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Tuesday, April 10, 2012

2012 NFL Draft: A Look At The St. Louis Rams' List Of Pre-Draft Visits - Turf Show Times

Defensive tackle Alameda Ta'amu of the Washington Huskies is one of several players on the St. Louis Rams' list of pre-draft visits.

A long list of prospects are visiting with the St. Louis Rams in the days and weeks ahead of the 2012 NFL Draft, if they haven't already visited or worked out for the team. After the jump, is the most recent list of known prospects spending some pre-draft time with the Rams, with comment about where they might be drafted, how they fit with the Rams and links to scouting reports.

Teams are allowed 30 pre-draft visits with players. Among the list of names are potential first-round picks, as well as guys that they might be interested in with a seventh rounder or a UDFA flyer the day after the draft. Just visiting does not necessarily imply a heightened interest. Teams do their due diligence on a wide array of players that might be options.

Also, we're pumping out a ton of content lately, and the web is filled with good stuff right now. I can't get it all on here, so be sure to follow us on Facebook where I'll be sharing even more in the weeks ahead. And, of course, the action is hot and heavy on the Twits too.

Star-divide

Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State (scouting report) - Adams used to be regarded as one of the draft's top offensive tackles. His suspension at OSU and inconsistent play last season and in the Senior Bowl may drop him into the top of the second round, where the Rams could be a looking for an OT.

Dwight Bentley, CB, Louisiana-Lafayette (scouting report) - A mid-round pick, Bentley fits a profile that Fisher likes: undersized and feisty. He showed speed at the Combine, running a 4.43, and was aggressive and solid in coverage at the Senior Bowl.

Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State (scouting report) - We've covered Blackmon and the other top receivers pretty extensively on this site.

Michael Brockers, DT, LSU (scouting report) - Raw but loaded with unrealized talent, Brockers could go anywhere from the top ten to the bottom part of the first round. The most interesting thing about considering the defensive tackles in the Rams defense is how they fit with what Fisher et al will do in Williams' absence. This may not be a traditional three-technique and one gapper in the middle.

Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU (scouting report) - Probably the best defensive player in the draft, he would give the Rams an outstanding duo in the backfield paired with Finnegan.

Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina (scouting report) - Maybe the best pass rusher in the draft, the Rams would be loaded with guys to get to the quarterback if they selected him. It seems unlikely given Robert Quinn and and Chris Long, but you can never have enough pass rushers in today's NFL.

Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State (scouting report) - Nobody agrees on which DT is the best in the draft. Cox has been mocked to the Rams in some corners of the internet.

Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame (scouting report) - Floyd is gaining momentum fast, and some now project him as a top ten pick. He would probably be a better fit for the Rams than Blackmon; Tevin explained why in this post.

Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama (scouting report) - Jenkins is probably the best cover corner in the draft, but he has more baggage than a cruise ship. He could go high in the first round, or slip into the second.

Mychal Kendricks, LB, Cal (scouting report) - He's seen by most as a middle linebacker, but played some on the outside in Cal's 3-4 defense. Would the Rams put him on the weak or strong side? Would they slide James Laurinaitis over to the outside? Probably a second- or third-round pick.

Ronald Leary, OG, Memphis (scouting report) - He shared team MVP honors with Dontari Poe at Memphis last year. He was a tackle at Memphis, but projects to the inside in the NFL. A late-round pick that could be a sleeper for the Rams.

Kelechi Osemele, OT, Iowa State (scouting report) - Some question his acumen for the game, but his brute strength is not in doubt. A second-round pick that could sneak into the later part of the first, the Cyclone is probably going to start on the right side.

Rueben Randle, WR, LSU (scouting report) - Quietly emerging as a favorite underdog for the draft's top receivers, or at least the one with the highest ceiling. Read what Greg Cosell had to say about him. At this point, it would be something of a minor upset if the Rams got him at the top of the second round.

Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama (scouting report) - Someone we've covered in ample detail, and a likely pick in the sixth spot for a coaching staff that a) likes to run and b) needs a strong running game to give their quarterback needed room to grow and learn a new offense.

Brian Stahovich, P, San Diego State (scouting report) - Punter is a need after the Rams let Donnie Jones walk in free agency. A seventh-round pick or UDFA, he was an All-Mountain West punter.

Alameda Ta'amu, DT, Washington (scouting report) - Maybe the most intriguing player on this list because opinions are so divided on his best fit. Is he a nose tackle? An end? Or 4-3 under tackle? He might be able to play any of those positions. He could be a first-round pick; he could be a third-round pick.

Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State (scouting report) - Worthy sits firmly on the fringe of the first and second rounds of the draft. His motor is questionable, and he would need a coaching staff capable of lighting the fire and keeping it lit. He has the talent to be a very good interior lineman.

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