EARTH CITY, Mo. -- Is it too early to look ahead to the 2016 NFL draft? Yes, yes it is.
But that's not going to stop us from taking a sneak peek. In the past week, both of our ESPN draft insiders, Todd McShay and Mel Kiper Jr., have weighed in with a glance at next year's proceedings.
First, it was McShay with a way-too-early mock draft and Kiper followed on Wednesday with his way-too-early big board with the top 25 players in the draft.
McShay had the St. Louis Rams drafting eighth based on the Football Outsiders' 2015 projection of a 6-10 record. As such, he has the Rams drafting Auburn receiver D'haquille Williams. It's a long way away, but it's not hard to see that scenario playing out giving the pending free agency of wideout Brian Quick and the team's affinity for Auburn players.
Kiper's big board simply ranks the top 25 players but if we go based on where McShay had the Rams drafting in his mock, it would put the Rams in range for players such as Oklahoma State DE Emmanuel Ogbah, California QB Jared Goff and Notre Dame OT Ronnie Stanley.
The Rams have a lot of questions to answer about their roster before we can even begin thinking about which direction they might go in next year's draft. With so many players scheduled for free agency, much of what happens next offseason will depend on what happens in the next nine months or so with their own players.
I.C.Y.M.I.
A roundup of Wednesday's Rams stories appearing on ESPN.com. ... In the Ram-blings, we opened the day with a look at the latest on the St. Louis stadium proposal and the financing of it. ... In this week's Buzz video, I discussed the Rams' plans for running back Todd Gurley. ... Sixth-round receiver Bud Sasser comes to the league with plenty to prove. ... Major League Soccer officials will be visiting St. Louis next week.
Elsewhere:
On ESPN Insider, Louis Riddick provides six perfect matches between team and draft pick.
Mike Sando discussed overrated and underrated players in ESPN's fantasy football rankings with a Rams mention near the bottom.
At 101sports.com, Rams defensive end Chris Long talks about a variety of topics with The Fast Lane.
The Los Angeles Daily News offers perspective on the Rams' potential move to Los Angeles.
Fredericksburg.com offers a little insight into the Rams' signing receiver Daniel Rodriguez.
