2014 NFL mock draft: Gabe Jackson to St. Louis Rams at No. 44

For more than a year now, the St. Louis Rams have been in the process of retooling their offensive line. That process continued this spring when they capitalized on a failed Oakland physical to re-sign starting guard Rodger Saffold -- but he needs a starting counterpart inside, and Ryan Van Bibber of Turf Show Times has a candidate in mind.

“The Rams made a smart move in free agency to hang onto Rodger Saffold, who exceeded expectations once the team moved him to guard last season. That’s one starting guard, but they desperately need another one, especially since they’re leaning on a weak trio of centers led by the oft-injured Scott Wells. Jackson’s exactly the type of blocker they need in the middle, tenacious and capable of plying his trade on the second level.”

Jackson is the good, safe choice for the Rams. He’s a stout and powerful run blocker who can open holes for Zac Stacy. That’s a good thing if the Rams want to limit the attempts of Sam Bradford (and/or like in this mock draft, Johnny Manziel). Jackson is sort of like this draft’s version of Larry Warford. He doesn’t demand a lot of fanfare and his hype in the pre-draft process has been minimal. But on the field, Jackson stands out in the same ways Warford did for the Lions last season.