Mel Kiper's third mock draft for 2011 provides the foundation for discussing how NFC West teams might proceed this offseason.

I'll continue with a look at his plans for the St. Louis Rams, who hold the No. 14 overall choice.

14. St. Louis Rams: Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois


Kiper's give: A relentless player who displays leverage, power and the ability to locate the ball well against both the rush and the pass, Liuget fills a need spot for the Rams, and is a player I'm sticking with here from the last mock. If a receiver were to fall to this position, I think St. Louis would jump, but like Detroit in front of them, their position of biggest need doesn't offer a sensible value matchup right here. I also can see the Rams going for an outside linebacker at this spot. Liuget solidified his elevated stock in Indy, and has moved up in a deep defensive line class.

Sando's take: This seems plausible from a need standpoint after Alabama receiver Julio Jones appeared to reinforce his stock with a strong combine performance. The Rams could take a defensive lineman even if one of the top two receivers were available to them at No. 14. Both were gone in Kiper's third mock, making the Liuget scenario seem all the more logical. Coach Steve Spagnuolo covets the type of deep, strong rotation that made the New York Giants' defensive line effective when Spagnuolo was their defensive coordinator. The Rams patched the defensive tackle position effectively last offseason when they signed veteran Fred Robbins. Liuget would give them something they do not currently possess at the position -- a future.