The Rest Of The West In The Draft: St. Louis Rams

It's been highly publicized that the NFC West had a very successful 2010 NFL Draft. Needs were addressed and all four teams came away with steals at one point or another. We already graded the Cardinals draft and prodded each pick, and in an effort to evaluate every aspect of the West, we'll look at the rest of the division and how their draft fared. The Rams are first up.

Key Selections

Sam Bradford | QB | Oklahoma

The need for a franchise quarterback was addressed with this pick, although Bradford wasn't the safest selection. Drafting a quarterback in the first round can be hit or miss, but it doesn't mean that the Rams are doomed. If anything, Mark Sanchez, Joe Flacco, and Matt Ryan are all proof that rookie quarterbacks can go a long way. Injuries are a concern but the Rams addressed Bradford's protection with the next pick.

Rodger Saffold | OT | Indiana

The Rams needed a big offensive tackle to play opposite of Jason Smith, and they landed that man in Saffold. He joins an improving offensive line that will provide stability in front of Bradford for the next few years. He needs some fine tuning but this was a great pick up in the second round. They also have the option of moving Saffold to guard.

Player to watch: Jerome Murphy | CB | South Florida

The Rams desperately needed a cornerback to add depth to their secondary. They waited till the third round but still found a gem in Murphy. He's tall, very physical, and fits with the Rams press coverage scheme. He's not afraid of contact and is pesky defender while in coverage.

Position Not Addressed: Wide Receiver

Sure they drafted Mardy Gilyard but they waited until the fourth round to do so. He's similar to what they already have as far as speed. The Rams still don't have the big play receiver that opposing defenses have to gameplan against. Their rookie quarterback is going to find his first year in the league challenging without any targets to throw to.

Draft Theme: Stacking the Trenches

The Rams drafted one offensive tackle, two tight ends early, and two defensive ends late. It's clear they are building their team through the trenches in 2010. They want the stability in front of Bradford and the run-blocking for Steven Jackson. The additions to the defensive line suggests St. Louis is preparing to defend against the rushing attacks of the rest of the NFC West.

Biggest Steal: Mardy Gilyard | WR | Cincinnati

Gilyard was one of the bigger-name receivers coming out of college and many thought he could be drafted as early as the second round. Although he's not the answer at receiver the Rams got great value landing Gilyard in the fourth round.

Biggest Reach: Eugene Sims | DE | West Texas A&M

Sims wasn't even projected to be drafted before the Rams reached in the sixth round to grab him. Although they needed defensive line depth, they could've waited until the 7th round or even after the draft to sign Sims.

St. Louis Rams Draft Picks(11)

Overview

The Rams ended the 2010 draft with success. Although they didn't draft any flashy players, the addressed positions of need and appear to be headed in the right direction. Do you believe they did enough to compete for the NFC West title next season?