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With each pick of the FanHouse mock draft, we get into the head of an NFL general manager and let you know who he'll pick and why.A lot of people feel like Glenn Dorsey has to be the guy the Rams take in this spot, especially after a good workout that eased concerns about his knees. Others recognize the Rams' woes at pass rush -- no matter how hard Leonard Little tries to convince all his career isn't in the tank -- and think they should look at Vernon Gholston.
In this instance, the Rams are taking Jake Long.
Gholston is an absolute freak, and he'd do very good things for the Rams defense. But the Rams have contracts of $65 million and $42 million tied into Marc Bulger and Torry Holt, respectively, and will be making Steven Jackson probably the highest-paid running back of all-time in the near future. With that much money and talent on offense, we saw how little of a return they got without Orlando Pace in the lineup last year.
As the first overall pick in 1997, Pace has gone above and beyond in living up to his draft status. But he's only appeared in nine games over the last two years, and will turn 33 this season. The Rams need a tackle to supplant him for the future. Long isn't the same prospect Joe Thomas was last year, but he's not tremendously far behind either.
Even if you're among the group who feel that Long's nastiness, strong drive, and questionable feet better suit him for right tackle in the NFL, the Rams have a spot for him there, as well. Former first-rounder Alex Barron has been a borderline bust, as well as one of the league leaders in penalties over the last three years. Getting a powerful drive blocker known for his discipline and smarts to replace Barron isn't such a bad thing.
No matter where he plays, the Rams are going to get a lot of help, some much-needed depth, and stability on the offensive line in 2008 and beyond. Given the precarious situation the offense has been in over the last two years thanks to their line, this seems like a no-brainer.
The Skinny:
Team Needs: DT, DE, LB, CB, WR
Player Selected: Jake Long, OT, Michigan
Also Considered: Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU; Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio St.;
Previous Picks:
No. 1 Dolphins: Chris Long, DE, Virginia
Next Pick:
No. 3 Falcons
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