NFL Mock Draft 2013: Rams select Jonathan Cooper, DeAndre Hopkins

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The 2013 NFL Draft is just days away. In the final week of speculation, many mock draft experts are starting to put out their final mocks. SB Nation’s Dan Kadar doesn’t have a final one out yet, but he did release his Monday update.

In this version, Kadar has the St. Louis Rams taking North Carolina Tar Heels OG Jonathan Cooper with the 16th pick:

The Rams will likely see Tavon Austin come off the board before they pick. That leaves them to decide between another wide receiver, a safety or a guard like Cooper. If he happens to slip this far, the Rams should pounce. He’s a very athletic blocker that will only get better.

It’s no secret that the Rams are targeting a receiver in the first round, and the latest rumor is that Austin is one of the guys they covet. Unfortunately, Austin is off the board in this mock. Luckily for the Rams, they have a second first-round pick and could use it to grab the other receiver they want at No. 22: Clemson Tigers WR DeAndre Hopkins:

If the Rams don’t take a wide receiver with the 16th pick in the draft, there’s a strong chance they choose one here. With Patterson and Austin off the board, the Rams could look at Hopkins. A sure-handed outside receiver, Hopkins would be a good target for Sam Bradford.

Hopkins doesn’t have the upside of Austin or Cordarrelle Patterson, but he has some of the best hands and route running of any receiver in this class, and has the best chance to make an immediate impact in 2013.

The Rams have committed the offseason to giving Sam Bradford real weapons to work with. Adding Cooper and Hopkins would be major improvements for the fourth-year quarterback.