After the dust settled from a crazy first round of the draft last night, the Rams were left with two players they highly coveted (Tavon Austin and Alec Ogletree) but also a long wait later today as they have no picks in the second round. However, with two selections in round three they are still well positioned to fill some of their remaining needs with quality prospects. As I did earlier in the week for the two picks in the first round, here are my Top 10 likely targets for the Rams in round three.
#10 – Sanders Commings, DB, Georgia
Commings would represent a versatile defensive back that could fill the 4th corner role and play some safety if needed. He has good height for the position.
#9 – Shamarko Thomas, S, Syracuse
While I love his speed and aggressiveness, I don’t like his height. However, he was in for a pre-draft visit so the Rams must have at least some interest in this hard-hitter. He would be a candidate to replace Mikell at strong safety.
#8 – David Quessenberry, OL, San Jose St
Quessenberry is a versatile prospect who could play almost anywhere on the line and would serve as an ideal backup at guard and center because, let’s face it, every projected starter on the line missed time with injuries last year.
#7 – Johnathan Franklin, RB, UCLA
Franklin is actually the top rated running back according to several scouts and might not make it this far in the draft, but if he does he could be in consideration for the Rams. However, while versatile and skilled, it could also be argued that he is not much different than Isaiah Pead.
#6 – Da’Rick Rogers, WR, Tennessee Tech
Another very talented player who will fall because of character concerns, Rogers played at Tennessee until he was kicked off the team this past season. Sounds like a familiar story. Could he follow a similar path to St. Louis as Janoris Jenkins? If his head is on straight, he would represent a great insurance policy in case Brian Quick fails to develop.
#5 – David Amerson, DB, NC State
Like with Commings, I listed Amerson as a DB vs CB because he has size (6’ 1” 205lbs) and the versatility to play corner or safety. I like his ball hawking ability (he led the country with 13 interceptions in 2011) but he may be too much of a gambler. Still, we could do much worse for a 4th corner or free safety.
#4 – DJ Swearinger, S, South Carolina
Swearinger’s versatility to play either safety position, experience, and skills make him a great fit for the Rams if he makes it into the 3rd round. While I see him more as a strong safety in the future, he would be a big upgrade over anyone who is currently on the roster.
#3 – Bacarri Rambo, S, Georgia
Besides having by far the best name in this draft class, he might have the best skill set match if the Rams are looking for more of a true free safety at this point in the draft. While not without character concerns (multiple suspensions while in college), Rambo is a legit and experienced playmaker who could likely start from day one.
#2 – Le’Veon Bell, RB, Michigan State
We know Jeff Fisher likes big, power backs. We also don’t know how they feel about Gannaway so a big back like Bell could be an ideal match of fit and value in round 3.
#1 – Phillip Thomas, S, Fresno State
Perhaps it is a reach to think he will be available when the Rams make their first selection in the 3rd round, but Thomas would really be a great fit at the free safety position and is my number one target for the Rams in round 3. Thomas led the nation with 8 interceptions this past season and has the size (6’1” 208lbs) and the speed (4.57 in his pro day 40) to hang with some of the matchup nightmares in the NFC West.
