2013 NFL mock draft: Rams take Jonathan Cooper, Keenan Allen in 1st round
The St. Louis Rams are currently the only team with two first-round picks in the 2013 NFL Draft one year after a trade with the Washington Redskins that netted the latter Robert Griffin III. With a strong 7-8-1 season just one year after finishing 2-14, the Rams are in prime position to make the picks necessary to get into the playoffs in 2013, although that’s now a tough task in the NFC West.
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Most pressing for the Rams is to upgrade their No. 25-ranked offense and in the latest SB Nation mock draft from Dan Kadar and Matthew Fairburn, they are able to do exactly that with two picks:
16. St. Louis Rams – Jonathan Cooper, G, North Carolina
The Rams have quietly put together a solid roster. One area that remains a concern, however, is the offensive line. Sam Bradford needs to get better protection if he’s going to live up to the billing as the No. 1 overall pick.
Jonathan Cooper isn’t far behind Chance Warmack as the draft’s best guard. He’s as athletic as they come and plays the position with natural technique. St. Louis would be getting a huge piece for their offensive line if Cooper is still on the board.
Cooper will certainly help the Rams to improve on their No. 19 ranked rushing offense, while the next pick just six picks later should help the Rams bolster their No. 18 ranked pass game:
22. St. Louis Rams (via Washington Redskins) – Keenan Allen, WR, California – Scouting Report
While the Rams loaded up on wide receiver on the second and third days of the 2012 NFL Draft, the team still lacks a big playmaker at the position. Keenan Allen could fall a bit on draft day due to his knee injury, but he is still the draft’s top wide receiver prospect. He has the suddenness to stretch the defense deep, but Allen is also a physical wide receiver who can make plays once the ball is in his hands. Sam Bradford could use a weapon like him.
After a regression in his second season, Bradford had the best season of his career in 2012, setting personal bests for passing yardage, touchdowns and rating. With offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer returning for another season in 2013, Bradford has the opportunity to turn the corner with just a couple more weapons.
