ROTB Community Mock Draft: With the Second Overall Pick, the St. Louis Rams Select...

by Hawkwind on Mar 16, 2009 2:37 PM MDT

Eugene Monroe, OT Virginia

6' 5", 309 lbs.

Positives: With the release of Orlando Pace, the Rams need a strong left tackle to protect Marc Bulger's blind-side. Eugene Monroe has the prototypical ideal OT physique of height, proportion (arm span of 33 7/8 inches), and speed to make Rams fans expect the next coming of Pace. He has good feet and keeps his defender in front of him well. He's able to match speed rushers and bull rushers alike with a mixture of speed and balance that is ideal for pass protection. He's able to reach the second level well and neutralize linebackers. Can line-up as a tight-end with athleticism to be a viable option.

Negatives: Tends to catch rushers rather than initiating the contact to knock them off their move. Needs to shift some of his gut weight to muscle weight. Needs to improve instincts where to be looking when plays break down or when the blitzer takes an inside angle.

Why the Rams will draft him: It's debatable who is the better fit for the Rams, Monroe or Alabama's Andre Smith. In light of Smith's poor pro-day performance, Monroe, who is tabbed in a few Mocks to go first to Detroit, is the favorite to replace Orlando Pace. He will give Bulger plenty of protection and Steven Jackson will love his ability to clear defenders. Get used to seeing Monroe for a long time, Cardinals faithful.

As a reminder, kj197728 is officially on the clock with the 3rd overall pick for New England West, er, the Kansas City Chiefs. Please submit your pick by sending it to revengeofthebirds@gmail.com.

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The great combine and pro day output of Jason Smith didn’t sway you? Personally I think Smith is the best left tackle, but then again, Monroe’s the reason B. Albert played guard at UVa.

by KDean75 on Mar 16, 2009 3:01 PM MDT reply actions

He's talking about Andre Smith

Didn’t stay at the combine and had a terrible pro day.

Hey, hey, hey hey hey, watch the language, ok? I have a family.
Revenge of the Birds

by Andrew602 on Mar 16, 2009 3:52 PM MDT up reply actions

Seriously

A guy that big can only put 225 up 19 times? And someone with that bad of a physique only makes me feel better about skipping a workout or two.

When I get sad, I stop being sad and be awesome again.
-Barney Stinson

by Red Reign on Mar 16, 2009 4:14 PM MDT up reply actions

I'm aware

I’m talking about Jason Smith, the left tackle from Baylor, not the guy from Alabama

by KDean75 on Mar 16, 2009 5:08 PM MDT up reply actions

He was on my radar KDean

But I had him going to the Jags on my “board”.

We all leave footprints in the sands of time, just watch out for the discarded fish hooks!

by Hawkwind on Mar 16, 2009 5:18 PM MDT up reply actions

Smith is the hot guy right now, but I could see Monroe slipping past him

especially if a team is looking for a better run blocker. I’m always alittle weary of guys like Smith who shoot up draft boards after the season. I can remember seeing mock drafts in January where he was a late first rounder and even picked by the Cardinals at 31, but he’s looked so good in shorts and a t-shirt that he’s shot up to the very top of the draft.

by Bezekira on Mar 17, 2009 9:37 AM MDT reply actions