With the 2013-14 NFL season ending in early February, all 32 teams are now working to improve their squads over the offseason. While many hope to make a splash in the Free Agency pool or the trade market, the 2014 NFL Draft gives every team the chance to look toward the future.
Since Coach Jeff Fisher took over two years ago, the St. Louis Rams have embraced the draft to a much greater extent. The team has exhibited more activity on draft day than many others and has stockpiled promising picks in the process. This year alone, the Rams have two selections in the first round—Nos. 2 and 13—with which they can approach in a number of different ways.
A primary purpose of the NFL Draft is to provide teams with the opportunity to improve in its weakest areas. For the Rams, according to Pattonville varsity football coach Steve Smith, the secondary appears to be the team’s greatest shortcoming.
“A lot of people think the offensive line is the Rams’ greatest need,” Smith acknowledged. “Personally, I think the secondary needs to be addressed more than the O-line. [The Rams’] defensive line and linebacking corps are very good, but they need safeties who can stop teams like the Seahawks and 49ers from throwing the deep ball.”
Should the Rams elect not to trade the second overall pick, Smith recommends that they draft one of the top two quarterbacks in the draft—Teddy Bridgewater or Johnny Manziel. Still, Smith believes it is in the Rams’ best interests to trade the second pick to give the team even more options in the draft.
