After analyzing the draft needs of all 32 teams, PFT will review how well each team addressed those needs. Up next: The St. Louis Rams.
What they needed: Running back, wide receiver, safety, guard.
Who they got:
Round 1: Tavon Austin, WR, West Virgina; Alec Ogletree, ILB, Georgia
Round 3: T.J. McDonald, S, USC; Steadman Bailey, WR, West Virginia
Round 4: Barrett Jones, C, Alabama
Round 5: Brandon McGee, CB, Miami (FL); Zachary Stacy, RB, Vanderbilt
Where they hit: The Rams put together one of the more impressive draft classes in the league. They added the top playmaker in the draft in West Virginia’s Tavon Austin - then they drafted his teammate Steadman Bailey in the third round. Sam Bradford should finally have the weapons he needs at the receiver position. T.J. McDonald was a strong value pick in the third round and could be an opening day starter. Alec Ogletree, a former safety, gives the Rams some intriguing versatility at linebacker.
Where they missed: Not much. Despite a smaller number of draft picks, the Rams made the most of their limited opportunities. St. Louis may have waited too long to add another running back to the mix following the departure of Steven Jackson to Atlanta, but it’s a fairly minor quibble. The Rams were able to address each of their core needs.
Impact rookies: Austin should have an immediate impact for the Rams offense. St. Louis will likely use Austin in a variety of ways, including lining him up in the backfield. McDonald has a chance to start as Darian Stewart is the only other safety on the roster with starting experience. Ogletree should help improve the coverage ability of the Rams linebacker corps.
Long-term prospects: The San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks may have stronger rosters in the NFC West but the Rams have improved significantly. St. Louis went 4-1-1 against the division in 2012 and their draft class helped fill many of their needs. Austin has the chance to be an explosive player in space similar to that of Percy Harvin. The additions on offense should allow the Rams to truly get a feel for how good Sam Bradford can be.