Note: These results are based off a simulation I did on Fanspeak's mock draft game.
1. Jake Matthews, Offensive Tackle, Texas A&M
Short of trading down from the second spot, which is a decent possibility at this time, St. Louis has one of three options with this pick. It could look to find a replacement for the expensive and under performing Sam Bradford, which isn't going to happen. Les Snead and Co. could add a premiere pass rusher in Jadeveon Clowney should he be available. Though the presence of both Robert Quinn and Chris Long as starting defensive ends might make that less likely.
The Rams then turn to offensive tackle where they signed veteran Jake Long to a long-term contract last offseason. He played pretty well last season but is entering the back end of his career. Getting the consensus No. 1 offensive tackle in the draft in Matthews would enable St. Louis to have two talented book ends in front of Bradford. Once Long regresses, Matthews could move to the left side. Until then, he'd make one of the best starting right tackles in the NFL.
1. Aaron Donald, Defensive Tackle, Pittsburgh
I thought about going safety here, but Ha Ha Clinton-Dix was off the board. While I am not as high on him as others, Calvin Pryor would be somewhat of a reach in the first half of the initial round. Keeping in mind that the Rams have a ton of picks remaining to look at the safety position, the decision was to go best player available.
As an interior pass-rush threat, Donald would add a whole lot to a defensive line that already includes Michael Brockers, Long and Quinn. Adding him to the mix would give the Rams one of the top all-around defensive lines in the NFL, if not the best. Pure domination up front on both lines. That's how you win in the NFC West.
2. Kelvin Benjamin, Wide Receiver, Florida State
Benjamin fell to the Rams in this specific Fanspeak simulator. This would pretty much be the best possible scenario for the Rams. They get a big-bodied possession receiver who can provide a consistent threat in the passing game opposite Tavon Austin. While Benjamin struggles with drops, his upside is nearly unlimited at this point.
Benjamin can get off press coverage and take on physical cornerbacks, which are both necessities going up against the three teams in the NFC West. It's a perfect fit for both Benjamin and the Rams.
3. Jimmy Garoppolo, Quarterback, Eastern Illinois
In Garoppolo, the Rams would be getting a project quarterback to push Bradford in 2014 and beyond. Acquiring someone with this talent that might be a year or two away from being able to see regular game action might be the best way to go.
Garoppolo has the arm strength and intermediate accuracy to be a good quarterback in the NFL. He tends to struggle progressing through his reads and with mechanics, but those are two things that can be worked on with the right coaching. First-round talent in the third round.
4. Dion Bailey, Safety, Southern California
It didn't even dawn on me that drafting Bailey would team him up with his former USC teammate T.J. McDonald, but that could work very well for the Rams moving forward. Where as I don't see McDonald as a true starting free safety, it does seem that's where Jeff Fisher and Co. envision him moving forward. If so, why not add a hard-hitting strong safety to the mix? After all, the likes of Rodney McCloud and Matt Daniels aren't long-term solutions there. Even if McDonald were to play the strong side, Bailey has enough coverage ability to play free safety in that scheme.
5. Adrian Hubbard, Linebacker, Alabama
Originally pegged as a 3-4 outside linebacker, Hubbard doesn't possess the athleticism to play that role in the NFL. He's better suited as either an inside linebacker or an outside linebacker in a 4-3 scheme. Despite being a project, Hubbard could eventually replace Jo-Lonn Dunbar at some point in the future.
6. Andre Hal, Cornerback, Virginia Tech
Outside of Janoris Jenkins the Rams don't necessarily have any proven impact guys. Sure the likes of Trumaine Johnson and Brandon McGee are talented young corners, but it wouldn't hurt to add another youngster to the mix. As a physical presence on the outside, Hal projects more as a starter than a true slot guy. Technique and hip fluidity might be an issue early on, but coaching could fix that.
6. Andrew Jackson, Linebacker, Western Kentucky
A backup inside linebacker initially, Jackson has some upside as a starter down the road. He'd be a special teams performer out of the gate.
7. Richard Rodgers, Tight End, California
One of the most underrated skill-position players in the draft, Rodgers has the size and athleticism to be both a solid receiving and blocking tight end. Pretty much the anti-Jared Cook in that he's performed much better than expectations in the past.
7. Spencer Long, Guard, Nebraska
Teams have to go about eight or nine deep along the offensive line. After the Rams released Harvey Dahl in the offseason, they are lacking depth. Long brings that in the late rounds.
7. Jamea Thomas, Safety, Georgia Tech
Mostly a player with backup upside, Thomas leaves a lot to be desired in coverage. Still, all good teams have these athletes that can provide a spark on special teams.