NFL Mock Draft 2013: Rams projected to take Alabama’s Chance Warmack

Set to pick in the mid-teens for the third straight year in the upcoming NFL Draft, the St. Louis Rams could actually be forced to address their offensive line issues with their most valuable selection in April.

While it may prove difficult for the Rams to pass over a number of top skill-position players in the middle of the first round, SB Nation’s Dan Kadar believes that the organization can still hit a home run by taking Alabama offensive guard Chance Warmack, a 6’3, 320-pound senior who is quite possibly the best run-blocker in the draft pool:

16. St. Louis Rams – Chance Warmack, G, Alabama

This is far from a sexy pick that will excite the Rams fan base. But after closing the season strong, St. Louis would benefit by taking players who are safe but good and reliable. Warmack, the most dominant interior blocker in the SEC in years, is perhaps the most sure thing in the 2013 draft.

A fixture on head coach Nick Saban’s line for the last three seasons, Warmack would represent the epitome of a value pick if he is still available at No. 16, which is a distinct possibility. With intriguing options like Notre Dame tight end Tyler Eifert and Tennessee wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson still on the board in Kadar’s mock however, the Rams could find themselves positioned in a difficult spot in order to safely add a new offensive weapon without reaching. And after a season where St. Louis’ defense made significant strides in the second-half, the organization may want to keep its focus on the offensive side of the ball at No. 16.