BTSC Mock Draft - Pick #2 by St. Louis Rams: Chris Long, DE Virginia

WolfPackSteelersFan keeps things going with a very fine selection and analysis of the decision. If all our entries are as solid as the first two, I'm confident this will be a worthwhile and fun exercise for all. Keep it up! Now on the clock, the Atlanta Falcons and none other than WolfPackSteelersFan.

For the Rams' team needs, I relied heavily on their SBN blog: Turf Show Times. The author had a couple good entries on Offensive Needs and Defensive Needs. Since they don't need a homerun RB right now (Steven Jackson is an incredible RB when healthy), the first pick of McFadden didn't hurt me at all here. It really comes down to two players at this point: Chris Long or Jake Long. The obvious talk has been Jake Long, because Orlando Pace is aging and will need to be replaced sooner rather than later. But, I concluded that the Rams' biggest need is at DE, and with Chris Long available, he's too good to pass. Plus, there is some question as to whether Jake Long is strictly a RT or whether could he be the LT that Pace has been.

So, the choice is Chris Long, DE out of UVA.

He shores up an area of great need for the Rams, and in reality, much of the OL problems last year were due to injury, not poor personnel.

Athletic, nasty, intelligent, and has football
in his blood. A solid addition to any team

Depending on where you look, Chris Long is also ranked as the top player in the draft. If you check out his UVA bio page, you see he has a long list of honors, including ACC Defensive POY, finalist for several national defensive player awards, and had his jersey retired during his last game with the Cavaliers. He was a great pass rusher in college, and should become one of the better DEs in the league within a couple of years.

#1 - Miami Dolphins, Darren Mcfadden