St. Louis Rams 2013 Draft Preview

Apr 15, 2013 - 4:56 PM (Sports Network) - The Rams need more playmakers for quarterback Sam Bradford, but they also need to sure up the offensive line in front of him.

St. Louis made some strides in protecting Bradford, allowing 20 fewer sacks in 2012 than they did in '11 but there is still plenty of room for improvement, particularly on the left side. The club made a significant commitment to ex-Dolphins tackle Jake Long, signing the former No. 1 overall pick to a four-year, $36 million dollar deal, in hopes of fixing that problem.

The Rams also got Bradford a new toy by inking former Tennessee tight end Jared Cook to a five-year contract worth a million less than what Long got.

St. Louis still need receivers, however, especially with Danny Amendola fleeing to New England. The Rams also need to replace running back Steven Jackson, who signed with Atlanta.

Defensively the Rams really need help in the back seven especially at safety where 2012 starters Quintin Mikell and Craig Dahl were just pedestrian and are now both gone. The club could really use a rangy center fielder who can actually cover.

St, Louis seems to be focusing in on Georgia linebacker Alec Ogletree at No. 16 overall. Wide receiver, perhaps Tennessee's Cordarrelle Patterson or Justin Hunter, could be play with the team's second first-round pick, No. 22 overall.

The Rams are also reportedly high on Alabama running back Eddie Lacy, who would be a perfect fit at No. 46 overall if he is still on the board.

2012 Record: 7-8-1

Top Needs: WR, OL, S, LB

First Three Picks: No. 16, No. 22, No. 46

Number of Selections: 8 (1, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 7)

RECENT FIRST ROUND HISTORY: 2012 - Michael Brockers (DT, LSU); 2011 - Robert Quinn (DE, North Carolina); 2010 - Sam Bradford (QB, Oklahoma); 2009 - Jason Smith (OT, Baylor); 2008 - Chris Long (DE, Virginia); 2007 - Adam Carriker (DE, Nebraska); 2006 - Tye Hill (CB, Clemson); 2005 - Alex Barron (OT, Florida State); 2004 - Steven Jackson (RB, Oregon State); 2003 - Jimmy Kennedy (DT, Penn State).