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2011 NFL Mock Draft: Will The Rams Take Local Product Aldon Smith?

SB Nation just came out with their latest version of the 2011 NFL Mock Draft, and they have a local product going to the Rams. With both of the elite receivers already off the board, they give the Rams Missouri defensive end Aldon Smith with the 14th pick overall. Here is their rationale.

There's a good chance that Smith goes higher than this pick; if he's available, he'd make a superb complement to Chris Long as the open-side speed rusher in Steve Spagnuolo's defense.

The Rams need a few more impact players on the defensive side of the ball, and Smith could develop into one of the best players from this draft. If there is one thing we know about coach Spagnuolo from his time in New York is that he knows how to utilize pass rushers, even if they might not be traditional fits to his defensive scheme. His defenses work best when he has a stable of athletic pass rushers to throw at the opposing offense. Smith would certainly provide some depth there, along with some serious potential.