5 Updated Potential First-Round Scenarios for St. Louis Rams in 2014 NFL Draft

By Anthony Blake

5 Updated Potential First-Round Scenarios for St. Louis Rams

St. Louis Rams 2014 NFL Draft
Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

As owners of the NFL’s youngest roster with arguably the most upside potential, the St. Louis Rams are poised to make some noise in the very near future. The 2014 NFL Draft promises to be a great starting point for the franchise as they attempt to utilize their final selection from the RG3 ransom to its fullest potential. Here are five potential first-round scenarios currently being rumored for the Rams.

5. Stay Put at No. 2 and Select Khalil Mack

Khalil Mack St. Louis Rams 2014 NFL Draft
Getty Images

5. Stay Put at No. 2 and Select Khalil Mack

Khalil Mack St. Louis Rams 2014 NFL Draft
Getty Images

This scenario has really gained some steam in recent days with rumors that the Rams are high on the former Buffalo linebacker. Assuming the Texans aren’t crazy enough to pass on the once in a generation talent that is Jadeveon Clowney, there’s no question the next best defensive player in this draft is Mack. A year after selecting Alec Ogletree to man the one outside spot, Mack would give the Rams one of the league’s best linebacking corps.

4. Take Jadeveon Clowney at No. 2

Jadeveon Clowney 2014 NFL Draft St. Louis Rams
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

4. Take Jadeveon Clowney at No. 2

Jadeveon Clowney 2014 NFL Draft St. Louis Rams
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Of course, if Houston is crazy enough to pass on Clowney, the Rams will be the beneficiaries of their blunder in one way or another. Should Clowney remain on the board when the Rams are put on the clock at No. 2 overall, the phone lines are likely to be burning up. But if the compensation isn’t just right to move down, don’t be surprised if Clowney comes to St. Louis to build the scariest front four in the NFL.

3. Trade Up To No. 8 From No. 13 To Select Mike Evans

Mike Evans 2014 NFL Draft St. Louis Rams
Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports

3. Trade Up To No. 8 From No. 13 To Select Mike Evans

Mike Evans 2014 NFL Draft St. Louis Rams
Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports

Another scenario that’s been getting hype recently is a potential trade up from No. 13 into the top 10 in pursuit of a big play WR. The Vikings are likely to try and move down if they can’t move up – more on that later – and the Rams could look to move into position to snag a red zone threat like Mike Evans. This wouldn’t be the most ideal move, but the rumors have certainly been floated around recently about it potentially happening.

2. Trade Down From No. 2 To No. 7 To Select Greg Robinson

Greg Robinson 2014 NFL Draft St. Louis Rams
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2. Trade Down From No. 2 To No. 7 To Select Greg Robinson

Greg Robinson 2014 NFL Draft St. Louis Rams
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If the Rams decide to pass on Khalil Mack at No. 2 and trade down, a team like the Buccaneers would be the ideal partner to move down with. They’ve been linked to Mack for much of the pre-draft process, and there’s no doubt Lovie Smith would love adding him to that defense. This would allow the Rams to address the offensive line with Greg Robinson and build for the future at left tackle.

1. Trade Down From No. 2 To No. 8 To Select Justin Gilbert

Justin Gilbert 2014 NFL Draft St. Louis Rams
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1. Trade Down From No. 2 To No. 8 To Select Justin Gilbert

Justin Gilbert 2014 NFL Draft St. Louis Rams
Getty Images

Perhaps the most intriguing idea being discussed recently involves the Rams moving down with the Vikings to select cornerback Justin Gilbert. After releasing Cortland Finnegan this offseason, it’s clear the Rams need to address their secondary. Landing the top prospect at corner in Gilbert would be a great way to do that while stockpiling some additional picks in the process after moving down the board.





Anthony Blake is a Senior Writer/Copy Editor for Rant Sports. You Can Follow Him on Twitter, on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.

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