2013 NFL mock draft: Rams select Eddie Lacy

With the 22nd pick in Pride Of Detroit's 2013 NFL mock draft, the St. Louis Rams select Alabama running back Eddie Lacy. Wayne Fontes is serving as the Rams' general manager, and his reasoning for the pick is below.

The Rams need serious help at the WR position, but I don't think they will be targeting a receiver in the first round because they're still developing Brian Quick. Being from Tennessee and watching all of their games, I found way too many flaws in Cordarrelle Patterson. I think he needs two years of good coaching to develop into a real NFL weapon. So again, I'll pass.

Jared Cook was targeted out of the slot most of his time at Tennessee. I see the Rams using him for the added help. Since Cook is slotted as a TE, Tyler Eifert was also eliminated.

The run on linebackers left no strong options for me to select another at this point in the draft. Again, the player I had my eye on was selected with the previous pick. I admit Damontre Moore was tempting.

I really wanted to bolster the defense given the division the Rams are in, and although several good DTs are on the board to slow down the opposing running attack, consideration of the current roster prevented me from jumping on a probable rotational player.

Since my Pride Of Detroit brethren entered into this mock draft with the sole purpose of sabotaging my selections, I see no impact player other than Eddie Lacy, my selection with the 22nd pick. Lacy is strong, fast and a proven producer at a high level of competition. I think the day of RBs being selected in the first round will soon be a thing of the past, but with the loss of Steven Jackson to the Falcons and a need to pound the rock against NFC West teams consistently, I see him as a viable option here.

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Check out the 2013 Pride Of Detroit Community Mock Draft tracker for a look at all of the picks.