2015 NFL Mock Draft: St. Louis Rams Select WR DeVante Parker at No. 10

With the tenth pick in the DBN 2015 NFL Mock Draft, the St. Louis Rams select...

DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville

The selection and write-up were made by Ted Washington's Belly:

For all of the high picks the Rams have had in recent years following the RGIII trade, they still have a few glaring holes to fill. Last year's 6-10 season was marred by injuries to key pieces, including Sam Bradford, Chris Long, and Jake Long. I think the Rams are capable of making a quick turn around this season if they play their cards right.

The Rams have a pretty good group on Greg Williams' defense, led by a defensive line featuring Robert Quinn and Aaron Donald (and five first round players total). Sack production declined significantly with Chris Long out for most of 2014, but getting him back and adding Nick Fairley will make the Rams one of the scariest teams to play against on 3rd down. The secondary has been the biggest issue for this defense, and they could lose two of their top three corners (Janoris Jenkins and Trumaine Johnson) as FAs next year. Buying that front four a bit more time could pay huge dividends.

The offense is now headed by Nick Foles and features Kenny Britt and Tre Mason as the main skill threats. Foles might not be a long term answer, but he is better than Austin Davis and Shaun Hill. At WR, Brian Quick might be on the PUP list to start the season, Steadman Bailey and Tavon Austin have been disappointments for where they were drafted, and it's hard to count on Britt as a #1 WR. Wide receiver is a big need. The other major issue is the Rams offensive line, with only two returning starters on the roster currently. When Jake Long went down, 2nd overall pick Greg Robinson was moved to LT and didn't look great out there. Left guard Rodger Saffold is a good player, but also a big time injury risk. Center, right guard, and right tackle are three holes that need to be filled.

This is a tough pick. Offensive line is the most glaring need, but spending a top 10 pick on a right tackle or a guard is poor value. Brandon Scherff was strongly considered, but if the Rams want to bolster their o-line, they really should be looking to trade back in the draft for a team that wants Parker. Since that is not an option here and I don't think there is a CB worthy of the selection, I went with the last big weapon on the board, Louisville WR DeVante Parker.

Parker gives Foles another big target to throw to and adds a much needed dynamic threat down field. Opening up the field will help the Rams more effectively run the ball with 2015 breakout candidate Tre Mason. As long as they find a way to patch their o-line, I can see the Rams and their aggressive defense contending for a playoff spot this year.

Besides his injuries, the biggest reason Sam Bradford didn't become a big-time quarterback with the Rams was the fact that he always had the bottom-of-the-barrel options at receiver. That can't continue with Foles; the Rams' defense is good, but they need to find a true No. 1 receiving talent, and Parker could be that guy.

The Minnesota Vikings are up next, led by MConley17.

2015 DBN Community Mock Draft Results (so far)