5 Late-Round Sleepers the St. Louis Rams Should Target In 2015 NFL Draft

5 Late-Round Sleepers the St. Louis Rams Should Target In 2015 NFL Draft

By Anthony Blake

March 12, 2015

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5 Late-Round Sleepers the Rams Should Target

St. Louis Rams 2015 NFL Draft — The St. Louis Rams are going to look totally different in 2015 with several key components of last year’s roster sent packing this offseason. Though their cap casualties and one monster trade have certainly reshaped the roster for the upcoming season, the 2015 NFL Draft is set to really make or break this team. Acing the draft is about more than just the first few rounds, and these five late-round sleepers would vault the Rams into contention.

The St. Louis Rams are going to look totally different in 2015 with several key components of last year’s roster sent packing this offseason. Though their cap casualties and one monster trade have certainly reshaped the roster for the upcoming season, the 2015 NFL Draft is set to really make or break this team. Acing the draft is about more than just the first few rounds, and these five late-round sleepers would vault the Rams into contention.

5. Blake Bell (TE, Oklahoma)

St. Louis Rams 2015 NFL Draft

5. Blake Bell (TE, Oklahoma)

St. Louis Rams 2015 NFL Draft — The former Sooner QB stands at an imposing 6-foot-6, 252 pounds with the frame to add a bit more weight if need be. Blake Bell is raw in terms of his positional savvy, but he has natural hands along with the will and ability to break arm tackles with ease. The fact that he’s a former QB only stands to benefit him as a tight end knowing what the man under center is looking for. In Round 6, there’s enough potential to take a flyer on this kid.

The former Sooner QB stands at an imposing 6-foot-6, 252 pounds with the frame to add a bit more weight if need be. Blake Bell is raw in terms of his positional savvy, but he has natural hands along with the will and ability to break arm tackles with ease. The fact that he’s a former QB only stands to benefit him as a tight end knowing what the man under center is looking for. In Round 6, there’s enough potential to take a flyer on this kid.

4. Derrick Lott (DT, Chattanooga)

St. Louis Rams 2015 NFL Draft

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4. Derrick Lott (DT, Chattanooga)

St. Louis Rams 2015 NFL Draft — Originally recruited to Georgia, Derrick Lott dominated after he transferred to FCS Chattanooga for more playing time. Part of that can be attributed to his impressive frame (6-foot-4, 314 pounds), terrific instincts and textbook technique, but some scouts worry that he only excelled thanks to his advanced age. Lott will be 25 before he plays his first NFL snap, but he’s an athletic pass rusher with a variety of moves primed for success.

Originally recruited to Georgia, Derrick Lott dominated after he transferred to FCS Chattanooga for more playing time. Part of that can be attributed to his impressive frame (6-foot-4, 314 pounds), terrific instincts and textbook technique, but some scouts worry that he only excelled thanks to his advanced age. Lott will be 25 before he plays his first NFL snap, but he’s an athletic pass rusher with a variety of moves primed for success.

3. Adam Shead (OG, Oklahoma)

St. Louis Rams 2015 NFL Draft

3. Adam Shead (OG, Oklahoma)

St. Louis Rams 2015 NFL Draft — Given their previous bad experiences with linemen who can’t control their weight (paging Rokevious Watkins), the Rams may be reluctant to roll the dice on the potential upside of the 6-foot-4, 338-pound Adam Shead. He used his size to his advantage at the collegiate level, but his tendency to lean forward could be problematic at the next level and leave him on the ground too often. With the Rams’ lack of O-line depth, he’s at least worth a shot.

Given their previous bad experiences with linemen who can’t control their weight (paging Rokevious Watkins), the Rams may be reluctant to roll the dice on the potential upside of the 6-foot-4, 338-pound Adam Shead. He used his size to his advantage at the collegiate level, but his tendency to lean forward could be problematic at the next level and leave him on the ground too often. With the Rams’ lack of O-line depth, he’s at least worth a shot.

2. B.J. Finney (C, Kansas State)

St. Louis Rams 2015 NFL Draft

2. B.J. Finney (C, Kansas State)

St. Louis Rams 2015 NFL Draft — The release of Scott Wells makes center a position that needs some attention this offseason, and adding a reliable player like B.J. Finney, who started all 52 games in his collegiate career, would be a terrific move for the Rams. In addition to that supreme durability, Finney allowed just 2.5 sacks during his four years at K-State. He may not have All-Pro potential, but Finney could be a dependable starter for the next decade.

The release of Scott Wells makes center a position that needs some attention this offseason, and adding a reliable player like B.J. Finney, who started all 52 games in his collegiate career, would be a terrific move for the Rams. In addition to that supreme durability, Finney allowed just 2.5 sacks during his four years at K-State. He may not have All-Pro potential, but Finney could be a dependable starter for the next decade.

1. Vince Mayle (WR, Washington State)

St. Louis Rams 2015 NFL Draft

1. Vince Mayle (WR, Washington State)

St. Louis Rams 2015 NFL Draft — Finding a productive possession receiver with size has been a chore for the Rams, but Vince Mayle could be exactly what this team has been missing. At 6-foot-2, 224 pounds, the potential is clearly present for Mayle to become something special at the next level. He has limited experience and some less than flattering fundamentals that need cleaned up, but with a bit of polishing, Mayle could become a quarterback’s best friend in no time.

Finding a productive possession receiver with size has been a chore for the Rams, but Vince Mayle could be exactly what this team has been missing. At 6-foot-2, 224 pounds, the potential is clearly present for Mayle to become something special at the next level. He has limited experience and some less than flattering fundamentals that need cleaned up, but with a bit of polishing, Mayle could become a quarterback’s best friend in no time.

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.

Related Links:

2015 NFL Draft: St. Louis Rams Post-Combine Seven-Round Mock

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