The St. Louis Rams have done a good job of amassing young talent in recent seasons. Head coach Jeff Fisher has assembled one of the most fearsome front sevens in the entire league. The running back position is deeper than it has been in years with Tre Mason, Benny Cunningham and Zac Stacy. Quarterback Nick Foles will hopefully give the team some much needed stability under center.
However, one area where the team could still use some improvement is at wide receiver. Stedman Bailey and Brian Quick are fine pass-catchers, but neither of them is a true No. 1 target. That's why the Rams may look to a deep class of WR prospects in next month's NFL draft to find a go-to weapon in the passing game. Specifically, Louisville wide receiver DeVante Parker.
"I wouldn't rule out the possibility that the Rams trade up to draft Marcus Mariota," ESPN NFL Draft Insider Todd McShay wrote in his Mock Draft 4.0. "They have the young talent currently on their roster to help them sustain the loss of draft picks that would come with a big move up the board, and their apparent interest in Johnny Manziel last year seemed to be based on the appeal of adding a running element from the quarterback position - which is something Mariota would provide to an even greater deal than Manziel would have. But we don't project trades in these mock drafts, so I'll have them aadress another need with a talented WR in Parker. Kenny Britt was re-signed to a two-year deal, and Brian Quick showed progress last year, but is either the long-term answer?"
Parker has also been linked to the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns but the Rams pick ahead of both teams and shouldn't have a problem if they set their sights on the young pass-catcher. At 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds and with a 4.45 40-yard dash, Parker has the necessary size and speed to succeed at the next level. However, durability is a concern with him. He suffered a left foot injury in the summer of 2014 that required surgery and sidelined him for the first seven games. He's also dealt with shoulder and ankle injuries in the past.
Parker caught 43 passes for 855 yards and five touchdowns last season.
