I think one of the reasons the Rams are drafting more seniors is because they are more developed. Assuming they began playing somewhat early in college, and assuming they stayed pretty healthy, then they are not only older men with more developed bodies, they have had more coaching and more actual playing time at their positions.
This is important because the CBA has severely curtailed the ability to develop draft picks. So the more advanced they are when an NFL team gets them, the sooner and better they are likely to contribute. Red Shirt Sophs and Juniors are younger, have further to go, and usually less tape, development and experience and so they are more of a projection.
The Senior Bowl has proven its worth.
