NFL Mock Draft 2013: Rams have tons of options with two first-round picks

The St. Louis Rams are in one of the more enviable positions in the NFL Draft. Thanks to last year’s Robert Griffin III trade, they hold both the 16th and 22nd overall picks in the first round. Naturally, this means that there’s no consensus whatsoever on various mock drafts around the Internet.

SB Nation’s Dan Kadar has the Rams taking Oklahoma OT Lane Johnson and Tennessee WR Cordarrelle Patterson with their two picks:

If one of the top three offensive tackles happens to fall to the 16th pick, the Rams should pounce. If they wait, a player like Johnson will be gone by the 22nd pick. Although he’s best-suited for left tackle, Johnson can play on either side of the Rams’ line.

No Rams receiver broke 700 yards receiving last season and the team doesn’t a player that projects as a No. 1. Patterson isn’t a refined pass catcher. His route running is raw and he catches with his body too much. But when he actually gets the ball in his hands, he’s as dangerous as anyone in this year’s draft.

Over at CBS Sports, Dan Brugler projects St. Louis to pick Texas S Kenny Vaccaro and North Carolina G Jonathan Cooper:

The Rams upgraded their cornerbacks last season through free agency (Cortland Finnegan) and the draft (Janoris Jenkins), but still need help at safety. In 2007 with the Titans, Jeff Fisher drafted a Texas safety in the top-20 (Michael Griffin), it wouldn’t be surprising if it happens again in St. Louis this year.

The Rams need to address their holes in the trenches on offense and with two first-round picks, it would be surprising if one of them wasn’t an offensive lineman. Cooper lacks ideal base strength and natural power, but is one of the more mobile and athletic blockers in recent memory.

Meanwhile, at NFL.com, there’s even more disparity. Bucky Brooks has the Rams taking Vaccaro and California WR Keenan Allen, Josh Norris has Alabama G Chance Warmack and Georgia ILB Alec Ogletree, Daniel Jeremiah is mocking Cooper and Florida State OT Menelik Wilson, and Gil Brandt has Alabama RB Eddie Lacy and Allen.

There’s still plenty of time before April, and the upcoming Combine should help shake things out even further. The Rams were a pleasant surprise in Jeff Fisher’s first year, finishing 7-8-1. With two picks and a draft class flush with deep talent, they’re in a great position to make noise in an increasingly competitive NFC West.