NFL Draft Grades - NFC West - St. Louis Rams

1.(2) Chris Long, DE, Virginia - Long is an excellent pass rusher, even when he was coming out of the 3-4 end position in college. He's got a great motor, and is an excellent character guy. He's going to be a good player, and he's convinced me of that all year.

Pick Grade: A

2. (33) Donnie Avery, WR, Houston - Whoa. Az Hakim alert. This guy was the first receiver taken and really is nothing but a track star. He played in a system that really allowed him to showcase his talent, but that's not saying alot when your playing in conference USA. A HUGE REACH.

Pick Grade: F

3. (65) John Greco, OT, Toledo - I like players from the MAC. Greco is a nasty player who has all of the physical tools to do the job. The thing I like most is the attitude.

Pick Grade: B

4a. (101) Justin King, CB, Penn State - King is a fun case study. He's a big school guy, and he's fast as all hell. However, can he really cover? Let's see. He's probably play nickelback on the fast turf in the Ed Jones dome.

Pick Grade: C

4b. (128) Kennan Burton, WR, Kentucky - This is the developmental receiver pick. Burton is 6'1 and has good speed, but is raw. He was Andre Woodson's top guy at Kentucky, but needs some time to figure out the NFL game.

Pick Grade: C+

5. (157) Roy Schuening, G, Oregon St. - More nasty guards. I like the idea of taking guys who are tough over anything else, and Schuening played the entire year with Pneumonia. That's a beast of a man.

Pick Grade: B

7a. (228) Chris Chamberlain, CB, Tulsa - Developmental cornerback type. Wowed a lot of people at his pro day, but again didn't play against the best competition in Conference USA. Needs work, and will contribute on special teams.

Pick Grade: C

7b. (252) David Vobora, LB, Idaho - YES! Mr. Irrelevant! I love these guys. That being said this is the best place that a linebacker could go with the final pick. They are pretty much devoid of talent at the position. Vobora is a longshot to make the team.

Pick Grade: C+

Overall Grade: C

I found myself writing "needs development" a whole lot. Do the Rams have the time to be developing talent? Nope. They need help now. That's why I can't give them a better grade. Outside of Long, I don't know how much these guys will help right now.

St. Louis takes...

Donnie Avery is really fast. That's it.

There isn't much else there. I don't really understand why he was the first receiver off the board.

Dolphins Sign Jake Long!

The First pick of the NFL Draft is signed, sealed and delivered.

Jake Long will receive a six year deal that includes 30 million dollars in guaranteed money, and a total of 57.5 million dollars. The deal can be voided by Long after five years in order to enter free agency.

The St. Louis Rams are now on the clock...