The St. Louis Rams' ground attack just got a shot in the arm.
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With the No. 2 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, the Rams selected Auburn offensive tackle Greg Robinson. They followed up the Robinson pick by staying focused on getting bigger up front. Pittsburgh defensive tackle Aaron Donald went off the board to St. Louis at No. 13.Â
Drawing comparisons to Hall of Famer Willie Roaf and seven-time Pro Bowl selection Orlando Pace, Robinson is a physical marvel who should make an instant impact as a road-grading run blocker.
Robinson blows defensive linemen and linebackers off the line of scrimmage like few NFL tackles. He was the key piece in Auburn's top-ranked running game last season.
The selection of Robinson is a sign that the Rams will follow the blueprint of NFC West superpowers with a physical, hard-hitting defense and a ball-control offense. The offense was already taking on that identity behind running back Zac Stacy once quarterback Sam Bradford went down with a season-ending ACL injury in the middle of last season.
While Robinson is a dominant run-blocker, there is reason to believe he will need an adjustment period in pass protection -- similar to last year's No. 1 overall pick, Eric Fisher.Â
With left tackle Jake Long on schedule to return for training camp, Robinson will likely be ticketed for the right side. Throw in the recently re-signed Rodger Saffold at guard, and St. Louis has the ingredients for a stout offensive line for the next few seasons.
The Donald pick makes a nasty defensive line even nastier, and the Rams will be tough to deal with up front. The D-line features Chris Long and Robert Quinn on the outside, with Michael Brockers and Donald creating havoc inside.Â
By passing on Johnny Manziel twice two years after trading the opportunity to draft Robert Griffin III, coach Jeff Fisher and general manager Les Snead have doubled down on Bradford as the face of the franchise. To date, that gamble has failed to pay dividends.
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