Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn.
St. Louis Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo is, of course, a defensive head coach coach. In his wildest dreams he never could have expected to find Fairley, considered at one time a possible first overall selection, sitting here for the Rams at No. 14.
Fairley is without doubt a top 10 talent, and he is only still on the board because of some concerns about character and commitment that have arisen during the pre-draft workout and interview process. Still, the Rams need an anchor in the middle of Spagnuolo's 4-3 defense and with his background (Philly and the NY Giants) you know that he understands the importance of the defensive line.
The Rams could use help in several other areas -- wide receiver, linebacker, safety, offensive line to name a few. No player on the board at any of those positions matches the value presented by Fairley, and that makes this an easy choice.
Draft Preview: Nick Fairley (via foxsports)