NFL Mock Draft 2013: Rams nab Jonathan Cooper and DeAndre Hopkins
In the latest SB Nation NFL mock draft, Matthew Fairburn has the St. Louis Rams selecting North Carolina Tar Heels guard Jonathan Cooper and Clemson Tigers wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins with the No. 16 and 22 picks, respectively.
The Rams are trying to fortify their offensive line this offseason and took a big step towards doing so when they signed left tackle Jake Long to a five-year deal. By drafting Cooper, St. Louis would really be upgrading the interior of the line, giving Sam Bradford ample time to make plays.
Cooper is expected to be the second guard off the board behind only Chance Warmack of the Alabama Crimson Tide. At 6’2 and 310 pounds, Cooper is a beast in the run game and also has the quickness to get to the second level.
With Hopkins, the Rams are getting perhaps the most underrated player in the draft. Hopkins have great size at 6’1 and 215 pounds and put together an amazing year in 2012.
Hopkins hauled in 82 passes for 1,405 yards and scored an astounding 18 touchdowns. St. Louis would be getting its first young, playmaking receiver since Torry Holt.
More from SB Nation:
• NFL mock draft: Trades shake up first round
• Draft hopefuls trash hotel room in blind item
• NFL Draft 2013: Breaking down the H-backs
