he falls in that late first, early 2nd draft range. Second, he is a 1 gap upfield penetrator. He isn't a 2 gap space eater in the slightest and his run defense needs work. But turn him loose going forward and he is a terror. lastly, the Rams met with him at the combine, showing at least a bit of interest.
As of today, I think Jerry Tillery is the pick. (I am not a fan at all, for the record. Not a fan of guys getting sent home from bowl games after violating team rules, kicking injured opponents in the head while they lay on the ground or step on opposing players arms when they are on the ground)
Don't waste your time looking back, you're not going that way. - Ragnar Lothbrok
