Previous Pick: Detroit Lions

2. St. Louis Rams

-Jason Smith (LT/Baylor)

NFL.com

With Orlando Pace as its anchor, the Rams used to have one of the dominant offensive lines in the NFL. As his ability has declined, so has that of the offense as a whole.  For the past few years, St. Louis has been trying to find a player to succeed Pace and return the Rams to the being one of the elite teams in the NFC. After missing out on Jake Long last year, I think the Rams jump at the chance to draft an offensive tackle with the #2 pick. And they don’t have much choice.  Alex Barron hasn’t improved much over the last two years; Marc Bulger has to be better protected; and the unit allowed 45 sacks over the regular season.

Since Jason Smith and Eugene Monroe are both talented pass blockers and have great athleticism, it’s difficult for me to say which one will be chosen. Resulting from his great combine, I would think Jason Smith gets the slight edge over Monroe. Plus Smith might be a better fit because he has that nasty nature and finishes his blocks very well. That will come in handy when he paves the way for Steven Jackson in the run game.

-Eugene Monroe (LT/Virginia)

NFL.com

Monroe has all the things you look for in a offensive tackle: long arms, quick feet, great size, intelligence, work ethic. Unfortunately, he lost  momentum at the combine when he only posted 23 reps when his peer, Jason Smith, recorded 33 reps. I suspect Monroe’s long arms make it tough to bench press as efficiently as the more barrel-chested linemen.

On a more positive note, Eugene Monroe is a less risky pick because of his experience. Whereas his counterpart Smith, only recently entered the elite talent conversation.

It comes down to whom the Rams give the slight edge. After all, there isn’t much separating these two extremely talented football players.

-Aaron Curry (OLB/Wake Forest)

NFL.com

If the Rams decide to go with the best player available, Curry would be the right choice. Although St. Louis has more pressing needs, linebacker does need help. So don’t rule out Curry because you never know if the defense-oriented Spagnolo might make a move for Curry if the Lions don’t take him first.

Michael Crabtree is a possibility here, but I just don’t see new coach Steve Spagnolo advocating that decision so early in his tenure.

Next on the clock: Kansas City Chiefs

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