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Live Blog: NFL Draft Day chat with sportswriter Jeff Gordon

Live chat throughout the first round of the NFL draft with St. Louis Post-Dispatch sportswriter Jeff Gordon.

3rd & 7 37yd

Let's say the Rams end up with Eddie Lacy. Other than pure size, does he in any way resemble Steven Jackson? Running style? Speed? Character? Leadership ability? Coachability? Etc.

by Hanley Hills Herald 4/25/2013 10:25:25 PM
Interesting guy. He runs a bit upright, like Jackson. He has a speed/power combination, like Jackson. What we don't know is his ability (or inability ) to work in a NFL passing game, as both a target and a blocker. Jackson was terrific at both.

by Jeff Gordon 4/25/2013 10:26:49 PM
Based on the horrific takedown of Manti T'eo you posted, do you think there's a decent chance he falls to #22, and if so, do the Rams bite? Of course, this is after his stint with Omaha.

by LaughingLion 4/25/2013 10:26:57 PM
Minnesota seems more likely to take him. Ogletree is the LB the Rams like.

by Jeff Gordon 4/25/2013 10:27:33 PM
has there ever been a sub 6'0" wr taken in the top 10? or would austin be the shortest player ever taken in the top 10 if rumors of him going top 10 are true?

by grammerpolice 4/25/2013 10:27:45 PM
He is an anomaly, but the NFL is changing. The college spread offense is catching on and GMs aren't as concerned about the ability to get off the line against press coverage. According to the New York Daily News, Austin could be the shortest WR taken in the first round since the Rams took Aaron Cox in 1988. Since 1993, the first WR taken in the draft has been at least 5-10. www.nydailynews.com

by Jeff Gordon 4/25/2013 10:31:01 PM
Not really a draft question, but with the signing of Jared Cook do you see the Rams focusing on a lot of 2 tight-end sets If so, how does this affect their WR choices in the draft?

by LaughingLion 4/25/2013 10:31:05 PM
Yes, the Rams will run a lot of two-TE sets. And, yes, that takes some emphasis away from the WR position. That is timely, since this draft lacks impact guys after Austin.

by Jeff Gordon 4/25/2013 10:31:58 PM
From Adam Teicher of the KC Star: "Don't look for Branden Albert trade to happen tonite. Chiefs and Dolphins put off talks, but they could be revived before tomorrow's 2nd rd."

by Jeff Gordon 4/25/2013 10:33:22 PM
RT @JasonLaCanfora: While KC has not informed Eric Fisher he is the #1 pick, they intend to take him. Always the (slight) chance of a trade, otherwise it's him.

by gordoszone via twitter edited by Jeff Gordon 4/25/2013 10:33:51 PM
RT @Dave_Matter: You might blind yourself if you look too closely at Sheldon Richardson's bling tonight. Definitely not cubic zirconia

by gordoszone via twitter 4/25/2013 10:38:23 PM
do you have any info on the rams in regards to matt elam? i love the way he made plays at florida and other than the workout/pro day i haven't really heard much about him. i think he'll be a better playmaker than vaccarro and reid, both of whom have been linked to the rams

by grammerpolice 4/25/2013 10:38:42 PM
Personally, no. He would be a luxury for the Rams at that spot. Other needs are too great.

by Jeff Gordon 4/25/2013 11:05:31 PM
Ok-just watched highlight reels for both Austin and Lacy. I'd be ok with a trade-up for Austin. But his size scares the absolute bejeezos out of me. His feet/moves were sick making people miss.

by Schmidty3228 4/25/2013 11:05:35 PM
Many teams are in love with that burst and elusiveness.

by Jeff Gordon 4/25/2013 11:05:55 PM
it seems there are a lot of raw & upside only players projected to go in the first round this year, more so than any other draft i can recall. e.g. johnson has only played OT for ~2 years but is proj. top 10 or ansah/watson/woerner, who've only been playing football for ~2 years, being proj. in the 1st. is it because of the new wage scale that teams are more apt to taking projects in the 1st, or is it just a sign of how weak this draft is in elite talent?

by grammerpolice 4/25/2013 11:06:07 PM
The latter. This draft just lacks depth at many, many positions.

by Jeff Gordon 4/25/2013 11:06:31 PM
Congrats to @Dafmaster @RamFan95 @StephStine11 @Cozar1jn & @gornicz88, the random winners of the signed @MichaelBrockers photos! #RamsDraft

by Los Angeles Rams via twitter 4/25/2013 11:07:22 PM
IF Fisher/Snead trades up for Austin at #8, and the little guy gets destroyed in the NFL....Would that be dangerous for their career in St Louis?

by LoyalRam 4/25/2013 11:08:35 PM
No. Many teams covet Austin. The game is changing. The spread offense is making teams re-think the size thing.

by Jeff Gordon 4/25/2013 11:09:07 PM
I can buy that JG.

by Schmidty3228 4/25/2013 11:10:44 PM
So Gordo..is the 2013 version of Steven Jackson, better than the 2013 version of Eddie Lacy?

by LoyalRam 4/25/2013 11:13:44 PM
For one year, the 2013 Steven Jackson would do way more damage in the passing game.

by Jeff Gordon 4/25/2013 11:14:12 PM
Is there a big nasty Warmack-like guard we can pick up in a later round?

by Schmidty3228 4/25/2013 11:14:16 PM
Bookmark #Rams senior writer Nick Wagoner's running blog for updates throughout the #RamsDraft tonight: http://stlra.ms/ZnZIUC

by Los Angeles Rams via twitter 4/25/2013 11:14:26 PM
Not at that level, no. Don't forget big Rok Watkins is still in the Rams mix. Could be a nice payoff from that later pick in '12.

by Jeff Gordon 4/25/2013 11:15:08 PM
Does Deandre Hopkins fall to the Ram's in the 2nd round?

by Kevin 4/25/2013 11:15:08 PM
Second round . . . Don't think so. His stock shot him late.

by Jeff Gordon 4/25/2013 11:15:32 PM
Would our 1,3,4 get the Bills 8 ?

by dsp763 4/25/2013 11:15:36 PM
Probably, but that is a massive price to pay. Rams still need some quantity in this draft.

by Jeff Gordon 4/25/2013 11:16:04 PM
Assuming they're both there at 22 Alec Ogletree or Kenny Vaccaro?

by Kevin 4/25/2013 11:16:08 PM
Vaccaro. But Jim Thomas tells us to brace for the Rams taking both guys, Vaccaro then Ogletree. Not sure Fisher could pass on Alec if he is there at No. 22.

by Jeff Gordon 4/25/2013 11:17:37 PM
Final Prediction, Gordo...Will the St Louis trade up to #8 for Tavon Austin?

by LoyalRam 4/25/2013 11:17:37 PM
No.

by Jeff Gordon 4/25/2013 11:17:41 PM
Hopkins or Hunter at 22? Who fits the Rams system better

by jackson 4/25/2013 11:18:01 PM
The Rams would probably take Hopkins. Football staff seems to like him for this offense.

by Jeff Gordon 4/25/2013 11:18:33 PM
Vaccaro is perceived as a poor tackler, is his play-making ability enough to off-set those concerns? Rams secondary could really could use a ballhawk.

by Tackleberry 4/25/2013 11:18:41 PM
The Rams need better coverage at safety. Most experts would applaud his addition at No. 16. Looks like a good value there.

by Jeff Gordon 4/25/2013 11:19:25 PM
Are we really considering trading up, when we have as many needs as we do? Does not make sense to me in any way, I know Austin will be good, but not THAT good.

by Brad 4/25/2013 11:19:29 PM
As I noted earlier, the trade-up becomes more likely if Austin would somehow slip closer to No. 16 and lower the price.

by Jeff Gordon 4/25/2013 11:19:49 PM
From Twitter: Jay Glazer, who broke Eric Fisher-going-1st, just said on Fox Sports radio that DJ Hayden of Houston will be the first CB off the board

by Jeff Gordon 4/25/2013 11:20:57 PM
If the Rams exit tonight without an offensive player (line/WR/RB) can you see where fans would be frustrated?

by Tackleberry 4/25/2013 11:21:02 PM
RT @engeljen: Looking at Tavon Austin on stage w/other NFL draft prospects I am half expecting to see Dorothy & a yellow-brick road #welcometomunchkinland.

by gordoszone via twitter edited by Jeff Gordon 4/25/2013 11:37:57 PM
if Austin is gone, lock me up for Vaccaro and Ogletree.. That's a nasty defense.

by cappy22 4/25/2013 11:39:00 PM
Watching the top players being put on the podium. These guys are all about to be millionaires, but I can't help being reminded of an 18th century slave auction. Tell me I'm wrong.

by Dr M 4/25/2013 11:39:12 PM