APC Mock Draft 2014: St. Louis Rams Select Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix

Continuing on with the Acme Packing Company Mock Draft, we break down the 13th overall pick held by the St. Louis Rams.

Background

Nine full seasons have come and gone since the last time the Rams qualified for the postseason. In that time, six different men have coached the team, two more than the lowly Cleveland Browns. However, there is reason to believe the current administration can turn around the moribund franchise in the 24 months.

What sets St. Louis apart from the pool of longtime also-rans is the bevy of draft picks acquired in what has become known as the RGIII trade. Following a 2-14 campaign that earned the Rams the second overall pick in the 2012 draft, GM Les Snead determined that his team was better off trading their draft selection and allowing former Rookie of the Year Sam Bradford more time to develop.

While it's debatable whether Bradford is the long-term answer at quarterback, there's no arguing with the picks St. Louis acquired in the trade. For the right to draft Robert Griffin III, Washington relinquished the sixth overall pick (later traded again for the 14th and 45th overall selections) and their second round pick in 2012, plus their first round picks in 2013 and 2014. These moves set the Rams franchise up for a quick rebuild, and those dividends are set to pay off shortly.

Now in the final year of RGIII payoff, the Rams' major areas of concern are on the defensive side. While the front seven appears loaded (doubly so if St. Louis indeed selects Jadeveon Clowney), the secondary still requires a talent influx.

With the 14th pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, the St. Louis Rams select...

Name: Ha'Sean "HaHa" Clinton-Dix
Position: Safety
School: Alabama
Year: Junior

By acclimation, Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix is the best safety in this year's draft class. He possesses the range and instincts to handle centerfield in cover 1 and cover 3, but also the size and technical skill to play up in the box in run support and pass rush. While no one will mistake Clinton-Dix for Seattle's Earl Thomas, the Alabama product should help the Rams improve their 19th and 24th place finish in passing yards allowed per game and defensive passer rating respectively.

Round One Summary