The Rams have traded the 22nd overall pick in the 2103 NFL Draft to the Falcons.
In return, the Rams pick up the Falcons first round pick this season (30), the 92nd overall pick and a 6th round pick (198), while the Falcons move up and get a 7th rounder in 2015.
The Falcons have selected defensive back Des Trufant.
The Rams needed a playmaker, and they were able to pull off a deal to get it, trading with the Bills for the 8th overall pick, and then snagging the first WR of the draft, taking West Virginia WR Tavon Austin.
He’s expected to be a big playmaker in the Rams offense, and has all the tools to step right in from day one and be a starter.
Athleticism
+Lightning quick and agile, able to stop and start quickly.
+Elite speed and acceleration, 4.3 a possibility.
+Changes direction with ease, very elusive in the open field.
-Small in stature and doesn’t carry a lot of bulk.
Route Running
+Experienced making route adjustments both pre and post-snap.
+Able to run precise routes and get back up to speed.
+Can also round out routes to carry more speed through his break.
+Excels underneath with pivot and stick routes, but can get vertical as well.
+Sells double moves and fakes well, able to create separation.
+Effective in the screen game, sets up blocks well.
+Quick enough to beat press coverage.
Hands
+Can handle touch passes down the field as well as fastballs underneath.
+Good body control making the catch.
-Will drop the occasional ball when in traffic.
-Makes too many catches with his body.
Running / Return Ability
+Sees cutback lanes very well, able to score on any given play.
+Elusive, difficult to tackle in open space.
+Will make the first man miss.
+Extremely effective on jet sweeps, reverses and mis-direction plays.
-Not much of a blocker, but isn’t allergic to contact.
Overview
Tavon Austin is lightning in a bottle. He is the guy that keeps defensive coordinators up at night. You want the ball in his hands.
NFL teams looking for either the next Percy Harvin or the next Wes Welker will find qualities that they like in Austin – he is a prototypical slot receiver that can dominate the game on the ground as well.
Our only concern is his size, as his listed 170+ size might be a bit generous. If he can convince teams that he can hold up to the NFL grind,
Rams acquire the #8 pick from the Buffalo Bills.
4 minutes to pick…
And it’s official. With the 8th pick of the 2013 NFL Draft the St Louis Rams pick WR Tavon Austiin.
(Sam Bradford is a happy man!)
The Rams have another 1st round pick. The Jets are currently up with the #9 pick. The Rams will be back on deck with #22.
Interesting note from ESPN’s Ashley Fox – Tavon Austin is the Rams first first-round pick since Torry Holt in 1999.
And in case you missed it. SS Kenny Vaccarro is gone! Picked up by the Saints at #15. Waiting on Pittsburg now at #17.
I feel like a bear coming out of hibernation. All rested and hungry. Hungry for some football. The draft has already begun and so far its all about the offensive line. 3 of 4 picks have been tackles. The Rams are standing in line until the 16th pick so we have a little time. The most likely #1 Rams picks are SS Kenny Vaccarro or WR Tavon Austin. If it were me, I’d want to put my big money QB at ease and select the WR, but it’s Jeff Fisher doing the picking and we all know his priority is the defensive side of the ball.
Can’t wait to see what happens. I’m pulling for you Sam. Go Rams!!!
1 Cards vs Rams Win
2 Rams vs Falcons Loss
3 Rams vs Cowboys Win
4 49ers vs Rams Loss
5 Jags vs Rams Win
6 Rams vs Texans Loss
7 Rams vs Panthers Loss
8 Seahawks at Rams Win
9 Titans vs Rams Loss
10 Rams vs Colts Loss
11 BYE
12 Bears vs Rams Win
13 Rams vs 49ers Loss
14 Rams vs Cardinals Loss
15 Saints vs Rams Loss
16 Bucs vs Rams Win
17 Rams vs Seahawks loss
2013 record 6-10
I don’t think the Rams have become a better team in the off season (or will be after the draft). I think the rebuilding effort has taken a step backwards. The Vegas over/under is 6.5 so I guess I’m going with the under.
Week 1 (Sunday, Sept. 8): Cardinals at Rams, 4:25 p.m.
Week 2 (Sunday, Sept. 15): Rams at Falcons, 1 p.m.
Week 3 (Sunday, Sept. 22): Rams at Cowboys, 1 p.m.
Week 4 (Thursday, Sept. 26): 49ers at Rams, 8:25 p.m.
Week 5 (Sunday, Oct. 6): Jaguars at Rams, 1 p.m.
Week 6 (Sunday, Oct. 13): Rams at Texans, 1 p.m.
Week 7 (Sunday, Oct. 20): Rams at Panthers, 1 p.m.
Week 8 (Monday, Oct. 28): Seahawks at Rams, 8:40 p.m.
Week 9 (Sunday, Nov. 3): Titans at Rams, 1 p.m.
Week 10 (Sunday, Nov. 10): Rams at Colts, 1 p.m.
Week 11 Bye
Week 12 (Sunday, Nov. 24): Bears at Rams, 1 p.m.
Week 13 (Sunday, Dec. 1): Rams at 49ers, 4:05 p.m.
Week 14 (Sunday, Dec. 8): Rams at Cardinals, 4:25 p.m.
Week 15 (Sunday, Dec. 15): Saints at Rams, 1 p.m.
Week 16 (Sunday, Dec. 22): Buccaneers at Rams, 1 p.m.
Week 17 (Sunday, Dec. 29): Rams at Seahawks, 4:25 p.m.
Offensive tackle Rodger Saffold was present and accounted for as the Rams began their offseason conditioning program Monday at Rams Park, Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. Although the sessions technically are voluntary, players are expected to participate.
Saffold is not happy about a pending switch to right tackle now that the Rams have signed four-time Pro Bowl left tackle Jake Long in free agency.
But league sources indicated last week that Saffold would not hold out or miss any team activities, and that proved to be the case Monday.
Are you ready for some football?
Game 1: at Cleveland, Aug. 8-12
Game 2: Green Bay, Aug. 15-19
Game 3: at Denver, Aug. 24
Game 4: Baltimore, Aug. 28-29
The Denver game will be nationally televised on CBS. The regular-season schedule will be announced later this month.
(Bleacher Report)
April 25th, 2013 
Matt Loede 
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