SB Nation has posted their latest 2011 NFL Mock Draft and that means Aldon Smith has a new projected home, albeit one not far from his college days at Missouri: the St. Louis Rams. Those familiar with the Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo will remember that he was hired as the defensive coordinator for the Super Bowl winning New York Giants, so it’s no surprise if he looks at bolster his pass rush on draft day.
That’s exactly what Aldon Smith is supposed to add, and a cornerstone like former top pick Chris Long would benefit from another athletic presence on the opposing side. Currently, offensive coordinators can focus on Long’s side and scheme him out of the game. Smith’s instincts and versatility would give Spagnuolo another weapon to keep offenses off balance.
Brian Galliford believes Smith could end up in St. Louis simply because the top receivers — the Rams most pressing need — would already be taken. With the recent injury to Julio Jones, perhaps the Rams will have the chance to choose between both, but Smith might win out either way with his talent mix.